Living with Covid in 2022

With Covid restrictions being dropped in 2022 and people heading back into work, we now must look forward and see how we can manage work and employees whilst still living with Covid.

Now restrictions have been lifted, and people are out more and slowly transitioning back into ‘normal’ life, we have seen a rise in cases and people being off work with Covid. It’s time to find the best way to manage work and employees at the same time.

As people transition back to offices, with working from home no longer advised, employers should set up clear expectations and rules when people come back to the office.

You need to consider:

• Self-isolation is no longer mandatory. Employers must make a decision if they still want their employees to attend if they test positive for Covid. 
•  Can employees work from home or do you allow them to come in if they are willing to? 
• If the employee is willing and able to attend work, and you require them to stay at home, then you should pay them full pay (as in effect, you are putting them on medical suspension). If this is the case, we suggest you have a policy in place for regular testing, guidelines on how long they should remain at home and any other specific requirements you may have.
• If you are requiring employees to test regularly, consider that there is now a charge for these tests for most people.If you decide you want your employees to continue to work from home, you still have obligations under health and safety as the employer – contact us if you’re not sure what your responsibilities are.