Acas commissioned YouGov to ask businesses in Britain about whether they had seen a change to employee mental health and wellbeing support in their organisation since the start of the pandemic. The poll found that:
• over a third (36%) said it had got better
• nearly 1 in 10 (9%) said it had got worse
• half (50%) reported it as staying the same
• 6% of employers did not know.
Acas Chief Executive, Susan Clews, said: “The pandemic has been a challenging period for everyone and it’s great to see that over a third of bosses have managed to improve their organisation’s mental health support for their staff.
“However, nearly 1 in 10 employers have seen this support deteriorate, so it is important for businesses to invest in the wellbeing of their workers as they open up again. Acas has good advice and training on how to support and manage mental health and wellbeing at work.”
Acas advice for employers on managing mental health during COVID-19 includes:
• be approachable, available and encourage team members to talk to you if they’re having problems
• keep in regular contact with your team to check how they are coping
• be understanding towards the concerns and needs of your staff while they work in new or unexpected ways – for example, working from home or managing childcare while working
• address any individual communication preferences such as asking team members if they prefer to talk over the phone, through video meetings or by email
• look after your own mental health and get support if you feel under more pressure than usual – this support could be a colleague at work, a mental health network or a counsellor.
This is valid as of 16th September 2021.
Alongside cleaning, hygiene and handwashing, good ventilation is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of coronavirus in the workplace as it reduces the amount of virus in the air helping protect workers and their families.
As coronavirus spreads through the air, the virus can build up in poorly ventilated areas which increases the risk of infection and it is a legal requirement that employers must make sure there’s an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace.
The HSE’s updated guidance looks at how to identify poorly ventilated areas, the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) monitors, how to improve natural and mechanical ventilation, balancing ventilation with keeping warm and ventilation in vehicles.
The HSE explains that maximising the fresh air in a space can be done by:
• natural ventilation which relies on passive air flow through windows, doors and air vents that can be fully or partially opened
• mechanical ventilation using fans and ducts to bring in fresh air from outside, or
• a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation.
Dr Alexander Tsavalos, HSE’s Head of COVID Sector Policy, said: “As more and more people return to their place of work, employers and workers need to continue to work safely to keep coronavirus at bay and this includes having good ventilation systems in place.
“Ventilation helps reduces how much virus is in the air. It helps reduce the risk from aerosol transmission, when someone breathes in small particles (aerosols) in the air after a person with the virus has been in the same enclosed area.
“You can improve natural ventilation in the workplace by doing simple things like opening windows and doors and can improve mechanical ventilation by understanding how your systems work and by making sure they’re working properly.
“The use of CO2 monitors in the workplace can also help. Although CO2 levels are not a direct measure of possible exposure to COVID-19, checking levels using a monitor can help you identify poorly ventilated areas.
“Updated guidance on ventilation in the workplace is available on our website which will help more and more businesses operate in a safe environment while protecting their workers. Covid-19 isn’t going away and complacency isn’t an option.
“Good ventilation should be considered alongside other control measures needed to reduce risks of transmission as part of working safely, such as updating your risk assessment, keeping your workplace clean and frequent handwashing.”
Managing COVID-19 risks in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility and workplace risk assessments need to include how your premises is ventilated and fresh air is brought into your building, along with other control measures, including cleaning, hygiene and handwashing.
The HSE is continuing to carry out spot checks and inspections by calling, visiting and inspecting all types of businesses.
The spot check programme provides expert advice during the calls and visits, advising businesses on how to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors. We are also working closely with local authorities, assisting them in the sectors they regulate such as hospitality and retail.
This is valid as of 14th September 2021.
A skip-hire and waste-management company and its managing director have been sentenced after a worker was seriously injured in a transport incident.
On 14 December 2018, an employee was crossing Lee’s Yard in Dartford, Kent, while waiting for his articulated lorry to be re-loaded with processed waste when he was hit by a 21-tonne loading shovel that was reversing around a blind bend in the yard. The employee suffered life-changing injuries, from which he is still recovering, and is unable to return to work.
The HSE found that the company and its managing director had failed to take reasonable steps to ensure that there was adequate pedestrian segregation in the waste-processing yard so that both pedestrians and vehicles could circulate in a safe manner.
