COVID on the rise, what this means for employees…

COVID is very much still with us!

The virus will once again put pressure on the NHS this winter…

The British government may have ended all legal covid-19 restrictions however with cases still fluctuating, is going to work when you’re sick really a good idea?

In this article we will answer some of your top asked questions…

Can I go to work with covid?

Yes. Even after testing positive for covid, you can go to work.

However, workers are encouraged to follow the government’s guidance and stay at home until they have tested negative twice with the tests being taken 24 hours apart.

Do I have to test for covid before going to work?

No, you don’t have to test for Covid before going anywhere, including to work.

Most people in England are no longer advised to get tested and can no longer get free lateral flow tests from the NHS unless you are one of a small number of people who are eligible.

Those who want to get tested must buy a Covid-19 test from pharmacies and other retailers.

What should I do if I feel unwell?

According to the department of Health and Social Care, you should work from home if you can avoid contact with other people if you are experiencing any of the covid symptoms…

Symptoms of covid include a continuous cough; high temperature or fever, loss of or change in normal sense of taste or smell, shortness of breath, lack of energy, lack of appetite, headache, sore throat or runny nose.

What are employers’ obligations?

Although there is no requirement for employees to tell an employer they have tested positive for covid, employers do have a duty of care to all of their staff.  This means that if an employer is put on notice that an employee has covid, they should do their best to avoid placing other employees at risk.  This is particularly the case when other employees may be vulnerable.

Government guidance currently states that employees should stay away from the workplace until they have had 2 negative tests at least 24 hours apart.  Where possible, it is highly advisable for employers to ask their staff to stay at home until this time.

On a practical level, keeping the workplace as safe as possible will limit the number of staff who succumb to covid generally. 

We understand that the impact of the pandemic is still being felt deeply by employees, leaders and HR practitioners. For more information or guidance, please contact imadarescu@astonbond.co.uk or

01753 486777