Prime Minister encourages employers to bring employees back to the office from 1 August – if it’s safe to do so
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has given employers more discretion to bring staff back into the office from 1 August, if it’s safe to do so. However, your employees may not agree and not want to return. Some may still be shielding or struggling with childcare that makes returning impossible.
In setting out the Government’s next steps in its COVID-19 response, the Prime Minister said that the updated guidance would give employers more discretion over where their staff can work.
In his speech, Johnson said: “We’re going to give employers more discretion and ask them to make decisions about how their staff can work safely.
“That could mean continuing to work from home, which is one way of working safely and which has worked for many employers and employees. Or it could mean making workplaces safe.”
Johnson has emphasised that while “it is not for Government to decide how employers should run their companies”, that they were allowing businesses to make decisions over where their staff work, and if they feel it would be more productive for them to be in the office, and as long as it is safe to do so, then there should be discussions between staff and their employers.
Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), said: “The announcement signalled that the return to work will increasingly be at the employer’s discretion, but consultation with employees is essential to ensure they have a say in how and when they return.
Employers should consider if the following conditions are met before staff members return to the workplace:
- Is it essential for the employee to be in the workplace to do their job?
- Is it sufficiently safe?
- Is it mutually agreed with workers?
- What changes do you need to make to the workplace
At AGS HR, we can advise on all aspects of the challenges you may face including dealing with employees that refuse to return on health & safety or childcare grounds with easy to use documents and practical advice.
For help and advice, contact our expert team at AGS HR Solutions today to discuss your requirements.
