The COVID-19 outbreak has far reaching impacts in the workplace. Employers must protect the health and safety of the workforce whilst ensuring business continuity, and operating within commercial and financial constraints.

At the recent Budget, the Chancellor announced a package of measures to support business during the coronavirus outbreak.

It is encouraging to see proactive and pragmatic Government action being taken to support employers and employees. 

Nevertheless, employers also need to devise their own strategies and policies to manage the potential disruption and clearly and proactively engage with their workforce. 

How should employers approach these issues?  

In our view, a good model is to work through:

• Assessing and minimising infection risks in the workplace;
• Managing sickness absence;
• Alternatives to sickness absence;
• Considering alternatives to business reductions and closures; and
• Managing the risk of claims.

Our attached article discusses the Government’s support package in detail and works through the practical steps employers can take to protect their people and businesses.

We hope that you find this useful in understanding and addressing the challenges of COVID-19 in your workplace.

Please contact Donna Sharp, Director and Solicitor, Employment Legal Services, KPMG in the UK if you would like to talk through any of the points discussed in our article.