Over the Christmas period the Government has introduced or extended a number of the COVID workplace rules in response to the omicron variant. In summary these are;
- The ‘go to work if you must, but work from home if you can’ guidance has been extended until 26 January 2022 as a part of a general extension of the Plan B restrictions.
- The self-isolation period for individuals who have tested positive for COVID has been reduced to 7 days from 10 days provided that the individual receives 2 negative lateral flow test results on day 6 and day 7.
- The government will reintroduce the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS), which ended on 30 September 2021, to cover the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for COVID-related absences. This support is available for employers across the UK with fewer than 250 employees. Claims can be made for any period of absence from 21 December.
- Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises. In addition, discretionary funding of more than £100 million will be made available for local authorities to support other businesses.
- Further funding of £30 million will be made available through the Culture Recovery Fund, enabling more cultural organisations in England such as theatres, orchestras and museums to apply for support during the winter.
As ever the situation is changing very quickly and we will continue to update you as and when changes occur.
If you have any queries relating to the impact of COVID on your workforce please contact our Employment team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.