Case studies
People Management finds out what employers are doing to tackle the logistical, financial and staff wellbeing implications of the global pandemic
- “Lockdown forced us to take our recruitment online – but now it’s staying that way” (20 November 2020) For Duncan Short, the pandemic meant making some radical changes to hiring – but many of those changes have become permanent
- How LSEG pivoted leadership development to tackle the Covid context (10 November 2020) Most firms prioritised immediate responses at the start of the pandemic, but building resilient businesses requires a long-term approach to leading virtually, says Jig Ramji
- What DHL has learned about business resiliency during Covid (4 November 2020) Organisations must prioritise wellbeing and be prepared to be flexible in responding to rapidly changing circumstances, says Caroline Andrews
- How Chegg has maintained culture during Covid and home working (29 Oct 2020) The education technology firm launched initiatives such as virtual fitness sessions, summer coding camps for employees’ children and ‘no meetings Fridays’, reports Debra Thompson
- The government’s three-tier system: how five employers are responding (21 October 2020) People Management spoke to HR leaders in ‘high’ and ‘very high’ alert areas to find out whether this has affected their approach to home working and staff safety
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? …Bistrot Pierre (28 September 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Community Integrated Care (11 September 2020)
- How CPP Group is approaching reopening its offices (9 September 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Acorn Early Years Foundation (20 July 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Surrey and Sussex Police (7 July 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Skanska UK (22 June 2020)
- The importance of mentoring through a crisis (9 June 2020) As the coronavirus outbreak continues to put a strain on wellbeing, Sonika Sharma explains how Unilever has benefited from mentorship
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? …London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (19 June 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? …UK Export Finance (5 June 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2 June 2020)
- DHL Express's HR response to Covid-19 (29 May 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...St Mungo’s (29 May 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Mental Health Matters (20 May 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? …Virgin Media (15 May 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? …Clarity (6 May 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Lime Wood Group Hotels (30 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (29 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Bank of Ireland (24 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...BrewDog (23 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Siemens Healthineers (21 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? …Wiltshire Council (17 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Waterstones (16 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? …Total Produce (15 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Cadent Gas (14 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Financial Ombudsman Service (8 April 2020)
- “Staff have quickly grasped skills that would have taken days or even weeks to master” (7 April 2020) Sally Hopper shares how Hertfordshire Council’s HR team has responded to the virus, including turning its recruitment function into a redeployment hub, and trusting staff to make the right calls
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Better Food (7 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? …The City of Edinburgh Council (1 April 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...International SOS (30 March 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Fideres Partners (25 March 2020)
- How are people teams responding to coronavirus? ...Unicef UK (23 March 2020)
CIPD resources
- 'Responding to the coronavirus' information hub As measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 take on increasing priority, the CIPD will collate and publish updated resources to support your response
Latest news
- Live blog: Keep up to date with the actions employers are taking to tackle the outbreak in People Management's live commentary
- One in eight older workers delaying retirement because of coronavirus, poll finds (2 December 2020) Experts warn the outbreak has ‘decimated’ pension pots, although the rise in flexible working means more people are choosing to work longer
- One in seven workers say employer monitoring has increased during Covid (30 November 2020) Research also reveals a quarter of staff have had their work communications screened as experts warn surveillance has ‘taken off’ since the pandemic began
