What Do The New Lockdown Restrictions Mean For Workers?

On 31 October, the Government announced a further national lockdown. Below we consider the changes in relation to who can attend the workplace and the particular implications for clinically extremely vulnerable staff.

Attending Work Premises

The guidance issued on 31 October states that if you are able to work 'effectively' from home, you must do so. There is little guidance at the moment as to what 'effectively' means. The guidance does contain a non-exhaustive list of people who cannot work effectively from home, including those who work in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing. It also includes public sector employees working in essential services such as childcare or education. If it is necessary to work in other people's homes, for example nannies, cleaners or tradespeople, they are also able to continue going into work.