Although directors of the company were already aware of the risks to pedestrians due to previous workplace transport incidents in the yard, they failed to respond appropriately and continued to ignore the advice of their health and safety consultant and the HSE, leaving workers exposed to the risks.
Easy Load Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) by virtue of Regulation 17(1) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and were fined £150,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,454.20.
Tomas J. Lee, managing director of Easy Load Ltd, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was sentenced to six months” imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay £549.40 in costs.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Susie Beckett said: “Workplace transport activities are one of the biggest risks in the waste and recycling industry. This incident, and the resulting life-changing injuries suffered, were avoidable and occurred as a result of a fundamental management failing on the part of the company and its directors, who patently failed to address and control clear risks which had been brought to their attention.
“The HSE will not hesitate to hold companies, individual directors, board members and business owners to account where management failings are found to be at the root of any health and safety offending.”
This is valid as of 10th September 2021.
What you’ll get: One in 10 drivers think it is acceptable to answer a video call while they are driving, according to research.
Worryingly, almost half think it’s fine to use their mobile phone while behind the wheel while 7% admit to catching up with their favourite shows on long journeys. That is according to research from dash cam company Nextbase.
Last year, a survey conducted by leasing company Venson Automotive Solutions highlighted a fall in driving standards as an increasing number of drivers headed back out on to the road.
On its latest findings, Nextbase head of road safety Bryn Booker said: “The continued use of technology while driving is worrisome, and the latest regulations are looking to crack down on these driving behaviours in order to further reduce the risk for road traffic incidents.”
The research of more than 1,000 drivers also found that 11% still believe it is fine to get behind the wheel after having a drink if ‘you feel fine to drive’.
Further research on bad driving habits picked up during lockdown revealed that 61% of UK drivers believe they are ‘Covid Drivers’, one in five (22%) said they now steer one-handed, 12% confessed to getting easily distracted when driving, while 15% said they drive far too quickly.
Company drivers should be made fully aware of new regulations that have come into force since the pandemic, the company says.
One of the new laws means it is illegal for anyone to pick up and use their mobile phone while driving, this also applies to scrolling through a playlist or using social media.
It also raises the question around using a mobile phone as a sat-nav, drivers must set the route before turning on their cars and turning on their engine. Setting a destination while driving could cost incur six penalty points and a £200 fine.
This is valid as of 9th September 2021.
Driving is a large cause of work accidents and something that can be easily prevented. Small things such as removing distractions and limiting fatigue can reduce driving accidents. To find out more about how to combat this, download our directors briefing. Personnel Today reports that the firm will require lawyers and trainees to work from the London office at least one day per week from 13 September, increasing to at least two days a week from 18 October.
Few UK private sector employers so far require employees to be vaccinated but a number of US firms have mandated that staff are double-jabbed, including law firms such as Clifford Chance and Norton Rose Fulbright.
From October, anyone working in a care home registered with the Care Quality Commission will need to have had two Covid-19 vaccinations, unless they are exempt.
A Financial News survey of City professionals taken in August found that 43% think their employer should require proof of full vaccination, while 46% felt organisations should not make it mandatory to be fully vaccinated.
A spokesperson for the firm said it was consulting with an epidemiologist on its office return but did not confirm whether proof of vaccination would be mandatory.
“The health and safety of our people remains the firm’s top priority,” they said. “We are continuing to take advice from the firm’s consultant epidemiologist as we get closer to our London reopening date, which is set for Monday 13 September,” the spokesperson added.
This is valid as of 8th September 2021.
What you’ll get: With children returning to school in much of England this week and people attending sports and music events in their thousands again, many experts are predicting a rise in virus cases.
This is why employers must ensure they continue to have robust measures in place to prevent transmission, says IOSH, adding that now is a good time to review their effectiveness.
“This virus hasn’t gone away, with many thousands being infected daily in the UK alone and many of these cases leading to people becoming seriously ill,” said Ruth Wilkinson, IOSH’s Head of Health and Safety.
“Since lockdown restrictions were eased, many businesses have continued to operate or have reopened and gradually returned to their workplaces or to work activities successfully, with measures in place to prevent and reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
“But now is not a time to be complacent so we are urging businesses to not let their guard down, as COVID-19 remains a hazard within the workplace. As part of risk assessment processes, they need to ensure COVID-19 risks are identified, control measures are in place, and they are actively monitored and reviewed to ensure they remain effective.”
Last week, reports suggested that children returning to schools in Scotland had led to a rise in COVID infections.
IOSH says occupational safety and health professionals continue to have a vital role to play in protecting workers and others, not only from COVID-19 but also from other health and safety risks.
Measures to manage the risks include modifying working patterns to limit numbers in the workplace at one time, implementing measures to mitigate the risk of airborne transmission and ensuring workers stay off site if they are unwell.
“Risk assessments are the starting point for it all, as they can help to identify the risks of transmission, persons at higher risk, and importantly the proportionate controls to protect workers, clients, consumers and communities,” added Ruth.
This is valid as of 7th September 2021.
What you’ll get: Acas commissioned YouGov to ask British employees about how much annual leave or paid time off they had taken since the start of the pandemic when compared to previous years. The poll also found that the results varied depending on the size of the organisation:
• 44% of employees at small to medium sized businesses (249 employees or less) were less likely to have taken paid time off
• 35% of employees in large businesses (250 or more employees) were less likely to have taken paid time off.
Acas advice is that it is important for people to take time off to get rest to keep both physically and mentally healthy, and to use their holiday entitlement within their current leave year where they can.
Susan Clews, Acas Chief Executive, said: “Our poll findings are unsurprising as many workers may have taken advantage of a new law introduced last year, which allows them to carry over most of their paid time off into this year.
“Whilst the easing of pandemic restrictions is good news for many businesses, many staff will be keen to use up the leave they have saved up to take advantage of the summer season.
“Acas advice is for employees to agree any holiday plans with their managers and keep them updated on any new COVID developments that could impact work such as travel quarantine or being asked to self-isolate.”
Acas has advice for employers and employees on taking leave, what the rules are and what has changed as well as information on what to do if you need to self-isolate when returning from abroad.
In 2020, the Government introduced a law allowing employees and workers to carry over up to 4 weeks’ statutory paid holiday into their next 2 holiday leave years. This law applies for any holiday that staff do not take due to COVID-19.
Acas advice on taking paid time off includes:
• workers should try and make requests for paid holiday throughout their holiday year
• if holiday plans suddenly change due to COVID-19 then employees should get in touch with their boss to agree alternative options for time off
• get any time off requests in as soon as possible as employers need to plan staff cover for their businesses and are unlikely to agree to staff all taking holiday at the same time.
This is valid as of 10th August 2021.
There has been a rise in the sale of unreliable infrared thermometers in the UK, say regulators who are advising people to check before they buy.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says the COVID pandemic has created demand for devices that screen for a raised temperature. Accurate ones should carry a CE or UKCA mark, it advises.
In July 2020, the MHRA issued a warning to manufacturers and suppliers of thermal cameras which cautioned them against making claims which directly relate to COVID diagnosis.
MHRA spokesman Graeme Tunbridge said: “People in the UK are unknowingly buying poor-quality infrared thermometers which do not meet the required standards of safety and performance.
“It is important that people know what to look out for when purchasing these products, or any other medical devices online. You should always look for the CE or UKCA mark on any medical device – this will either be on the device or on its packaging, and that includes when you are buying these products online.”
People should also be aware that temperature screening is not a reliable way to detect COVID. Anyone who thinks they may be infected should have a swab test.
The main symptoms of COVID, says the NHS, are:
• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
Some people have other symptoms too, such as fatigue, muscle aches and a headache, but others can have none and still be infected.
This is valid as of 5th August 2021.
The UK Government has delayed the full lifting of COVID restrictions in England by four weeks, at Step 3 of the roadmap, amid rising infection rates as the new Delta COVID variant spreads.
After two weeks, the government will review the data to see if the risks have reduced. It is expected that England will move to Step 4 on 19 July. The Scottish and Welsh Governments are reviewing their planning for the lifting of restrictions, which may also be delayed.
The HSE advise that businesses need to continue to have COVID-secure measures in place that are in line with the latest Government guidance. Currently, workers should continue to work from home if possible.
It is stressed that, at this stage, it is vital that businesses do not become complacent and that they continue to have measures in place to manage the risk from Coronavirus and ensure workers are following them.
The HSE is working with local authorities to carry out spot checks and inspections on businesses. These are taking place in all areas, to check that businesses have COVID-secure measures in place to keep workers, visitors and customers safe.
