Is ‘Freedom Day’ The Start Of The Great Office Return?

Employment Law Solicitor, Emma Spandrzyk, discusses the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions and the move away from a requirement to work from home….

As you will know, on the 19 July 2021, also referred to as the so-called “freedom day”, England moved to Stage 4 of the roadmap out of the COVID-19 restrictions. On the same date, the Government released its updated guidance on “working safely during coronavirus”.

With the guidance marking a shift away from the mandate to work at home where possible and the restrictions lifting, you may be considering if, when and how to bring your staff back to an office environment safely.

For many, working from home has become the “new norm” so there may be resistance to re-introducing the level of physical presence that was once taken for granted pre-Covid. The key things to consider will undoubtedly be to implement a clear business strategy with sound justification around the requirement for the full or indeed partial return to the office and then holding clear and transparent consultations with staff about the expectations moving forward.

Businesses are advised to take a cautious approach in facilitating a return to the office environment.  The guidance certainly does not mandate an immediate rush back to the office. Instead, during this period of high prevalence, the Government encourages a more gradual return over the summer.

For our top tips on points to consider when navigating a proposed return to the office,  download a copy of our handy checklist.

If you are a business and you are struggling with navigating these tricky issues why not contact us for a free 30-minute chat? We are always on hand to help. Further details can be found here.

Alternatively, please feel free to contact us on 01530 564498 or via email at e.spandrzyk@timms-law.com.

Emma Spandrzyk
August 2021