On 21 February 2022, the U.K. government announced its “Living with COVID-19’” plan. This month’s U.K. Employment Law Update outlines the key changes in England and what it means for employers.
Key Changes
As of 24 February 2022:
- Individuals no longer need to self-isolate if they test positive for COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Those who test positive are advised to stay at home for at least five full days and minimise contact with others.
- Staff no longer have a legal obligation to tell their employer when they are required to self-isolate.
As of March 2022:
The enhanced regulations that allow employees with COVID-19 to be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from day one of their absence have been removed. Instead, employees who have COVID-19 will be eligible for SSP from day four of their absence onwards, in line with other illnesses.
From 1 April 2022:
- Free of charge testing for the general public will end and will only be available to the most vulnerable.
- Employers will no longer be required to explicitly consider COVID-19 in their health and safety risk assessments. Instead, employers should implement safety measures which are appropriate to their circumstances.
- New public health guidance for employers will be issued (currently awaited).
For the full alert, visit the Faegre Drinker website.
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