- One in five employers monitoring remote workers or planning to do so, poll finds (26 November 2020) Lawyers warn businesses could lose trust or fall foul of the law if they are not transparent about surveillance with their workforce
- Spending review leaves ‘big gap’ in skills investment, says CIPD (26 November 2020) Experts warn the workforce needs to be equipped for changing job opportunities to help the economy recover in the aftermath of Covid
- Chancellor announces £3bn unemployment scheme and minimum wage increases (25 November 2020) Government pledges tailored support for those out of work for more than a year, but warns joblessness could peak at 2.6 million in 2021
- What does the new tiered lockdown scheme mean for employers? (24 November 2020) As England prepares to move into a new system of regional restrictions, People Management asked the experts how businesses should react
- Covid renewing employers’ focus on internal talent pools, research finds (20 November 2020) Experts warn against cutting ‘vulnerable’ L&D budgets in challenging times or risk potential future growth
- Key workers at risk of losing jobs because of sick pay rules, REC warns (11 November 2020) Government faces mounting pressure to overhaul SSP, as CIPD and TUC call for it to be raised to match the living wage
- Record number of redundancies drives up unemployment, ONS finds (10 November 2020) Experts say furlough extension and promise of a vaccine will ‘boost confidence’ but warn of a tough winter ahead for employers
- Third of employers planning redundancies this year, report finds (9 November 2020) CIPD warns of ‘long and hard winter’ ahead for businesses despite recruitment plans picking up for some
- Furlough scheme extended until March, chancellor announces (5 November 2020) Government will pay 80 per cent of staff’s wages for hours not worked, with this reviewed in January to see if firms should be asked to start contributing
- More than a million paid less than minimum wage on furlough, ONS finds (4 November 2020) Despite no legal obligation to do so, experts urge firms to top up job retention scheme pay to support low earners and preserve company reputations
- How are employers reacting to a second lockdown in England? (3 November 2020) People Management asked HR leaders in a range of sectors what the latest restrictions mean for them, including around office use and furloughing staff
- England’s second national lockdown and HR: what we know so far (2 November 2020) What are the new rules for shielding employees? Will offices now be forced to close again? People Management gives the lowdown
- How will the government’s extended furlough U-turn work in practice? (2 November 2020) The move to continue this and pause the job support scheme has been welcomed, but some warn it is too last minute to help many and of huge confusion created
- One in five Covid whistleblowers sacked, research reveals (30 October 2020) Charity also finds number of complaints ignored by employers increased during lockdown, with furlough fraud and safety rule breaches of most concern
- Review calls for duty to report occupational coronavirus infections and deaths (28 Oct 2020) Requirement for employers to publish Covid-19 risk assessments on a central portal also urged, as ethnic minorities are found to be more exposed at work
- Young and ethnic minority workers hardest hit by post-furlough job cuts, report finds (28 Oct 2020) Experts stress the ‘unequal impact of the pandemic is not inevitable’, urging the use of workforce data and equality impact assessments in redundancy processes
- Disabled workers facing a coronavirus ‘jobs crisis’, survey shows (27 October 2020) Two-fifths of employers say being unable to support those with disabilities during the outbreak is a barrier to employing them
- What benefits should you be providing to home workers? (26 October 2020) With the death of office-based perks such as free food and gym passes, People Management asks what should replace these, including new expense policies
- One in 10 furloughed staff asked to work, report finds (23 October 2020) Experts warn businesses breaking the rules could face prosecution and tribunals, and that the new job support scheme will involve more stringent checks
- The new job support scheme: what's changed for employers? (23 October 2020) With just nine days to get up to speed with the government’s now much more generous offering, People Management explains what HR needs to know
- Chancellor slashes job support scheme employer contributions (22 October 2020) Firms now only required to pay 5 per cent of wages lost through short-time working and staff to put in just 20 per cent of their normal hours to be eligible
- Exclusive data on HR’s reaction to the reopening offices U-turn: how do you compare? (19 October 2020) People Management asked employers if their approach had changed following the latest government guidance on working from home
- Furlough fraud caused by scheme being ‘hastily drawn up’, report finds (16 October 2020) Parliamentary committee chair calls for a list of all companies receiving money through the job retention scheme to be published
