Guidance for Employees

COVID-19 (also known as Coronavirus) recently arrived in the UK and as we are at the pandemic stage it does have the potential to affect our business, our employees and their families.  For the time being, we are focusing on how best we can all stay well whilst continuing to deliver our business responsibilities and following this guidance will help us all to achieve that. 
 
All employees are therefore advised to consider the following: 

  • Do you need to meet people face-to-face or could you use phone or skype? It’s also good for the environment! 
  • If you’re planning to attend sporting events or concerts, have you checked with the organizer for their advice? 
  • Do you have to travel at very busy periods on public transport or could you change your working pattern?  
  • When using a hot desk, it’s good practice (and polite) to ensure the desk and phone are clean when you are finished.   
  • Surfaces touched by hands should be cleaned at least daily using either soap and water or disinfectant. 
 
We strongly advise all employees not to travel to infected areas (as defined by the UK Government) for leisure or personal reasons.  
 
If you intend to travel to such areas, you must tell your line manager before you travel 
 
You must also tell your line manager and confirm by email using this address before you intend to return to work as you may be required to remain at home for up to 14 days.  

  • If you have flu-like symptoms you must tell your line manager and be prepared to stay at home until the symptoms (such as feeling tired; difficulty breathing; a high temperature; a cough) disappear. 
  • If you develop symptoms at work, you will be asked to go home and seek medical advice.     
  • You will be asked to remain at home until you are clear of symptoms, and we reserve the right to ask that you obtain evidence that you are permitted to return to work by your doctor, even if this is within a short period of absence not usually covered by a doctor’s certificate. 
  • If these symptoms emerge after travel, travellers should also seek immediate medical attention and inform healthcare providers of their past travel history. 
  • If you are considered to be at a greater risk of or from infection (pregnant workers, those with pre-existing health conditions or compromised immune systems) you must tell your line manager so they can assess the risk before deciding if changes to your work are required. 
  • If you are an essential worker, you will be notified of this by your line manager; essential workers who are totally reliant on public transport will be offered dedicated transport to and from work.  
 
IF YOU ARE UNWELL WITH FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS AND HAVE COME INTO CONTACT WITH OTHER INFECTED PEOPLE, PLEASE REMAIN AT HOME AND CALL NHS DIRECT FOR ADVICE ON 111.