Acas has published advice for Employers on how to deal with the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The advice is worth reading as it includes:
- how to handle staff who have the virus
- what to do if someone becomes unwell at work
- what to do if you don’t want someone to come to work
- and what do about staff who do not want to come into work because they are worried about catching the virus.
You can read the advice about Coronavirus/COVID 19 here.
It also goes onto include:
Health and safety steps for employers
In case coronavirus spreads more widely in the UK, employers should consider some simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff.
Employers should:
- keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace
- make sure everyone’s contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date
- make sure managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on any relevant processes, for example sickness reporting and sick pay, and procedures in case someone in the workplace develops the virus
- make sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap, and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly
- give out hand sanitisers and tissues to staff, and encourage them to use them
- consider if protective face masks might help for people working in particularly vulnerable situations
- consider if any travel planned to affected areas is essential
An employer must not single anyone out. For example, it cannot treat an employee differently simply because of their race or ethnicity.
Government updates:
This post wont’ be updated after 6th March, our page on Coronavirus will be updated instead.
- They announced on 4th March that SSP would apply from Day 1 in this situation; further details are awaited as legislation will need to be passed.
- On 5th March 2020 the Chief Medical Officer said that it appeared the average time between getting the infection and showing symptoms is 5 days. Mild symptoms usually last for 5 days; but where people get more seriously ill, they tend to do so after about 6 days of having the illness.
- On 5th March Public Health England advised travellers returning from ALL parts of Italy (not just North) to self-isolate if they have symptoms.
- Government advice here
- NHS advice here
You can download the NHS Hand washing techniques here
If you need help with contingency planning policy you can contact The HR Kiosk here