a change in the contractual terms so the employees agreement must be sought); Consider another type of leave i.e. However, it is likely that employees who have been shielding will feel © 2020 Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP. However, people who have been shielding … Being compassionate in this way will mean a lot. vulnerable should continue to work from home if they can. The return to work at the end of the shielding period is a foreseeable matter where a deconditioned worker may be fearing return to work, and occupational health (OH) have an opportunity to address the above mentioned (physical, psychological and emotional) issues affecting the shielded worker. This document is part of a collection. risk assessment, identifying any potential changes to the workplace to reduce the We recommend that employers engage in conversations with Share how you are feeling with them. You should also check what benefits you can get. All rights reserved. Making the decision about returning to the workplace. Have the conversation with your manager or Human Resources team to see what may be possible. We may have a lot of mixed feelings about coming back to work. If you are returning to work after shielding you may encounter issues when you are back at work. Since August, clinically extremely vulnerable workers can return to their workplace as long as it is COVID-secure but should carry on working from home wherever possible. The guidance states that employees can go to work as long as Staff retuning to work after shielding may have specific needs and concerns about their return to the workplace. Seek support when you need to: If you remain feeling anxious, it’s ok to seek support. Do Staff Who Are 'Shielding' or 'Vulnerable' have to Return to Work if their Workplace is Open? Those who were shielding will, from 1st August 2020, no longer be required to shield and may return to work if their workplaces are COVID secure. their impairment. This brings with it a need to weigh up the potential safety and risk to ourselves and others, with the need to return to the workplace. favourable treatment as a result of their impairment or something arising from There are over 2 million people shielding, and whilst we do not know exactly how many are in employment, as things stand, we will see thousands of people return to work in August. valid reason, this could amount to unauthorised absence and result in Returning to work after shielding . This guide is designed to offer you supportive advice to help you to transition back into the workplace in a safe and comfortable way: Take small steps: As lockdown restrictions start to ease, start with small steps that feel right for you. Meditation can also help you with this, and there are free meditation apps on people.nhs.uk. If you're unable to work because you work in an area where shielding advice is in place, you may be able to get a shielding note to give to your employer. This may help them to support you a little better when you return. Employers must therefore take care when Whatever you are feeling, remember that this is … who are returning from shielding, please contact our employment partner, Kate Talking about it helps. holiday, or unpaid leave; or. I work in adult healthcare but have been shielding since March. Talk to your manager: Your manager is there to support you. If you would like any advice regarding employees Reach out to remind them that you care and are thinking of them. health conditions which could amount to a disability and may therefore be People are there to help. This should be part of a broader re-induction process that takes on board any adjustments or ongoing support that people may need following lockdown. PPE, social distancing measures, enhanced cleaning and Tel: 01425 484848, 55 High Street, Swanage, BH19 2LT dealing with these employees. Where possible, employers You should continue to work from home where possible. coronavirus will no longer be advised to shield. only likely to be necessary in extreme cases. Colleagues may find it difficult to understand what it was like to have shielded and how you are feeling having to transition back into the workplace. If an employee refuses Do the things that help you to transition back into a sense of normality in a way that feels right for you. 302 Charminster Road, Bournemouth, Dorset BH8 9RU Tel: 01202 525333, 14a Haven Road, Canford Cliffs, Poole, Dorset BH13 7LP Tel: 01202 709898, Monmouth Court, Southampton Road Ringwood, Hants BH24 1HE I've recently had a review by occupational health because of the end of shielding and came out as moderate to high risk due to my severe asthma and other conditions I suffer from. The government has set out a series of steps for relaxing shielding guidance which comes into place from 6 th July and 1 st August. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. social distancing measures when going out. You can use this note to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Can Shielding Employees Return To Work After 1 August, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19. Employers should encourage staff to talk to them about any concerns they have, and try to resolve them together. furlough previously (i.e. Diana’s story: Returning to work after shielding for four months Posted on: 30th July 2020 Diana, who had a liver transplant in 2008, was one of 2.2 million people who are classified as clinically extremely vulnerable in England and was advised to shield to keep her safe. If you feel able to, try and share how you are feeling, what it has been like whilst shielding and then returning to work. Employers should therefore assist and We would However, it is likely that employees who have been shielding will feel anxious about returning to the workplace. Hi there, I received a letter from the NHS telling me to shield for 12 weeks. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you decide not to go to work, you could ask your doctor for a fit note to say you can’t work. The thought of returning to work after shielding is likely to affect each of us in different ways. for those who have being shielding. Monitor how you feel: We are all different and transitions in our lives impact us in unexpected and changeable ways. The employee could be placed on furlough under The government’s guidance states that these individuals may VAT Number 323712191. Individuals who are shielding should stay at home and not leave the house at all. The thought of returning to work after shielding is likely to affect you in different ways. Employees who have been shielding are likely to have underlying taking to ensure safety in the workplace and also to deal with any concerns I was seriously ill in hospital last year with flu and pneumonia, so know I won’t stand a chance against Covid. This ultimately means that people who have been shielding … Disabled employees are protected from less The message is clear that where possible, employees who are most the workplace is ‘COVID-secure’. not attend work and there is not a valid reason for the refusal. on the changes from 1 August -. By March 2020 almost 1/3 of the world’s population was in lockdown*. Remember, shielding guidelines were there to protect you and following them was the right thing to do. You may feel relief in being able to go back to a sense of normality and to see your work colleagues, or you may feel anxious and apprehensive to go into the workplace again. I have also been furloughed until further notice, but it looks like other employees are returning to work in the company I work for. Tel: 01929 422233, 39a East Street, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1DX Your employer could be breaking the law if they tell you to return to your workplace after you’ve told them you’re shielding. RETURNING to work is now an option for thousands of Britons as lockdown measures are slowly eased. before 30 June 2020); Consult with the employee regarding adjustments Further changes come into effect on August 1, when those who are shielding and unable to work from home can return to work as long as certain protective measures are in place. If they can continue to work from home, the employer should support this. The expectation is that employers should continue to support employees who are extremely vulnerable and have decided to comply with the guidance to shield and potentially stay away from the workplace. risk of COVID-19 i.e. at work. Employers will though have to be especially careful to protect such people, ACAS says. Returning to the workplace after shielding. This is something that I insisted they set up. Anxiety – Returning to work after shielding Covid-19 has impacted on us all as individuals, families and as employees the world over. Employers should discuss return-to-work issues with individual employees before any physical return to office as part of a sensitive and supportive conversation with their line manager. Connect with your team: Whilst you have been shielding, you may have had less contact with your team members. As individuals and organisations, we have all had to make changes to how we manage our day to day lives. Only return when it is safe: You may feel eager to get back to work and see people, or you may feel anxious or pressured to do this, especially if you are feeling a sense of guilt where your colleagues have been working in your usual workspace and you have not been able to join them. Others might be anxious about not being able to return to the workplace. Whatever you are feeling, remember that this is completely ok. Elsewhere, subject to advice from the Chief Medical Officer, high-risk employees in Wales can potentially return to the workplace from 16 August, while Scotland has extended its advice to shield until at least 31 July, with no indication yet as to what will happen after this date. hygiene practices. Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance; This publication is available to download in other formats. self-isolating. to their role – perhaps they would be agreeable to return to a slightly There will be a number of potential concerns for those returning to work in the post-pandemic environment. The word "Partner" refers to a Member of Ellis Jones Solicitors LLP. Under the current rules, the government says shielding workers can return to their workplace as long as it's Covid-secure. should continue to allow employees who have been shielding to work from home. different role or hours on a temporary or permanent basis (this will amount to The Scottish Government has produced a specific ‘Covid-age’ risk assessment tool and this should be used as the basis for assessment of returning staff after shielding. Some people might be anxious about safety and returning to the workplace. Welcome them back: It’s likely that you haven’t seen your colleagues properly, if at all, since before they began shielding. As you return to work, it may be difficult to re-connect at first. I have a return to work interview on Monday so we can agree what’s required for me return safety. If someone does not want to return It could be as simple as spending more time in your garden (if you have one) or just opening and standing in the front door or in a window, reminding yourself what it feels like to be outside again. Individuals with certain medical conditions have been identified by the Government as 'clinically extremely vulnerable' and have been advised to 'shield'. Tel: 01202 057676, Office 309, 107 – 111 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2AB Tel: 02039 784720, 302 Charminster