- Two-thirds of adults now travelling to work, official figures show (15 October 2020) Proportion of people commuting is at its highest since mid-May, with the number of online job adverts also on the rise
- Flexible working more popular with male employees since lockdown, survey finds (14 October 2020) Widespread home working has lessened the stigma around men requesting non-conventional arrangements, say experts
- Many firms will ‘fall between the gaps’ of furlough extension, say experts (12 October 2020) As the government prepares to outline new local lockdown rules, the CIPD warns employers may miss out on both the new job retention scheme and job support programme
- What is the new local furlough scheme and how will it work? (9 October 2020) People Management provides the lowdown on what we know so far about the proposed three-tier system, and who is likely to be impacted by new restrictions
- Government launches £238m employment programme in wake of pandemic (5 October 2020) Scheme to offer coaching and advice to jobseekers who have been out of work for three months because of Covid-19
- Three-quarters of firms plan to maintain Covid levels of home working, poll finds (5 October 2020) Survey of directors finds many intend to take a blended approach, but experts warn managing teams remotely can prove ‘far from straightforward’
- More than half of employees still going in to work, ONS data shows (1 October 2020) Latest figures reveal a slight drop following the change in government guidance, and a small increase in the number conducting their roles exclusively from home
- Quarter of firms unaware of redundancy consultation legalities, research finds (1 October 2020) With many planning to inform workers of layoffs via phone or video calls, employers must build in extra time for logistical issues, say experts
- Employers could face £10,000 fines for asking self-isolating staff to attend work (28 September 2020) New law coming into force today aims to crack down on firms and individuals not following the rules, with HR urged to communicate the change to employees
- How will the job support scheme actually work? (25 September 2020) With so much about the chancellor’s new initiative still unclear, People Management asked legal experts for their steer on some key grey areas
- Chancellor announces job support scheme to replace furlough (24 September 2020) New package will focus on ‘viable jobs’ and top up the pay of workers on reduced hours
- Should offices stay open despite changed advice? (23 September 2020) Government U-turn creates confusion among employers, with experts advising that workplaces do not need to close if attending is important for staff wellbeing
- Businesses should return to home working where possible, says prime minister (22 September 2020) Government reveals an abrupt U-turn on advice to reopen offices in parliamentary address on stemming an increase in Covid cases
- More than £215m of furlough funds repaid by employers (21 September 2020) Tens of thousands of organisations have returned money they did not need or claimed in error
- Will auto-enrolment be reformed in the wake of Covid? (18 September 2020) Experts have called for low earners to be allowed to opt out of pension contributions while still receiving them from their employer. But what would the impact be for firms?
- Half of workers have received no Covid mental health support, poll finds (17 September 2020) Employees report worse psychological wellbeing since the crisis hit, with the majority saying they would not reach out to HR for help
- Home working boosts work-life balance, collaboration and focus, report finds (17 September 2020) CIPD research reveals the majority of employers now intend to offer this on a regular basis, but challenges remain around wellbeing and managing workers virtually
- Young people hit hardest as unemployment rises to highest level in two years, ONS finds (15 September 2020) Experts call on government to provide additional interventions, with data revealing 695,000 jobs have been cut since March
- Half of key workers have blown whistle on unsafe practices during Covid, poll finds (14 September) Top concerns include inability to social distance, lack of PPE and vulnerable staff being forced back to a place of work
- Covid redundancies will exceed anything seen in ‘at least a generation’, study suggests (14 September 2020) IES warns job cuts could be double the last recession’s peak, as experts say new ‘rule of six’ restrictions may push unemployment even higher than previous predictions
- Majority of employees want to work from home for most of the week, research finds (11 September 2020) Poll reveals more than half of workers are still reluctant to return to the office, but experts say suggestions that home working will become the norm are 'premature'
- Could employers be obliged to pay the full wages of self-isolating staff? (9 September 2020) Campaigners have highlighted the plight of low-paid workers unable to afford quarantining themselves and called on the government to act. But how likely is statutory sick pay reform?
