Returning to work challenges

Employees who can’t (or won’t) return to work: a troubleshooting guide:

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant drastic changes for the UK’s workplaces, including three lockdowns, many social restrictions and government advice that people should only leave home to attend work if they “cannot reasonably work from home”.

While everyone is still advised to continue to work from home where possible, if that’s not possible, they’re now able to attend the workplace. And as the UK begins its phased emergence from lockdown, employers will now begin the process of returning some (or all) of their people back into the workplace.

As this return to work begins, you might find some of your employees might be resistant to the idea of returning to the workplace. So, it’s vital to know where you stand as an employer if an employee is refusing to return.

Our HR & Employment Law experts have set out below some important points to consider when an employer is looking to require an employee back to the workplace.