Returning to Work? Know Your Workplace Rights

After many months spent working from home during the pandemic, more workers in England will be ready to get back to their workplaces. If you are being encouraged to return to work but you are still concerned about COVID-19, it is reassuring to know you have rights.

Why Are Workplaces Encouraging Employees to Return to Work?

Employers in England have had fewer restrictions placed on them since the beginning of August, so workers have had the freedom to work from home or return to work. 

However, in September, workers returning to work is being actively encouraged, the BBC reported. Many will be looking forward to things returning to the norm and to getting back into the workplace. 

Many businesses have been able to keep running during the pandemic if employees were capable of working at home, but other businesses that relied on in-person business may have suffered. 

Many are looking forward to getting back to the workplace, but others have concerns.

According to the BBC, nine out of 10 workers in the U.K. would prefer to keep working from home instead of heading back to the workplace.

If I Return to Work, What Can I Expect? 

Employers should be communicating with employees about coming back into the workplace.

If it is safe for employees to return to work, they may. In England, there is a strict code of safety guidelines to follow. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different sets of guidelines.

In England, the following rules for workplaces must be adhered to: 

• Keeping 1-meter-plus away from others
• Using one-way systems in hallways, etc.
• Continual cleaning of the workspaces
• Shops will keep returned items for 72 hours before selling them again
• Pubs and restaurants will offer table service only
• Consumers’ contact information will be collected for the NHS Test and Trace System

If workers are not satisfied at their workplaces and their superiors have not properly fixed issues, employees can contact the Health and Safety Executive, who can force businesses to follow safety guidelines. 

Will I Be Forced to Go Back to My Workplace?

Thousands of workers who can no longer work from home are being told to come back into their workplaces. 

Workers who want to continue getting a paycheck know they will need to return to their employer if called back into the workplace, but what if you simply do not feel safe? 

Employment law states that employees can leave the workplace if they feel they are in danger and they want to protect themselves, according to the BBC.

Employers should be careful about administering disciplinary measures or firing people right now.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said employers will be able to decide if they want employees to return to work or continue working from home, according to the Telegraph.

Johnson added that businesses should carefully discuss the issue with workers and only have those who feel safe to return to work.

Johnson is working on guidelines for Britain’s battle against COVID-19, on getting people back to work and on economic recovery, the Telegraph reported.

If I Return to Work, What are My Rights?

Right now, it is not clear if places of business will be subject to penalties for deficient safety measures, according to the Telegraph, but you do have the right to feel safe at work.

Employers are legally responsible for taking reasonable steps to create an environment that is safe.

Before reopening, businesses must administer a risk assessment and put safety measures into place, according to Unison.

England’s guidelines for safety should be followed at workplaces, according to Unison. Employees should work from home whenever possible to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Employers should also be keeping businesses ventilated and scheduling shifts to lessen the number of workers at one time, the Telegraph reported.

Employers absolutely must be considerate of those who are most vulnerable to the coronavirus, Unison said, including people who are Black, disabled, 70 or older or have underlying health conditions.

Would you prefer to work from home or return to work? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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