Coronavirus – Accurate guidance for employers amongst all the noise

There is now a considerable volume of out-of-date, inaccurate and unhelpful information online about how to deal with the Coronavirus situation. Law firm, Myerson Solicitors, based in Altrincham, are directing businesses to the most appropriate sources of information following a request from The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) to help sign post the best resources at this difficult time.

The firm have set out the relevant listing in the toolkit below.

Joanne Evans, Partner said;

“As we all know, the Government’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic is now changing and adapting daily. Measures to protect the health and wellbeing of employees and to prevent the spread of the virus should be the primary focus of all employers throughout the UK. At Myerson we want to ensure we are supporting and directing employers and individuals to the right information”.

Businesses are facing unforeseen and unprecedented challenges, particularly in the hospitality and travel sector, although no-one is unaffected. Myerson are available to offer both legal and practical guidance and solutions on how to manage the impact during this difficult period.

Joanne continued; “If anyone is concerned or has any questions about the impact on their business or their workforce, we recommend that they take advice because this is a fast-moving situation”.

Recommended Toolkit of Essential Sources

ACAS

The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) is an independent body and offers guidance for employers and employees. Their guidance on dealing with the Coronavirus situation can be found via the following link: https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

NHS

Health-related guidance from the National Health Service is available via the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Public Health Guidance

Public Health England provide specific guidance for employers, educational and health-related organisations. Public Health England also provide an option to receive updates directly to aid employers to stay up to date with the changing advice. Their guidance can be found via the following links:

• Public Health England: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england
• Public Health Wales: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/
• Health Protection Scotland: https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/wuhan-novel-coronavirus/
• Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus

Due to the unprecedented nature of the Coronavirus pandemic, the guidance on how to adapt to its impact evolves daily and becomes out of date very quickly. Myerson recommends that businesses keep checking to ensure they are following the most up to date advice. Further, in addition to the public guidance, there are always specific circumstances that individual employers must consider, such as particular employee or employer arrangements or issues. If in doubt employers should take advice.