This week will mark a positive step towards Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed in the workplace. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, announced that Scotland will be taking a more relaxed approach towards working from home, in favour of hybrid working. This decision was made following a decline in Covid-19 cases throughout Scotland in the last week.
From Monday 31st January 2022, a phased return to the office will begin with the “work from home wherever practical” guidance being replaced with a “hybrid” approach. This means employers should arrange for staff to have a combination of both working from home and in the office. Nicola Sturgeon has urged that this shouldn’t be a mass return as this could have a negative impact on the number of cases.
The Scottish Government has acknowledged that not all roles are suitable for a “hybrid” format eg manufacturing. To accommodate different businesses, the government has advised no formal timetable will be provided which gives a date all employees should return. This gives flexibility for employers to follow the guidance in a way that works for their business.
If you need any advice on implementing “hybrid working” then please get in touch with our Legal & HR Team on 0141 221 3181. Members are also invited to join us at our February ‘Breakfast Briefing’ 8:00-8.30 am on the 2nd February 2022, where this topic will be touched upon further.
