INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
With the coronavirus impact being felt by businesses more every day, and the number of cases continuing to climb, employers need to be aware
workforce may be off sick, and many firms are following official advice to adopt a working from home approach to slow and prevent the spread
Here is what you need to do as an employer to stay on the right side of the law amid these uncertain times and mitigate the potential for
chances of anyone carrying and/or spreading it in the workplace
If an employee does become unwell at work with coronavirus symptoms, they must inform you straight away and go home.Protect vulnerable
workersYou should be particularly cautious if any of your employees are at increased risk from coronavirus, including (but not limited to)
well as anyone who is pregnant, over the age of 70 and anyone who cares for someone who falls into any of these categories.Know rules around
This applies not only if they have been diagnosed with coronavirus, but also if they have any of the symptoms, for example a high
temperature or new continuous cough, or if someone in their household has coronavirus symptoms
Recent measures outlined by the Prime Minister mean SSP is now payable from day one instead of day four for affected individuals
If an employee or worker cannot work, they should inform you as soon as possible with the reason.Be flexibleBusinesses that have not yet or
This means agreeing to more flexible ways of working, for example allowing employees to change their start and finish times to avoid rush
hour on public transport, cancelling face-to-face events and meetings and setting up remote calling and video conferences where possible
them home and work as normal
Those who do not work on computers could be encouraged to focus on paperwork tasks that can be completed at home
However, by taking the right steps and practicing strong due diligence, employers can minimise disruption and maintain a high level of
productivity, ensuring the impact on their business is kept to a minimum.Hiren Gandhi is a partner at Blaser Mills Law
