Updated guidance to employers

The national NHS Test and Trace programme updated their guidance to employers this week.

It sets out how they can help NHS Test and Trace to slow the spread of coronavirus, protecting themselves, others and saving lives.

A big part that businesses can play is in ensuring that they’re using and promoting the NHS COVID-19 app.

There’s convenience in the app for their employees – they can check symptoms, order tests and receive results and advice for example – but it’s also a really important tool for the national system to trace people who may be been in contact with a positive case.

The guidance also reminds employers that it’s a legal requirement for them to not knowingly allow an employee who has been told to self-isolate to come to work or work anywhere other than their own home for the duration of the self-isolation period.

There are hefty fines for those that breach it.

And it says that employers must review risk assessments in the workplace to ensure that they remain suitable.

Paul Thomas, Head of Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards, said:

“Employers also have a special duty towards their staff, and their customers while in their premises, and that responsibility requires them to stay on top of the situation.  We recommend employers conduct regular periodic reviews to make sure, as situations change, that they are still in compliance with the latest rules and guidance.”