Coronavirus employment law update:

Blake Turner LLP is currently assisting and advising numerous clients navigating the impacts of coronavirus on employment related matters. Please contact Rupert Farr for more information at [email protected] or on 07799 065638.

The impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on businesses across the UK has been critical. Businesses across a wide range of sectors have been forced to let go of staff or have incurred significant costs due to staff absence. Measures were announced in the Chancellor’s most recent Budget to mitigate the impact including; Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) relief for SMEs, tax breaks, government-backed loans and an HMRC helpline. However, there are fewer protections for staff in place and freelancers may find themselves without work for an indeterminate period. As the situation progresses, it is likely that many more staff will have to be let go, and it is important that both employers and employees are aware of their rights and obligations. A statement was recently released by the Government strongly encouraging all workers who are able to work from home to do so. However, is not yet clear whether businesses will be forced to shut down to stop the virus from rapidly spreading. Many workers will not be able to work from home; particularly those in sectors such as retail, manufacturing and hospitality.

Employers should keep abreast of Government updates on COVID-19, and advise customers and employees on how they plan to deal with the impacts of the virus. Ideally there should be a point of contact for COVID-19 matters. Employers should also ensure that remote working arrangements do not result in weaker protections for client data or confidentiality. They should monitor employees who may have contracted COVID-19 and implement measures to minimise the risk of the virus spreading, for example, by reducing travel to the bare minimum. Particular attention should be given to those employees with disabilities and underlying health conditions and they may want to consider making alternative arrangements for those who are high-risk. Businesses should also check with insurance providers whether they are covered; this is unlikely to be the case for the majority.

Employees who have symptoms, or live with people who have, should check the most up to date UK Government and NHS advice online. SSP will be available from day one instead of day 4 and for those who have been let go, Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance is available.

Government advice and resources available to employers, employees and businesses:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

Blake Turner LLP is currently assisting and advising numerous clients navigating the impacts of coronavirus on employment related matters.

Please contact Rupert Farr for more information at: [email protected] or on 07799 065638.

For more information about business support relating to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme click here.