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ARTICLE · 15 APRIL 2021

Return To Work Guidance - Is It Time To Return To The Workplace?

Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
Wrigleys Solicitors LLP
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Wrigleys Solicitors LLP

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As the country emerges from lockdown, what do employers need to know about the rules on working from home?

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Michael Crowther
Michael Crowther
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As the country emerges from lockdown, what do employers need to know about the rules on working from home?

From 29 March 2021, there is no longer a legal requirement to work from home, though employers will need to carefully consider the situation before allowing staff to return to their usual workplace. From 1 April 2021, the shielding programme was paused, meaning employers should prepare for clinically extremely vulnerable employees' return to the workplace, if it is safe for them to do so. We consider below the nuances in the latest government guidance on working during the pandemic.

What does the lifting of the legal requirement to work from home mean?

Between 6 January and 29 March 2021, individuals were only permitted to attend work where it was "reasonably necessary...for the purposes of work". This has now changed, as the previous order to 'stay at home' unless you have a reasonable excuse has been lifted.

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