Questions and Answers

Following a recent breach of security, a member of staff was assaulted. I have been asked to run a campaign to improve employee vigilance and awareness of the security measures we have adopted. Could you outline how to develop such a campaign?

Can I require an employee on furlough to take annual leave?

What do I pay an employee on flexible furlough?

How will I apply for the reimbursement?

We have furloughed staff using the Job Retention Scheme. How much can we claim?

I may have to lay off a significant number of my staff as a result of the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus. I understand that I can obtain financial help from the Government. Can you summarise the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention (“Furlough”) Scheme for me?

Employees are required to wear face coverings due to the nature of their work. An employee has asked if they can use a face shield rather than a face covering. Is this allowed?

We regularly review concerns raised by employees and other stakeholders in respect of the Covid-secure measures we are adopting. Most concerns relate to how individuals are behaving, ie not following the measures required. What can we do to improve behaviour?

Can we insist, under health and safety legislation, that all employees have the Covid-19 vaccination currently being rolled out across the UK to reduce the risk of transmission in the workplace?

Our workplace first aiders have requested we issue them with personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety if called on to provide first aid during the pandemic. Do we have to provide such equipment?