Coronavirus in the Workplace

10 tips for dealing with Coronavirus in the workplace

  1. Make sure your employees’ personal and emergency contact details are up to date. We recommend a cloud-based system called breatheHR to hold and manage all your HR data.  Staff are also able to record sickness remotely using breatheHR.  If you start a free trial today through Emphasis, we will give you a 50% discount for the next three months!  [This is an exclusive offer]. 
  2. Make sure everyone knows how to spot the symptoms of the coronavirus. More advice is available from the NHS and this advice is constantly updated.
  3. Make sure everyone has access to hand sanitisers and tissues.
  4. Consider whether any travel to affected areas is essential.
  5. If you suspect an employee has the coronavirus, you may want to send them and anyone who has been in contact with them, home for 14 days.
  6. If an employee becomes unwell when at work call NHS advice: 111 or if they are seriously ill or their life is at risk call 999.
  7. Follow your normal sickness policy with respect to reporting sickness, Statutory Sick Pay and/or Company Sick Pay. If you need a sickness policy please contact us.
  8. Where possible, prepare for employees to work from home and make sure you have the necessary equipment and set-up to do so.
  9. If an employee chooses to self-isolate rather than the business imposing this or they are not able to travel back to the UK, ACAS states there is no statutory right to pay. However, to reduce the spread of the virus it is in everyone’s best interest to pay the employee and find a way for them to work from home or if unwell, rest and recover.
  10. Consistency is key. Decide your policy now in terms of home working, time off for dependents, self-isolation and keep it consistent.  This is a tricky area to navigate so call one of our consultants to discuss your circumstances on 01794 874232.

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