Tracing System
With many people unsure about entering the workplace due to Covid 19, the government has introduced a new ‘track and trace’ scheme to heighten the ‘stay alert, control the virus, save lives’ process. Employees who are doubtful of other employees’ health as well as their own must follow the ‘track and trace’ scheme guidelines as outlined on the NHS website.
How this process works is that any person who develops symptoms must get tested. This could be through a regional testing site or a home test kit. Click here for more information. In a matter of days the results would be confirmed. If positive they will be advised to stay at home for 7 days, isolate and not to attend the workplace.
Track and trace will also consider other risks attached to the person before a detailed outcome is given, for example staff who have been with an external person for more than 15 minutes with less of a 2 metres distance, could be deemed a risk and could be told to self-isolate for 14 days.
SSP guidelines
With any of the Covid 19 cases, employees would be paid in line with SSP guidelines which current stand at £95.85 per week. It is worth repeating that the 3 waiting days would not be applicable during the 14 day isolation. Should employees take a careless approach to this advice there could be huge fines imposed.
As work practices start to open up once more, employers should consider communicating these rules to their staff through their own company policy so all are aware of the most recent government updates. The contents of the policy should be made clear if they have had the symptoms they must attend a ‘track and trace’ site or order a home kit and to isolate in the meantime to avoid the spread. The government are encouraging home working but if this cannot be done then to isolate.
The rules concerning Covid19 and the workplace are vast and complicated; for further advice and guidance on how to apply the rules in your workplace please call the advice line on 01455852028.
