Feature Articles

The Government has launched its long-awaited consultation on proposed changes to the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 Code of Practice (the Code), which includes guidance on the implementation of the new Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) system. The new draft Code is a lengthy document and it is worth highlighting the areas with which social care practitioners need to familiarise themselves. Christine Grey investigates.

Since the repeal of the laws mandating vaccination for those in care homes and wider health and social care, in England on 15 March 2022, employers in care homes are faced with the difficult decision as to whether or not they should re-employ unvaccinated staff they dismissed and on what terms to do this.

Since the Winterbourne View scandal in 2011 and the uncovering of abuse at Whorlton Hall in 2019, there has been a recognition that the system needs to be reformed to prevent more failings in care for people with learning disabilities and autism. Last year the Government admitted that the pandemic had been a “setback” in efforts to reach this goal. By the end of last year there were suggestions that too little progress had been made in providing this group with the right, appropriate care. Christine Grey investigates the issue of whether policy and legislative reform achieved during 2021 will drive real change in care provision this year.

Employee Assistance Programmes, or EAPs, are designed to assist employees with personal or work-related concerns and matters that may impact their job performance or wellbeing, such as difficulties with mental health. The services operate as a separate body to an employer, offering free and confidential assessments, short-term counselling, referrals and follow-up services for employees. Their primary aim is to help guide employees through situations in a way that provides the individual with the necessary support to avoid a negative impact on their work life and health.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013 place a legal duty on employers in the UK to report certain work-related accidents and safety incidents to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE may then take action, where appropriate, such as launching an investigation. Martin Hodgson looks at what care managers need to do to comply with the regulations.

As the situation in Ukraine continues, this is going to be an extremely difficult time for some employees who are personally affected by the events reported in Ukraine and for employees who may be concerned about the implications from a wider perspective.

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 to protect the health and safety of their workforce. This information is being continually checked and updated.

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, as well as other statutory payments, will be rising next month. This comes at a time of significant increases to the cost of living and will be welcomed by low-income earners across the UK.

Since 11 November 2021, anyone working inside a CQC-regulated care home in England must have been fully Covid-vaccinated or exempt to continue in their role.

On 9 February 2022, Boris Johnson announced that he expects to end all Covid restrictions in England by the end of February. The current regulations, including the legal requirement for Covid cases to self-isolate for at least five full days and for SSP to be paid from day one for Covid-related absences, are in place until 24 March 2022.