How Have The Rules Changed For COVID? Employment

The rules surrounding COVID-19 have changed considerably. In this article, we’ll be going through some of the rule changes concerning the way that offices deal with COVID-19. 

This information was current as of September 14th 2022, and will most likely change as the pandemic progresses. 

Rule Change 1: Self-Isolation

Legally, you no longer have to self-isolate once you’ve tested positive for the Coronavirus. However, this doesn’t mean that you should just go out as usual, as your employer may have specific rules when it comes to COVID self-isolation. 

For example, if you work in medicine, social care or education, you will most likely be expected to self-isolate for longer than you would if you worked in an industry such as construction or floristry. 

The best thing for you to do is to speak to your employer about your organisation’s specific guidelines when it comes to self-isolation.

Rule Change 2: Statutory Sick Pay

From the 25th March 2022, the previously enforced sick pay rules no longer apply to COVID-19. This means that you now have to wait four days before you’ll receive statutorily sick pay if you catch COVID-19 or have to isolate and can’t work from home. Unfortunately, this means you’ll no longer automatically receive sick pay if you go off work.

People who work on zero-hour contracts aren’t entitled to statutory sick pay at all unless they can demonstrate that they earn at least £123 a week from their employer.

Rule Change 3: Working From Home

During the height of the COVID pandemic and afterwards, the government were encouraging everyone that could work from home to work from home. However, since Autumn 2021, the government’s advice has changed. Now, they are no longer asking you to work from home unless you have symptoms.

Note: this advice may change as we approach high-pressure periods, such as autumn and winter.

Rule Change 4: Social Distancing

All rules and regulations concerning social distancing have been scrapped throughout the United Kingdom. This means that you no longer have to keep a 2-metre distance away from other people on the street or in the office.

Welfare Advice in Staffordshire

Thank you for leading our latest article. Building Better Opportunities is here to support you during this difficult period.

We can help you with a wide range of advice and help, whether you want help applying for welfare benefits or help to deal with your local county council in regards to housing or help with an employment tribunal. Our advice is always free and friendly, and we can speak to you face to face or over the phone or by email.

For more welfare and employment advice in Stoke-On-Trent, please browse our knowledge hub. Alternatively, if you have any specific questions, please contact us as soon as possible.