- HMRC won’t pursue firms making ’legitimate’ furlough errors, it says (8 September 2020) Tax authority’s approach seems surprisingly lenient, experts comment, as body estimates up to £3.5bn may have been claimed fraudulently or by mistake
- National living wage could be frozen amid Covid uncertainty (7 September 2020) Low Pay Commission warns planned rises may be ‘unaffordable’ for employers in a recession but TUC urges government not to ‘renege on its commitment’
- Number of Brits working exclusively from home steadily decreasing, says ONS (4 September 2020) Figures also show more people are now travelling to work, as business, retail and hospitality groups continue to call for a return to the office
- Schools reopening won’t mean a return to business as usual, firms told (2 September 2020) Parents still need flexibility during the working day because of staggered drop-off times, new transport rules and cancelled extracurricular activities, say experts
- Four-day week could create 500,000 jobs, says think tank (1 September 2020) As the furlough scheme begins to wind down, experts say reducing the public sector week to 32 hours would help tackle a looming unemployment crisis
- Government warned not to pressurise staff back into offices (1 September 2020) In response to a campaign that could suggest those not returning are more at risk of redundancy, experts urge firms to maintain flexible working options
Advice for HR professionals
- Covid-19 vaccine: what businesses should consider (18 November 2020) With major breakthroughs in the search for a jab, People Management asked the experts when (and if) employers can expect to return to normal, and the legalities of mandating that workers get immunised
- Long Covid: what employers need to know (17 November 2020) With thousands of people still unwell months after contracting coronavirus, how can organisations support employees suffering from the condition? People Management asked the experts
- How can we avoid Covid creating a ‘lost generation’? (13 November 2020) Ruth Christy looks at how employers can help young people who may have lost opportunities because of coronavirus to enter the workplace
- How can we maintain professional relationships while working from home? (13 November 2020) With many people still remote working and ‘Zoom fatigue’ taking its toll, Andy Lopata explains how we can keep human contact going from behind a screen
- Should employers let staff work remotely from abroad during lockdown? (9 November 2020) People Management asks the experts what the risks for businesses and employees are of weathering coronavirus in a foreign country
- How should HR react to the furlough extension? (6 November 2020) With the government’s surprise announcement causing confusion among people professionals, People Management asked the experts how organisations can reframe their workforce strategies
- Furlough extension FAQs: your most pressing queries answered (3 November 2020) Can staff recently made redundant be brought back and put on the scheme? Or those who’ve not been on it before? People Management asked the experts
- We must get beyond the home vs office debate to reinvent work (27 Oct 2020) Now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and design a new model fit for the 21st century, say Chris Kane and Eugenia Anastassiou
- Helping employees self-manage conditions such as long Covid (26 October 2020) Workplace support for those with long-term ill-health is currently insufficient, says Sally Hemming, but must now be viewed as essential
- “After contracting coronavirus in March, I’m still ill – HR must support people like me” (19 October 2020) Employers should prepare for staff with ‘long Covid’, says Judith Grant, who has suffered chronic symptoms including fatigue, difficulty breathing and a racing heart
- Is it worth applying to the job support scheme? (8 October 2020) Employers will need to weigh the cost of topping up short-time staff’s wages with that of making redundancies, rehiring in the future and potential reputational damage
- Why your business may need a director of remote work (8 October 2020) Some companies have already created such a position, reports John Blakey, with leaders needing to make a firm ideological choice on dynamic working over the coming months
- How to stop virtual meetings taking over your day (7 October 2020) Back-to-back video calls are fast causing a new kind of mental health crisis, says Helena Sharpstone – but there are ways to keep them under control
- Everything you need to know about bringing staff back from furlough (2 October 2020) With the scheme ending in less than a month, experts offer advice on communicating with employees about their return and helping them get back up to speed
- Can you test employees working from home for drug and alcohol abuse? (30 September 2020) With many firms’ plans to fully reopen offices now suspended, People Management asks the experts how to monitor and offer support on substance misuse remotely
- How to avoid an ‘autumn of angst’ as furloughed staff return (28 September 2020) Some might be coming back to work feeling unfairly treated or mismanaged while on the job retention scheme, says Sandra McLellan, who advises mediation and regular check-ins
