New Coronavirus Regulations

New Regulations have come into force from midnight last night (in England only) with obligations on employers and employees.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (Self-Isolation) Regulations 2020 set out mandatory periods for self-isolation, and a duty to notify the Secretary of State of the names of people in the same household as anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

The main focus for employers, however, is that these regulations make it an offence to knowingly allow workers who have tested positive to attend their place of work. This applies to anyone also self-isolating because someone in their household has tested positive. Where employers are aware a worker has tested positive, the onus is on them to stop workers from attending the workplace and fines starting from £1,000 are now in place for any employer who fails to do so.

For workers, there is now an obligation to inform their employer that they are self-isolating. Fines for failing to observe this start at £1,000.

Employers should communicate company policies clearly and ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities when self-isolating. Working from home is permitted but of course, this won’t be an option for all workers.

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