Feature Articles

As Britain returns to work, the Government continues to update its suite of guidance to help employers, workers and the self-employed work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Vicky Powell looks at some of the key points for working safely in offices, contact centres and similar working spaces.

The risks from Covid-19 are still very much present in the workplace 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.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been in place since March 2020 in order to assist employers who could not maintain their workforce because their operations have been affected by coronavirus. The mechanics of furloughing employees under the scheme until 10 June 2020 are covered in our separate FAQs “Furlough and the Job Retention Scheme”. These FAQs deal with the mechanics of flexible furlough which is in place from 1 July 2020.

This guide provides practical guidance for managing the flexible furlough arrangement under the Job Retention Scheme. This information is being continually checked and updated where necessary where Government guidance changes.

Tricia Palmer, HR consultant, leadership expert and personal coach considers how the NHS has sought to protect staff wellbeing through the most destructive outbreak in its history.

The stress, disruption and isolation of the coronavirus pandemic is having a severe mental health impact. More people are being trained to help those feeling suicidal. The key message, as part of a wider drive to reassure those under duress, is that they are not alone and help is not far away, writes Jon Herbert.

The changes to restrictions concerning the coronavirus differ between the four nations of the UK. This article covers the changes in England first and then outlines the changes or differences in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The coronavirus pandemic has introduced a new type of workplace violence where someone claiming to be infected with the virus deliberately coughs or spits directly into the face of an individual. Mike Sopp advises on how to mitigate this risk.

Since lockdown, our internet use has soared. Some of this increase is due to more working from home; other aspects will be related to our need to keep up with the news and stay connected. Here, Laura King considers how to ensure the wellbeing of employees in an “always on” culture.

Understanding the threat of unconscious bias, and the situations in which it can arise in the workplace, is crucial to both encouraging and maintaining diversity and inclusion in a workforce. The significant issue with this form of bias is that perpetrators may not realise they are acting the way they are due to a personal view, or prejudice, that is influencing their conduct. Only by understanding what it is, preparing for it, and taking steps to manage it, can employers work towards a more diverse company and avoid issues of unfair treatment and discrimination arising.