COVID-19: implications for employers

As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread across the globe, employers are grappling with how best to protect and manage their employees in these very unusual circumstances.

In addition to business continuity issues that demand attention – such as supply shortages, disclosure requirements and liquidity – employers are contemplating a myriad of employment, safety and labour issues: Are our policies on leave and flexible working adequate? Do we need to provide everyone with personal safety gear? If someone refuses to come to work, what can we do?

Acknowledging that containing the epidemic and protecting people is the priority, this article addresses the employment issues that both private and public sector employers are likely to confront against a challenging backdrop of uncertainty.