Now that the roadmap out of lockdown is underway, the government has issued new guidance to those who are currently shielding.
From 1 April 2021, those who are categorised as extremely clinically vulnerable will no longer be advised to shield.
As a result, they will lose the entitlement to statutory sick pay (SSP) as a result of being advised to shield.
The guidance emphasises the need to continue complying with other lockdown rules, and in particular, the fact that employees are currently advised to work from home if possible.
However, extremely clinically vulnerable staff are now being advised to go to work if they are unable to work from home.
It remains incumbent on employers to protect the health and wellbeing of staff. Employers and employees should now start conversations about returning shielding staff to work where they cannot work from home.
To read the full government guidance, please visit the GOV.UK website: Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19
For more information and to find out how we can help you, please contact us on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.