What are my rights over returning to the office?
As life begins to return to some sort of normality, many are being encouraged to return to the workplace.
This month, ministers are actively promoting the return to work after fears of city centres becoming “ghost towns” and with local businesses suffering that rely on office workers.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps explained to the BBC that it was also important for young workers living in shared accommodation to return to the office for “their mental health”.
If you’re being asked to return to the workplace, there are certain precautions employers need to follow, which include:
Observing the "1metre plus" rule of social distancing
Introducing one-way systems to minimise contact
Frequent cleaning of objects and communal areas
In shops, storing returned items for 72 hours before returning them to the sales floor
Table service only in indoor pubs and restaurants
The collection of customers' contact details for the NHS Test and Trace system
Simon Rice-Birchall, employment law expert from Eversheds Sutherland, told the BBC that workers can’t assume they will be paid if they don’t go to work.
He outlined that employers must act with caution when disciplining staff as, under employment law, workers have the right to leave to protect themselves from “serious and imminent” danger.
To ensure a safe journey into work, face coverings are currently required on public transport throughout the UK and employers are encouraged to stagger working times to avoid busy rush hour.
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