- Government’s reopening offices U-turn: how six HRDs are responding (24 September 2020) An abrupt change in approach has led to different employer reactions, with some allowing staff struggling at home to come in, and others closing completely
- Can employers reduce pay for permanent home working? (23 September 2020) With commuting cost savings and an end to geographical market rates, People Management asks whether wages could fall if firms move away from office-based working
- Real-life redundancy experiences: what should these businesses have done differently? (16 September 2020) People Management analyses three accounts of job losses during Covid, including a longstanding freelancer suddenly exited and clinical, dispassionate treatment
- What might replace furlough? (And how likely is this?) (15 September 2020) Many are calling on the government to extend the job retention scheme or look to other options. People Management rounds up these proposals and asks experts how they could work
- Will workplace testing become mandatory? And how should HR approach it? (10 September 2020) People Management asks experts for advice on key areas, including how much tests cost, what to do if an employee refuses and GDPR implications
- How to support bereaved employees returning to the workplace (4 September 2020) As lockdown eases, employers should bear in mind that workers who’ve suffered a bereavement might be feeling apprehensive about going back to the office, says Jean Watkins
- How should HR approach post-lockdown commuting? (3 September 2020) People Management consults experts on key questions, including whether firms can ban staff from using public transport and if they are obliged to cover extra costs such as parking
- What is furlough fraud and how can you avoid it? (3 September 2020) With HMRC inundated with reports of job retention scheme abuse, legal experts answer some common questions to help employers stay on the right side of the law
- How to handle high numbers of job applications (28 August 2020) People Management collates advice and tips from recruiters and other people professionals to help organisations prepare for unprecedented levels of hopeful candidates
- What would a second Covid-19 wave mean for HR? (27 August 2020) People Management asks people professionals and employment law experts how businesses should ready themselves in the event that lockdown measures are reintroduced
- What Covid has taught us about culture – and what needs to change (25 August 2020) The pandemic has amplified the gap between more and less adaptive workplaces, but turning things around may prove difficult even where the case is clear, says Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
- Lockdown has shown some people processes can be abandoned – but not all (24 August 2020) Several standard HR activities haven’t been missed by the business during Covid-19, says Graham Salisbury, but others should be maintained to avoid issues long term
- How to fill the gap left by peer-to-peer learning (14 August 2020) We’re missing out on informal training while remote working, says Helena Sharpstone – but there are ways to overcome what’s lacking
- As remote working continues, trust is key to maintaining momentum (13 August 2020) With working from home looking more like a long-term reality than a short-term solution, Jenny Perkins explains how employers can keep workers engaged
- How to help parents work from home (12 August 2020) Employers need to be especially flexible for remote workers with young children now the summer holidays have started, says Emma Yearwood
- Back to the office FAQs: how should HR approach returning staff to their desks? (5 August 2020) People Management asks experts for advice on local lockdowns, the first day back and what to do if an employee won’t social distance or follow safety rules
- Creating a return to work culture (5 August 2020) Liz Beck outlines the key areas businesses need to focus on as they start to welcome employees back into the workplace
- How to support shielding employees as they return to work (3 August 2020) Businesses should communicate effectively with their more vulnerable staff, and ensure they prioritise their emotional wellbeing, says Brendan Street
- How can HR encourage staff to socially distance when back at work? (30 July 2020) Experts offer tips on keeping employees safe when they return from 1 August, including on what to do if someone won’t follow the rules
- Redundancy FAQs: how to run a fair process (28 July 2020) People Management asks experts for guidance on some key questions, including on making a justifiable case, selection criteria and avoiding reputational damage
- Employers must act to restore their workforce’s mental wellbeing (24 July 2020) To mitigate the psychological health crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, organisations need to take proactive steps now, says Louise Abbs
- How can employers support bereaved staff? (23 July 2020) Following a call for the extension of paid bereavement leave, People Management explores how people professionals can help employees who experience a loss
