Feature Articles

FAQs on furlough and the Government’s Job Retention Scheme which aims to provide employers an alternative to redundancies.

As the number of cases in the UK and abroad continue to rise, the situation is quickly evolving. There are a number of risks posed by the virus that employers will need to be aware of, and it is important to remember that employers have a duty of care towards their employees and should take reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of their workforce. This information is being continually checked and updated.

Working parents are afforded certain rights under employment law and employers need to ensure they are aware of them. Not only can failure in this area result in costly discrimination claims, it can also mean the difference between a low or a high retention rate. Ben McCarthy, employment law writer at Croner-i, outlines points that employers can consider when aiming to be family-friendly employers.

How can PPE prevent the spread of coronavirus at work? Mike Sopp summarises Government guidance on when and where PPE should be used.

Rebecca Fisk advises on how to support the development of listening skills in young children.

What is coronavirus and what can schools and early years providers do to keep their pupils and children safe? Martin Hodgson provides comprehensive coverage of all the appropriate guidance.

How does coronavirus affect different occupational groups? Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, which highlights impacts on UK society, the economy and specific worker groups, is a searchable guidance resource — with added analysis drawing on US figures and experiences. Jon Herbert investigates.

In its COVID-19 Recovery Strategy, the Government said that it wanted to begin a gradual return to work in England by way of a three-stage process. The second stage would begin no earlier than 1 June (subject to the most up-to-date assessment of the risk posed by the virus). Paul Clarke examines how a phased return for early years settings might work and how providers can prepare for it.

The coronavirus is a new hazard that will require the implementation of new risk control measures. Mike Sopp advises on how to assess and control the risks of a return to the workplace.

With the coronavirus situation escalating, many employers in a position to stay open may be wondering how they should manage annual leave requests. Ben McCarthy, lead researcher and employment law writer at Croner-i, examines this in more detail below.