Business Tips During The Coronavirus

With the pandemic continuing on a global scale, many businesses are asking for employment law advice. As always, employee safety is of paramount importance, and this should be your number one priority. However, due to the crisis, new laws have been implemented, and a lot of employees don’t quite know where they stand and what they need to do. It can be very challenging to keep track of what you should be doing and what is expected of you as an employer. Here are a few tips to help you manage in the current conditions.

Employee Support

If any of your employees display any symptoms of the Coronavirus, they are entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP). This is usually paid from day four of being sick, but in the current climate, they are entitled to it from day one and at a rate of £94.25 a week. If your business is small or medium-sized with less than 250 employees, you will be able to reclaim the SSP.

Addressing Concerns

It is completely natural for people to be concerned about what is happening, and therefore be fearful about coming into work; this is where you should be sensitive and understanding. Try to be flexible with your employees and where possible, allow them to work remotely rather than terminating the contract. Of course, this is not always possible, but if you can work that way, it would be in everyone’s best interest that you do so.

Working From Home

It has been advised that if you can work from home, then you should do so to help prevent the spread of the virus. You may have to change the contracts you have with your employees, but you must get their permission and agreement to do so. You also need to ensure that your employees know where they stand in terms of what they can claim back and what they cannot. They may need to purchase additional items to do their job from home, so being honest and straightforward before commencing any agreement is highly recommended.

Stay Informed

The World Health Organisation, the Government and the NHS are constantly proving the population with updates. It is crucial that you keep up to date with these updates so that you know what you can and can’t do, and what is expected of you.

*Quick Tip*

  • Make a contingency plan to ensure that you know what to do if the situation lasts longer than expected.
  • Get as much advice as you can to ensure that you and your business are prepared.