What happens during spot checks and inspections?
The HSE calls and visits businesses to check the COVID-secure measures they have in place and provides guidance and advice if required. Where businesses aren’t managing the risk, action will be taken. This can range from the provision of specific advice, issuing enforcement notices and stopping certain work practices until they are made safe. Where businesses fail to comply, this could lead to prosecution.
Angela Storey, Director of Transformation and Operational Services at HSE, said: “The UK government has confirmed a four-week delay to the lifting of restrictions, as the Delta strain of Covid-19 becomes the dominant variant in England, with infection numbers rising across Britain.
“Whilst we recognise that this news will come as a disappointment to a number of businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector, businesses must continue to have measures in place to manage the risks, to help protect the health of local communities as well as to support the local and national UK economy.
“We will also continue to work with local authorities, checking that businesses have COVID-secure measures in place, and providing guidance and advice where needed.
“As we continue to carry out spot checks and inspections our support of cross-government work remains. We are committed to helping employers and employees as they work through the pandemic.
“All workplaces are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced call or visit to check they are COVID-secure.”
This is valid as of 29th June 2021.
The "New Normal" has been a hard adjustment for us all and forced us into new situations. If you notice that some of your employees are struggling but don't know where to start, then watch our free webinar. Our speakers will provide you with some key action points that you can use that not only help in the short-term but will be beneficial in the future. People working in CQC-registered care homes will need to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated with both doses, the government announced last week.
New legislation means from October – subject to Parliamentary approval and a subsequent 16-week grace period – anyone working in a CQC-registered care home in England for residents requiring nursing or personal care must have two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a medical exemption.
It will apply to all workers employed directly by the care home or care home provider (on a full-time or part-time basis), those employed by an agency and deployed by the care home, and volunteers deployed in the care home.
Those coming into care homes to do other work, for example healthcare workers, tradespeople, hairdressers and beauticians, and CQC inspectors will also have to follow the new regulations, unless they have a medical exemption.
The responses to the consultation made a case for extending this policy beyond care homes to other settings where people vulnerable to COVID-19 receive care, such as domiciliary care and wider healthcare settings.
Based on this evidence, the government will launch a further public consultation in due course on whether or not to make COVID-19 and flu vaccination a condition of deployment in health and care settings. This is a complex issue and the government is looking for a wide range of perspectives from across the health and care sector about whether this should be introduced and how it could be implemented.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: “Vaccines save lives and while staff and residents in care homes have been prioritised and the majority are now vaccinated we need to do everything we can to keep reducing the risk.
“Through our consultation we have listened to the experiences and concerns of providers and people living and working in care homes to help shape our approach.
“We have a responsibility to do all we can to safeguard those receiving care including in the NHS and so will be consulting further on whether to extend to other health and social care workers.
“This is the right thing to do and a vitally important step to continue protecting care homes now and in the future. I’d urge anyone working in care homes to get their jab as soon as possible.
“There will be exceptions for visiting family and friends, under 18s, emergency services and people undertaking urgent maintenance work.”
Data on vaccine effectiveness from Public Health England (PHE) indicates the COVID-19 vaccination programme has so far prevented 14,000 deaths and around 42,000 hospitalisations in older people in England (up to 30 May).
The new regulations follow an extensive consultation with the social care sector, staff, residents and their families on the issue.
The Social Care Working Group of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) advises that an uptake rate for one dose of 80% in staff and 90% in residents in each individual care home setting is needed to provide a minimum level of protection against outbreaks of COVID-19.
While the majority of care home workers have now been vaccinated, only 65% of older care homes in England are currently meeting the minimum level of staff uptake for one dose needed to reduce the risk of outbreaks in these high-risk care settings – falling to 44% of care homes in London.
If approved by Parliament, there will be a 16-week grace period from when the regulations are made to when they come into force to enable staff who haven’t been vaccinated to take up the vaccine. A majority of adult social care staff will be eligible for their second dose 8 weeks after their first.
People may not yet have taken up the offer of a vaccine for a number of reasons including availability, being within 28 days of having COVID-19 or for personal reasons.
This is valid as of 22nd June 2021.
The government’s human rights watchdog has suggested it would be reasonable for care homes to make Covid-19 vaccinations compulsory for staff, which could pave the way for the Whitehall to introduce new legislation for people in certain professions.
In its response to a consultation on whether vaccines should be mandatory in care settings, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said a “proportionate approach” to requiring Covid-19 jabs for care home staff could “help ease restrictions and allow them to perform their jobs safely, and residents to live more independently”.
It said: “In legislating for mandatory vaccination the government is right to prioritise protection of the right to life for residents and staff.
“In our view it is therefore reasonable to require care home staff to be vaccinated in order to work directly with older and disabled people, subject to some important safeguards to ensure the requirement remains proportionate and to minimise the risk of unlawful discrimination or breaches of care workers’ human rights.”
If the government was to take forward plans for mandatory vaccinations among care home staff, the EHRC said it should take steps to remove the risk of indirect discrimination for workers who are unable to have the vaccine for medical reasons; ensure access to jabs is easy for all workers; and make sure there is no financial detriment resulting from having to be vaccinated, such as loss of pay if they suffer side effects and need to take time off work.
It added that any legislation should have a “sunset clause” – a date at which the requirement would cease – and should be reviewed regularly to ensure it remains proportionate. Clear guidance should also be provided to employers.
A spokesperson for the EHRC said: “Requiring care home staff to be vaccinated offers a way of protecting older residents who are most at risk of severe illness and death due to Covid-19. This would support their right to a private and family life, to health, to live independently, as well as reducing the risk to workers.
“Any requirements should be implemented proportionately with exemptions for the small number of people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons. Mandatory vaccination it is not a new idea, as some NHS trusts do require staff to have hepatitis B vaccines.”
The government has also been exploring the introduction of a similar requirement for health workers, with vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi having suggested that it would be irresponsible not to consider compulsory jabs for NHS staff.
He told Trevor Phillips on Sunday: “It would be incumbent on any responsible government to have the debate, to do the thinking as to how we go about protecting the most vulnerable by making sure that those who look after them are vaccinated.
“There is precedent for this – obviously surgeons get vaccinated for hepatitis B. So, it’s something we are absolutely thinking about.”
Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire suggested that “threatening” NHS staff would be less effective than encouraging those that had doubts about getting vaccinated.
“Given we have got a recruitment crisis in parts of the NHS, I think it’s far more important we try and work with staff rather than against them,” she said.
So-called “no jab, no job” policies for new starters have been explored by several care home operators. Care UK, one of the UK’s largest operators, has been asking all candidates at the application and interview stage whether they have had, or would be willing to have, the vaccine, while Barchester Healthcare said it would not hire staff who refuse to have a jab.
This is valid as of 8th June 2021.
The "New Normal" has been a hard adjustment for us all and forced us into new situations. If you notice that some of your employees are struggling but don't know where to start, then watch our free webinar. Our speakers will provide you with some key action points that you can use that not only help in the short-term but will be beneficial in the future. Last week, it was reported that just 15 people tested positive for coronavirus among nearly 60,000 who attended trials of mass gatherings, including the FA Cup final and the Brit Awards, according to official figures.
Nine large-scale events were staged as part of the government’s plan to allow for the return of big crowds this summer. Those who attended were exempt from certain coronavirus rules, such as the rule-of-six.
According to reports, 15 COVID cases had been recorded out of nearly 60,000 people who attended the events. The pilot events included three football matches at Wembley Stadium – the FA Cup final which was attended by 21,000 supporters, an FA Cup semi-final and the Carabao Cup final.
Liverpool
Several mass gatherings were staged in Liverpool including a rave attended by 3,000 clubbers, a music festival, an outdoor cinema and an indoor business event.
At the Circus nightclub event in Liverpool, partygoers did not have to socially distance or wear face coverings.
People who attended the trial events had to produce a negative lateral flow result from that day or the day before in order to gain entry.
They were also asked to take PCR tests at home, before and after they attended the events.
Evidence from the Events Research Programme will be used by the government to shape its policy for the return of crowds to venues including theatres, cinemas and nightclubs.
A government spokesman said: “The aim of our world-leading Events Research Programme is to examine the risk of COVID-19 transmission at large events and explore how crowds can be welcomed back in bigger numbers safely.
“The pilots have been designed in a scientifically controlled way to reduce the risk of transmission for attendees. We are working closely with NHS Test and Trace to ensure everyone can be traced following a positive test.”
This is valid as of 1st June 2021.
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