Following the successful rollout of vaccines against the COVID19 virus, we have been asked by clients, what should employers do when employees have been vaccinated from COVID19? Most people receiving the vaccine in the first wave are elderly and retired people. However, some younger working people have received the vaccine in the first wave. This could be because they are clinically extremely vulnerable or they are a health care worker or engaged in a similar sector. Following Lockdown Rules Anyone who receives the vaccine must continue to follow lockdown rules and your COVID-19 secure workplace procedures. These must still be adhered to as even vaccinated employees could potentially transmit the virus to unvaccinated people. Vaccination does alter an employer’s approach for some clinically highly vulnerable staff. Having the vaccine means these workers can better protect themselves. After both doses have been received, they may be able to finish shielding and return to the workplace. However, only if it’s essential that they return to the workplace and following an individual risk assessment. Current lockdown rules will apply to other employees who may still need to work from home, depending on the nature of the role. Planning for Wider Rollout Vaccinations in […]
The area of holidays and furlough has been clarified by the Government. So what do you do if you’re asked by an employee? Does annual leave accrue during furlough? Yes, employment rights continue including the right to accrue leave. Can you make an employee take annual leave during furlough? Yes you can make someone take annual leave during furlough. If you want to put people on leave whilst they are on furlough, you must give them the required notice to take leave pay them 100% of their normal pay If an employee has pre-booked holiday and now wants to cancel do I have to agree? No you don’t have to agree to this. If you require them to still take their leave you should pay them 100%. The legislation around carry over of leave has been relaxed. Employees are allowed to carry over 20 days of their entitlement from this year if they have been unable to use it. Employees have two years to use this leave that they have carried over. Can I make an employee take paid leave? This has been an employer’s right since the Working Time Regulations came into force in the UK. You have to […]
Before coronavirus, we were all discussing Brexit and Post Brexit Immigration was the hot topic. Details of the UK’s proposed post Brexit immigration regime has been announced. This is a guide to the new points system and how you can begin to prepare for workforce planning. The implementation of the new legislation is planned for January 2021. It was announced by the government that there would be a new points-based scheme. It has caused concern in some sectors the government terms as employing ‘low-skill, low-paid’ workers. However, you will be able to put plans in place for non-UK workers you wish to retain. And begin exploring how your workforce and talent pipeline may be arranged in the future. Companies may want to look at internal development through schemes such as apprenticeships, which will help to retain staff. But you may also want to think about flexible working or making roles more attractive to existing employees. However, with just nine months remaining before the introduction of the new restrictions, you will need to familiarise yourself with the new system. And perhaps adapt your workforce planning strategies accordingly. The Proposed Scheme Under the proposed scheme, overseas workers who want to come to […]
