Most workplaces have reopened since the end of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. But some organisations may only now be considering whether staff should return to the workplace.
As an employer, you should consider:
- whether it's appropriate to bring staff back to the workplace who have not returned yet
- flexible working arrangements
- reasonable adjustments
- how to keep the workplace safe
- reviewing health and safety policies and procedures
- when staff should come back to work after they've had COVID-19, including any self-isolation and testing procedures you might want to put in place
You must also consider if COVID-19 is relevant and take it into account when deciding on 'reasonable adjustments' for disabled employees.
Find out more about reasonable adjustments
1. Keeping the workplace safe
Employers have legal obligations for the health, safety and wellbeing of people at work.
There are a number of things an employer should consider to:
- help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19
- make work as safe as possible for everyone
To keep the workplace safe, employers and staff should follow the government guidance for:
- England – GOV.UK guidance on reducing the spread of respiratory infections, including COVID-19, in the workplace
- Scotland – Scottish Government guidance on safer businesses and workplaces
- Wales – Welsh government public health guidance for employers, businesses and organisations: coronavirus
What employers must do
By law, employers have a 'duty of care' for staff, customers and anyone else who visits the workplace.
Employers also have responsibilities for health, safety and wellbeing when staff are working remotely, for example working from home.
Employers must:
- do all they reasonably can to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of people at work
- complete a risk assessment, and take reasonable steps to prevent harm
- consider COVID-19 as part of their general health and safety risk assessment
- consult staff, and any trade union or employee representatives, on any decisions that involve health and safety
Employers must also consider how to protect staff who are at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19 as part of their health and safety risk assessment.
Find out more from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on:
- employer's responsibilities for health and safety
- risk assessments
- COVID-19 health and safety advice for workplaces
What employers should consider
Employers should consider policies and rules to keep their workplace safe. This is part of their legal obligation for the health, safety and wellbeing of staff.
Cleaning and ventilation
Employers should follow government guidance on hygiene and cleaning the workplace:
- England – GOV.UK guidance on living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19
- Scotland – Scottish Government guidance on safer businesses and workplaces
- Wales – Welsh Government guidance for employers, businesses and organisations
Employers must also make sure there is adequate ventilation (air flow) in enclosed areas of their workplace.
Find out more about ventilation in the workplace from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Vaccinations
There's no law that says people must have the COVID-19 vaccine but employers should support staff in getting it.
Some employers might want to agree a vaccine policy for their organisation.
Find out more about getting the COVID-19 vaccine and supporting staff
Other things to consider to keep the workplace safe
There are a number of other things employers can consider to help keep the workplace safe.
Face coverings and masks
In England and Scotland there is no legal requirement to wear a face mask or covering. In Wales, wearing a face covering is still a legal requirement in health and social care settings.
Even where face coverings are not required by law, employers should talk with their staff and consider what their organisation's policy is around face coverings at work.
Some staff might still choose to wear face coverings, even if there is no workplace policy.
Read the government guidance for:
- England – GOV.UK advice on when to consider wearing a face covering
- Scotland – Scottish Government guidance on face coverings
- Wales – Welsh Government guidance on face coverings
Social distancing at work
Social distancing means keeping people apart to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Employers should still consider what their policy is on social distancing, particularly if they have staff at high risk from COVID-19.
Other ways of keeping people safe might include:
- working side by side instead of face to face
- using screens or barriers to separate people
Flexible working
The pandemic has given people experience of working in lots of different ways. Talking to staff about their experiences can help you consider:
- whether staff should return to the workplace
- how the workplace should be used
You could consider flexible working arrangements, for example working from home and hybrid working.
Find out more about flexible working
If someone at work has COVID-19
If someone finds out they've tested positive or has COVID-19 symptoms when they're at their workplace, they should tell their employer.
'Self-isolating' (staying at home) is no longer a legal requirement. But if someone has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive, they should follow the public health advice in England, Scotland or Wales and any policy their organisation has in place.
Follow the government guidance for:
- England – guidance for people with COVID-19 symptoms on GOV.UK
- Scotland – Scottish Government Test and Protect guidance for employers
- Wales – Welsh Government self-isolation guidance
Staff may be concerned that they've worked with someone with COVID-19. Employers can reassure them by making clear what measures they've taken to keep the workplace safe.
Staff should speak to their employer if they have any concerns or are unsure about whether they should self-isolate.
Acas support for employers
An Acas adviser can talk you through:
- your options for returning to the workplace safely
- the steps in the process and a flowchart with links to further resources
- what's a legal requirement and what's good practice
- what support is available for your staff
To arrange an appointment, you can:
- use our enquiry form
- call 0300 123 1150, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm