Businesses are planning to re open following a long period of lockdown.
The welfare of their employees needs to be part of that plan
Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment and could face legal action if they dont do that, so a detailed risk assessment is important
When creating a plan to provide a safe environment, it makes sense to consult with employees as they work in the office, shop, factory etc and know some of the issues that may arise especially around social distancing.
If you are planning a phased return for staff or a change in hours, their involvement in the process may be key particularly if any changes to hours etc would involve a change to their employment contract
Some staff may be worried about returning to work and may refuse to do so if they deem the workplace to be unsafe.
Involving them in the planning, may alleviate those concerns and may stop staff refusing to return if they consider the workplace to be unsafe
The Government has produced some guidance on working with Covid that could be a useful starting point and can be found HERE
Similarly, the Health and Safety Executive has guidance HERE
A refusal to return or changes to employment contracts may need specialist legal advice
At Harrisons Business Rescue, we work with a group of key professionals that will be able to help you with your return to work planning especially those that may involve specialist legal advice
Contact us HERE
