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Workers may have the legal right to work from home after the coronavirus blockage is alleviated.
The proposal, which is reportedly supported by government ministers, would mean that companies could only reject an employee’s request to work from home if their tasks can only be performed in the workplace.
Ensuring the right to work from home would mean that staff cannot be forced to return to the office after closing, but can continue to work remotely, the Telegraph reports.
This is also expected to make it easier for office workers to practice social distancing due to a small number, as the UK continues to take precautions to prevent a second outbreak of the killer virus.
It can also reduce the number of passengers on trains and buses, where the virus can easily spread.
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A minister reportedly told the Telegraph: “It makes a lot of sense.”
It would mean that employees would not feel compelled to return to the office, and companies could limit the cost of workplace modifications, which would otherwise be necessary to enforce social distancing and prevent the spread of the virus.
The proposal, suggested by officials during discussions of the government’s return to work package, is said to be based on existing rules governing parents’ rights to request flexible work from their boss.
The Prime Minister promised greater flexibility for workers in his 2019 party manifesto.
The manifesto read: “We will encourage flexible work and consult to make it the default unless employers have good reason not to.”
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This followed a 2017 review by political strategist Matthew Taylor, in which he wrote: “Encouraging flexible work is good for everyone and has been shown to have a positive impact on productivity, worker retention and job quality. “
The heads of companies preparing to reopen closed offices are contemplating radical changes in the workplace to keep staff safe.
Hand sanitizers and thermal scanners are just the beginning.
Some companies are considering remodeling their offices to minimize the risk of a second wave of infections. There may be long rows of desks, workstations covered with glass sneeze guards.
For the latest coronavirus updates, follow our liveblog
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Companies may be required to pay the bill for face masks for their staff returning to the office.
A government spokesman said: “The Secretary of Business continues to work with companies, union leaders and the scientific and medical community so that we can ensure that workplaces are safe for those who will return to work once the measures are relaxed and effective. people the confidence to return to work. “
New research suggests that nearly half of workers believe they will spend less time in offices as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
A survey of 2,000 workers found that nearly one in two predicted a permanent change in their employers’ approach to flexible work when the shutdown is lifted.
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Nearly half of the ICM O2 respondents said flexible working will increase, and a third expect to increase the number of working from home at least three days a week.
Many employees admitted that lack of social interaction was a challenge, and a third said that working from home can be lonely, and one in four lacks socializing with colleagues.
Dr. Heejung Chung, director of social policy at the University of Kent, who is currently investigating the impact of flexible work, said: “It will be difficult to return to normal forms of work after closure, as we have now shown that most of we can work from home, even though many companies previously told employees it would not be possible. “
Unions warn that many members are concerned that they may not practice social distancing if they return to work.
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Last week, union bosses voiced fury over the government’s return to work rules, calling them an “open target for rebel bosses.”
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady is understood to have urged ministers to strengthen their protections for workers with other union bosses by warning their members that they can refuse to work if they don’t feel safe.
Business Department officials are developing a guide to get people back to work in the coming weeks.
Recommendations could include jaw-dropping shift times to ease rush hour, avoid hot desks or pen-sharing, close elevators and dining rooms.
But, while bosses are advised to keep workers two meters apart whenever possible, the guide says: “It will not always be possible to maintain a distance of 2m. In these circumstances, both employers and employees should do everything possible to reduce the risk. ” “
Cabinet Minister Ben Wallace said some companies may take other measures, including halving the distance to one meter if workers receive screens and a protective kit.
He said, “You could use PPE, that could be a possibility, or you could even find other ways to do it, for example, protecting yourself.”
Unions criticized the guidance, which only asks companies to “consider” the movements, insisting that bosses should be forced to adopt them.
TUC Secretary General Frances O’Grady said: “Throughout this crisis, TUC has tried to engage constructively with ministers.
“But we cannot support the government’s return to work plans as they are.
“They are an open target for dishonest employers, who will cut shortcuts and put their workers and the community at large at risk.
“We want new binding rules for employers to publish their risk assessment. We want clear guidance to establish the minimum standards that current and open employer support plans must meet to protect public safety.
“And we want ministers to describe a tough new approach to implementation. Unless the government significantly strengthens its plans, safe work will not be guaranteed.
“The current proposals do not provide clear direction to those employers who want to act responsibly.”
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