- Five ways HR can help firms survive the economic turmoil ahead (16 July 2020) To maintain a sense of togetherness, people teams must pay attention to psychological safety, values and managing conflict, says David Liddle
- How to tackle interpersonal challenges remotely (15 July 2020) Face-to-face meetings may not be possible at the moment, but managers can still ensure staff feel heard, understood and supported during difficult conversations, says Philippa Lucarz
- How should people professionals handle a local lockdown? (10 July 2020) People Management asks HR and employment law experts for advice on key points of concern, including contingency planning and staff commuting from affected areas
- How to combat survivor syndrome at work (10 July 2020) HR must enlist the help of mentors and ensure former staff aren’t forgotten to tackle feelings of guilt among remaining employees, says David Clutterbuck
- Parents have felt the love during lockdown – but what about working carers? (9 July 2020) Those who look after a partner, friend or parent on top of their jobs are often overlooked for support by employers, but hopefully this will change post lockdown, says Tolu Farinto
- Where will we work post Covid-19? (6 July 2020) Justine James makes the case for employers to offer a balance of office and home working once the coronavirus pandemic is over
- 10 workplace shifts caused by Covid – and their lasting effects (2 July 2020) Rohit Talwar asks what new ways of thinking and working could take hold or be abandoned as we move beyond lockdown
- How to leave lockdown safely… and strategically (22 June 2020) The world has changed since the start of the outbreak, says Matt Hamnett. So wellbeing is paramount in returning people to work, but firms must also make conscious strategic decisions
- How should employers approach redundancies over the coming months? (18 June 2020) People Management answers some key questions, including on whether businesses can lay staff off while still using the furlough scheme and how to run remote consultations
- Now is the time for L&D to go virtual (12 June 2020) Coronavirus has forced employers to assess what skills they need and how learning is delivered, says Patricia McEvoy
- How should HR support managers on staff wellbeing as the Covid crisis continues? (10 June 2020) Line managers will need new skills as well as extra guidance on looking after themselves as some employees return to work while others continue to do their jobs from home
- How can HR spot the signs of domestic violence during lockdown? (28 May 2020) There has been an increase in reported cases of abuse in the home since lockdown began. Angela Paradise advises on what people teams can do – during the current crisis and beyond
- The five foundations of self-care (27 May 2020) By focusing on the key elements of self-care, leaders can help their teams safeguard their wellbeing during the pandemic, says Doug Upchurch
- Making the most of working through lockdown (26 May 2020) Now is a good time to invest in our wellbeing by creating healthy work habits at home, exploring self-care methods and staying connected with colleagues, says Sarah McIntosh
- How can companies regain trust with furloughed employees? (21 May 2020) As staff return to work, some will be angry at having been considered non-essential, others at having to take on extra work, so firms must work hard to rebuild engagement, says Alys O'Neill
- How to create a coronavirus risk assessment (18 May 2020) Government guidelines state all firms returning staff to work should produce an assessment to ensure their workplace is ‘Covid secure’. So what must this cover?
- 10 lessons in HR decision-making from the Covid-19 crisis (14 May 2020) As HR moves towards greater adoption of evidence-based practice, Rob Briner looks at what it can learn from how politicians are currently using scientific advice
- HR must prepare for increased workloads and responsibility as furlough scheme is extended, say experts (13 May 2020) Commentators broadly welcome the job retention scheme’s extension and improved flexibility, but advise people professionals to plan for this now
- How can HR remotely manage… staff wellbeing? (7 May 2020) People Management’s series looks at the implications of many employers now having to conduct all people processes remotely in the wake of coronavirus
- Are virtual candidate assessments as good as face-to-face? (6 May 2020) With many organisations hurriedly implementing digital tools in the wake of Covid-19, Charlotte Schaller explains what organisations should consider before turning their recruitment digital
- How can HR remotely manage… disciplinaries? (1 May 2020) People Management’s series looks at the implications of many employers now having to conduct all people processes remotely in the wake of coronavirus
- How to help working parents avoid burnout during lockdown (22 April 2020) Employers need to tread carefully if they want to get the most out of staff with caring responsibilities without adding unnecessary pressure, says Helen Letchfield
- What can HR do if CEOs don’t respond well to Covid-19? (22 April 2020) Martin Tiplady answers some reader queries on what to do if leaders won’t let staff work from home or don’t support scenario planning around continued lockdown
