Talking to staff about workplace changes
Employers should encourage staff to talk to them about any concerns they have, and try to resolve them together.
Consulting staff
Employers should consult with staff about any changes to how they work.
This means the employer should:
- ask staff for their views
- consider any suggestions
- try to reach agreement
Where they have them, employers should also consult their trade union or other employee representatives. They should check if there's any agreement with representatives that says they must formally consult.
Things to talk about could include:
- how health and safety is being reviewed and managed – employers should share their latest risk assessment
- any changes that could make the workplace safer, for example additional handwashing facilities, giving people different start and finish times to avoid overcrowding or floor markings to help people stay apart
- any other flexible working arrangements, including working from home and hybrid working
Employers can find guidance on talking with workers about preventing COVID-19 from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Changes that might affect someone's employment contract
If there are any proposed changes that affect the written terms of someone's contract, the employer must consult with them or their representative, for example their trade union representative.