Updated Work Safety Protocol October 2021

Introduction

On the 21st October last, the Government published an updated Work Safety Protocol ("the updated Protocol"). This is the fourth revision since the Protocol was first published in 2020. The previous revision was in September 2021 and our Insight published at that time can be accessed here.

The updated Protocol follows the Government's announcement on 19^th October last, in relation to Ireland's further steps in re-opening the economy, that important and necessary public health guidance would remain in place after 22^nd October, despite previous hopes that public health measures could be removed after that date.

For employers, the upshot is that the work from home guidance remains in place for the time being, along with face masks and social distancing measures, but a "phased and staggered" return to the workplace can continue "for specific business requirements".