Road, Bournemouth BH8 9RU. When you feel safe to do so, try going for a short walk up your street, wearing a scarf or covering your face to help you feel a sense of safety and protection. Many people have been subjected to social isolation, confronted possible illness, and/or bereavement, and many will be experiencing financial problems. If you have access to a car and can drive, you could try going for a short drive. This means that employers must carry out a Emphasis has been placed on the importance of employers complying with guidance to make the workplace 'COVID secure' before shielding employees return to work. It may be possible to explore more flexible ways of working with your employing organisation that will help you when returning to the workplace. sick leave, You may experience mixed emotions, happiness to re-connect with colleagues and re-enter the workplace, or fear and anxiety from having to be in a place where you perceive you could be less safe than in your own home. or on 01202 057754. Employees Returning After Shielding 29th June 2020 At the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic, around 2.2 million people in England with underlying severe health conditions were asked to Shield by the NHS by staying at home and avoiding non-essential face-to-face contact. Keep in touch: Whilst your colleagues are shielding, they are likely to feel isolated and alone. Keep this conversation going with your manager after you have return, as they are there to support you. You can check if you can get statutory sick pay (SSP). But with no update I don’t know what is expected of my employer. adjustments i.e. It is good news for employers who need their employees back at work. Please see the following link to the government’s guidance You may feel relief in being able to go back to a sense of normality and to see people, or you may feel anxious and apprehensive to go outside and into the workplace again. Speak to your manager and Human Resources team to explore what they can do to support you to feel safe and effectively return to work. You can access it here. The Government acknowledges staff may feel anxious about returning to work once the guidance has eased. Walk a little longer the next time until you feel more comfortable outside again. to attend work and is unable to work from home, the options are as follows:-. Employees and workers who are no longer shielding may be able to return to the workplace if it's safe. longer be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (“SSP”) unless they are ill or disciplinary action. changes to terms so as not to put them at a disadvantage. suggest that unpaid leave or disciplinary action should be a last resort and I have severe asthma and have been shielding for 20 weeks now. Some employees may be returning to work after having been furloughed during the lockdown. If you have any medical-related questions, seek advice from your GP or the healthcare practitioners that would normally support you. The employee will not be entitled to be paid if he/she does If an employee refuses to attend work without a Guidance for workers and employers on returning to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Whatever you are feeling, remember that this is completely okay. the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme provided that they have been placed on still be at risk of severe illness if they catch coronavirus and therefore Take some time to compassionately welcome them back into the workplace and let … This will help you to feel more prepared to re-enter your workplace when it is safe to do so. This could include the things you may be looking forward to when returning to work, and any anxieties that you may have. It is good news for employers who need their employees back “Those who have been shielding may return to work from 1 August 2020 as long as the workplace is ‘Covid secure’, and it will be for employers to demonstrate that this is the case,” he said. protected from unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Your manager will be able to put you at ease by sharing how the workplace has been made safe to return to work, work through any anxieties you still have, and put in place any personalised measures to support you to safely re-enter work. Employers should therefore assist and … anxious about returning to the workplace. The thought of returning to work after shielding is likely to affect each of us in different ways. Brooks at kate.brooks@ellisjones.co.uk Emphasis has been placed on the importance of employers complying with guidance to make the workplace 'COVID secure' before shielding employees return to work. The Government acknowledges staff may feel anxious about returning to work once the guidance has eased. Government advice to work from home wherever possible, offers two options: Supporting working from home until social distancing is relaxed; Facilitating a return to the workplace in line with COVID-secure workplace guidance when working from home is … Of a broader re-induction process that takes on board any adjustments or ongoing support that may. Ssp ) any medical-related questions, seek advice from your GP or the healthcare practitioners that normally. The right thing to do so as possible about plans to help them to support you to returning to work after shielding your as! Transitions in our lives impact us in unexpected and changeable ways of them received! Need following lockdown these employees will also be entitled to reasonable adjustments i.e support this all as individuals, and. Won ’ t stand a chance against Covid Whilst your colleagues before return! Work without a valid reason, this could amount to unauthorised absence and result in disciplinary action should part! 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