- How can HR support social connection when staff are socially isolating? (21 April 2020) As businesses and employees navigate the uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic, they must remember to put inclusion first, says Susanne Jacobs
- How to manage multigenerational teams working from home (16 April 2020) HR must help managers understand how different generations like to work, and how this translates into the virtual space, says Carina Paine Schofield
- How can HR remotely manage… learning and development? (9 April 2020) People Management’s series looks at the implications of many employers now having to conduct all people processes remotely in the wake of coronavirus
Employment law advice
- The latest furlough updates – explained (30 November 2020) Melanie Lane and Tracey Marsden outline the implications for employers of the government’s job retention scheme guidelines
- Will long Covid be classed as a disability? (27 November 2020) Kathryn Fielder explains whether the long-term effects of contracting coronavirus could be covered by the Equality Act in future
- Are redundant employees allowed paid time off for job hunting? (25 November 2020) With cuts increasing as businesses seek to reduce costs, James Tamm explains the legal position on leave for staff to find their next role
- The legal implications of working overseas during Covid (18 November 2020) Joe Beeston and Kelly Noel-Smith explain what employers should consider if an employee wants to work remotely from another jurisdiction
- The extended furlough scheme – explained (17 November 2020) Tracey Marsden and Melanie Lane examine the details of the government’s latest decision to run the job retention scheme until next year
- The long-term impact of Covid on the workplace (12 November 2020) Danielle McGuigan examines the detrimental effects of the pandemic on areas such as employee mental and physical health, training, skills and equality
- Can employers forbid use of the Test and Trace app at work? (11 November 2020) An increasing number of organisations are asking their people to turn off the NHS Covid-19 app while in the workplace. Helen Farr explores the implications of such a move
- What does the job retention scheme extension mean for employers? (10 November 2020) Mark Kaye explains key considerations for firms following the government’s announcement, including rehiring and furloughing workers
- Has Covid decided the future of location-based pay? (5 November 2020) Nick Elwell-Sutton explores employers’ options if they want to lower their salary cost base by moving to remuneration based on where workers live
- What does the furlough extension mean for employers? (4 November 2020) Melanie Lane and Tracey Marsden look at the implications for businesses, and explain where clarifications are still needed
- Can parents attend work if their child is sent home? (3 November 2020) Jane Hallas unravels the conflicting messages on self-isolation requirements if a child is not allowed to go to school because of a Covid-19 outbreak
- The role and rights of health and safety representatives (28 Oct 2020) Covid-19 has brought the importance of staff taking on such duties to the fore, say Victoria Albon and Kate Coppack – but what protections apply?
- Managing the end of furlough (27 Oct 2020) As the job retention scheme draws to a close, Alana Penkethman and Molly Dilling explain how to accommodate employees’ varying needs
- How has coronavirus changed the role of HR? (22 October 2020) Allison Crabtree explores the ways the pandemic has affected people professionals’ responsibilities and priorities
- Key HR considerations of the move to remote working (21 October 2020) Hannah Netherton and Anna Cope explore whether employment law can keep pace with the home working revolution
- Misconduct in the time of Covid-19 (14 October 2020) Following breaches of coronavirus regulations by some well-known figures, Paul Reeves, Leanne Raven and Louisa Blundell explain what employers need to know about the new self-isolation rules
- Can employers make contact tracing apps compulsory? (13 October 2020) With the government encouraging people to download its test and trace app, Fiona Herrell explains whether firms can insist their staff use it
- Responding to claims out of time because of the pandemic (12 October 2020) With Covid causing problems and delays, Katie Maguire explains what employers can do if they miss the 28-day tribunal response deadline
- The pros and cons of the job support scheme (9 October 2020) Annabel Mackay examines the government’s new attempt to preserve jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic
- Women’s legal rights during job cuts (7 October 2020) Kirsty Thompson explains what employers need to consider when an employee on maternity leave is at risk of redundancy
- How has Covid-19 affected working women? (6 October 2020) Anne Pritam and Leanne Raven look at the impact of the pandemic on female employees and the legal implications for businesses
- Will the new job support scheme really work? (28 September 2020) Mark Kaye looks into whether the chancellor’s new initiative to prevent redundancies is likely to have the intended effect
