'Conflict & confusion' | HR at risk of legal battles with staff as last COVID rules set to end early

Employers and HR leaders have been warned by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) not to ‘cut corners’ as they scramble to prepare for an early end to all remaining Covid-19 restrictions.

The Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in Parliament on Wednesday, February 9, a plan to revoke all domestic Covid-19 restrictions in England, including the requirement for people with the virus to self-isolate, from February 24. Rules are also being relaxed in Scotland and Wales, and Northern Ireland intends to ditch most remaining curbs this week.

The changes mean that people who test positive for COVID will be expected to stay at home, as they would with flu, however there is no legal requirement, and no risk of hefty fines for anyone who doesn’t comply. Instead, the law will be replaced with guidance, the BBC said, with workers instead being strongly urged not to go to work if they have Covid-19.

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Originally, England’s measures were set to be dropped in late March, but now look set to be scrapped early due to falling rates of positive Covid-19 cases. This month-early decision has presented some headaches for business owners and leaders within the people function, around how to manage employees following the sudden end to the rules.