Shielded workers return to work too

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the government has defined some people as clinically extremely vulnerable (shielded).

Shielded workers are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus. They cannot return to workplaces before at least 31 July 2020 in Scotland, from 1 August 2020 in England and from 16 August 2020 in Wales when shielding is paused.

You can find guidance on shielding and protecting workers, explaining who is clinically extremely vulnerable, from Public Health England, similar guidance is published by Health Protection Scotland and Public Health Wales.

Supporting shielded workers returning to work

You should talk to shielded workers about their working arrangements; review your risk assessment and do everything ‘reasonably practicable’ to protect those workers from harm.

For example: providing work tasks where stringent social distancing guidelines can be followed.

This also applies to workers living with someone in the shielded group.

If you are concerned about having a conversation with any shielded workers then do contact our Employment team who will be happy to help.

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