- Do self-isolating employees qualify for SSP? (22 September 2020) Debbie Coyne explains the changes that have been made to statutory sick pay rules to cover workers who need to quarantine
- Can employers make masks mandatory? (21 September 2020) Samantha Randall explains the rules around forcing employees to wear face coverings in the workplace
- Avoiding coronavirus-related discrimination claims (18 September 2020) The Covid-19 pandemic has created new situations where discrimination can flourish. Adam Penman examines the potential danger zones employers should be aware of
- Planning job cuts in the age of coronavirus (16 September 2020) With employers needing to issue redundancy notices for the end of furlough by today, Beth Hale and Nick Hawkins explain what they should bear in mind
- Managing Covid-related holiday accrual (15 September 2020) From furlough to cancelled time off, Emma O’Connor explains how organisations can deal with mounting levels of annual leave among their workforce
- How probation can streamline recruiting during a recession (9 September 2020) If used correctly, probationary periods can help employers avoid costly mis-hires in the wake of coronavirus, says James Tamm
- Avoiding disputes arising from Covid-19 (8 September 2020) Layla Barke-Jones outlines how businesses can reduce the risk of grievances, from completing a thorough risk assessment to prioritising employee engagement
- New legal risks for recruiters (7 September 2020) Carla Feakins explains the potential legislative pitfalls brought about by coronavirus that hiring professionals should be aware of
- Does an employer’s duty of care extend to commuting? (4 September 2020) Helen Farr explains whether organisations have a legal obligation to ensure their staff remain safe during their journeys to and from work
- Supporting workers’ mental health during Covid (3 September 2020) Richard Brown and Mariella Nigrelli explain employers’ obligations in preventing and managing psychological wellbeing issues among their staff
- The legalities of face coverings in the workplace (2 September 2020) Nick Wilson provides advice for employers in light of ever-changing guidance around wearing masks at work
- Handling disciplinaries and grievances in the age of coronavirus (28 August 2020) Mary Goldsbrough explains what systems businesses should have in place to successfully manage performance management issues remotely
- Has coronavirus caused a rise in protected disclosures? (27 August 2020) Whistleblowing for Covid-19 health and safety breaches is becoming a growing legal and reputational risk for employers, as Paida Dube explains
- How should HR deal with requests to ‘home work’ from overseas? (26 August 2020) Steven Cochrane and Andrew Quayle explain the key legal points businesses must consider if an employee wants to work remotely when abroad
- Staying GDPR compliant during Covid-19 (25 August 2020) The crisis has raised questions around whether firms can ask for information on symptoms and diagnoses, and whether they can store this data. Amanda Beaumont advises
- Can employers rehire redundant workers on different terms? (20 August 2020) Alana Penkethman and Molly Dilling explain the potential pitfalls involved in dismissing and re-recruiting employees on new contracts
- Is it legal to record video meetings? (17 August 2020) Kathleen Morrison explains the circumstances in which employers and employees can lawfully record virtual disciplinary meetings and other consultations
- Managing neurodiverse workers remotely (14 August 2020) Amid the rise of long-term home working, Amanda Beaumont outlines how employers can make sure they are still meeting the needs of neurodivergent employees
- FAQs on collective consultation (12 August 2020) As the furlough scheme begins to wind down, many businesses will be contemplating large-scale redundancies. Sarah Austin offers answers to some key queries around this issue
- How will Covid-19 affect gender equality? (11 August 2020) The accelerated move towards flexible working brought about by the crisis may benefit women, but risks offices becoming ‘men’s dens’. Gillian MacLellan and Abbie Harley explain how employers can mitigate this
- What do the Spanish quarantine rules mean for employers? (7 August 2020) With people returning to the UK from Spain required to self-isolate for two weeks, David Sheppard answers key questions around the implications for workers
- Can employers enforce tests for Covid-19? (6 August 2020) Lloyd Davey and Sarah Taylor explain the circumstances under which workplace coronavirus testing is legal, and what organisations should consider
- The implications of furlough abuse (5 August 2020) Richard Fox explains the consequences employers can expect to face if they have intentionally or accidentally misused the job retention scheme
- Post furlough, is redundancy the only way to reduce headcount? (4 August 2020) While many businesses are having to make staff cuts now, some are realising they may need more employees again soon. Charlie Maples explores some alternative options
- What does the government’s latest return to work guidance change? (3 August 2020) Melanie Lane and Catherine Taylor look at what recent clarifications from Westminster mean for employers considering bringing workers back to the office