What's New

The new NHS Test and Trace service has been launched across England to help identify, contain and control coronavirus and reduce its spread.

Skills providers in London are to be encouraged to offer their courses online to help those unable to access training because of the restrictions in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Just over a year ago the Labour Market Outlook (LMO) from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) was forecasting a real terms pay rise for many in 2019 (see Private Sector Pay Expectations Hit Seven-year High).

From 1 June outdoor markets and car showrooms will be allowed to open. It is expected that other retail premises such as those selling clothes, toys, furniture, books and electronics will be able to open from 15 June. In addition tailors, auction houses, photography studios and indoor markets will be able to open provided they meet the covid-19 secure guidelines.

Almost all regions in the UK have seen a broad decline in demand for staff week-on-week with only the North East bucking the trend, according to the REC (Recruitment and Employment Confederation).

The UK is introducing, from 8 June, a 14-day self-isolation period for all travellers (including UK citizens) that travel internationally. This is subject to a few exceptions.

Acas, the independent public body providing impartial advice to employers and employees, has published new guidance to help staff manage their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.

Following calls from UK tourism agency Visit Britain, the new public holiday would potentially take place around October half-term of this year.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reminded building occupiers, businesses and other duty holders restarting operations after the COVID-19 shutdown to review their water systems maintenance arrangements to avoid creating a public health hazard from waterborne bacteria such as legionella.

The Government has announced the launch of a new online service to let small and medium-sized employers claim back some coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).