Self-isolation exemption In light of the so-called ‘pingdemic’, the Government has recently introduced a limited exemption from self-isolation rules for critical services staff identified as close contacts of someone who has tested positive. The exemption is limited to specific types of employers, only permits named fully-vaccinated workers to undertake critical work and subject to testing, … Read more

With nearly half of the Australian population currently subject to some form of lockdown, there are increasing calls for monetary support for individuals and businesses. On 15 July 2021, the Federal Government introduced the COVID-19 Disaster Payment (Disaster Payment). Whilst we have not  gone back to ‘JobKeeper’ (and the indications are that we will not), … Read more

The new “Working Safely” guidance to apply from Step 4 of the Government”s Roadmap on Monday 19 July has been published here.  There is a general overview plus six sector-specific guides. The overview highlights the key point that businesses still have a legal duty to manage risks, in particular to carry out a health and … Read more

Yesterday evening the Prime Minister confirmed that Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap will go ahead on Monday 19 July.  The legal rules on social distancing, social contact and face coverings and the instruction to work from home where possible will be lifted from that date, but the Government “expects and recommends a gradual return” … Read more

Yesterday the Home Office updated its guidance webpage ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions‘ to reinstate an exemption for certain senior executives based overseas and travelling to England.  The exemption is similar to but more tightly defined than that briefly in place last December.  Importantly, use of the exemption requires pre-approval that the … Read more

Yesterday evening saw the postponement of ‘Freedom Day’ and the continuation of the ‘work from home if possible’ guidance until 19 July.  The news is disappointing for all and economically challenging for many, particularly given that it seems there will not be any delay to the requirement for employers to contribute 10% to furlough pay … Read more

Below is a round-up of key Covid-related developments for employers over the last six weeks: The Prime Minister has just confirmed that Step 3 of the roadmap for relaxing the Covid-19 restrictions will go ahead on Monday 17 May as planned.  The Prime Minister had earlier confirmed plans to lift the ‘work-from-home’ guidance for England … Read more