Radical upheavals in working life are taking hold at a global level as remote and hybrid working leave lasting changes across industries in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. In response, employers are more inclined to advocate about geopolitical and social issues, use technology to manage and monitor the new ways of working, and adopt … Read more

As discussed in a previous Snapshot, when employees are absent from work due to injury or illness, it can also significantly impact business operations. Following an employee’s prolonged absence, the next challenge is to ensure a successful transition back to work. This Safety Snapshot highlights the key considerations for employers in balancing their legal duties, … Read more

Discovery Health’s Head of the Centre for Clinical Excellence, Doctor Noluthando Nematswerani, said “Long COVID affects every aspect of life, it affects one’s mental health and one’s ability to focus and work, and could have economic consequences too. This is why it’s so important that we acknowledge the prevalence and growing awareness around Long COVID.” … Read more

Below is a round-up of recent Covid-related developments. Changes to the self-isolation rules for double-jabbed workers came into force in England from 16 August.  Individuals who received their second dose of the vaccine at least 14 days earlier no longer need to self-isolate if identified as a close contact of someone testing positive, but are … Read more

On 2 September 2021, it was reported that Discovery, South Africa’s largest medical scheme administrator, will make COVID-19 vaccinations compulsory from the start of 2022. The report notes that the mandatory vaccination policy recognises an employee’s right to object to the vaccination and will include a process to consider the employee’s health, religious and other … Read more

Recently, there have been media reports in South Africa that Sasol, one of South Africa’s largest employers, intends to request approval for the mass vaccination of its employees and service providers in anticipation of a planned shutdown event which requires more than 20 000 people on site over a period of 23 days. The purpose … Read more

Employers who have not yet done a risk assessment, and who believe that a mandatory vaccination policy may be necessary and justifiable, should conduct a risk assessment as soon as possible to avoid either constructive dismissal claims or industrial action. On 11 June 2021, the Department of Employment and Labour issued an Amended Consolidated Direction … Read more

The changes that have been thrust upon employers as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the speed with which employers have adapted to them, have undeniably transformed the world of work. Technology has been at the core of much of this. It seems hard to fathom now, but 18 months ago many of us … Read more