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If you have any questions relating to this article or any help in preparing a foreign travel policy or any other policy, please contact our employment team on [email protected]
Policies are your business’ cultural documents. They are living documents and can be shaped by both legislative changes and business developments. Policies set out the do’s and don’ts as well as the consequences of what happens if the rules are not followed. Policies – and handbooks – should sit outside of the contract of employment. Covid-19 has disrupted life and business as we know it, meaning many employees are now working from home, on furlough or self-isolating. These new ways of working (or not working) are raising numerous questions for employers and require them to also review their policies and ensure they work for the business in the current climate.
On 25 July 2020, the Government announced that anyone returning to the UK from mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands from 26 July 2020 would have to self-isolate for two weeks. This announcement has caused frustration for employers and employees alike who previously believed they could return to the workplace immediately after their travels if they wished.
There is also a risk that the Government will impose self-quarantining rules for travellers returning from other countries.
The new self-quarantine rule creates a number of employment related problems to include:
As can be seen by the Government’s recent order on travellers returning from Spain, the Covid-19 pandemic is resulting in unprecedented decisions being made, with little notice and there is a serious risk that similar decisions may be made concerning return travellers from other countries. In order to prepare for this risk we recommend that employers prepare a foreign travel quarantine policy for its employees who are, or are planning on travelling abroad. As a minimum the policy should set out:
By having such a policy employees will be better informed as to the risk they face in travelling abroad and it will help avoid or reduce the risk of problems arising when employees return from abroad.
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems we recommend that professional advice be sought.
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If you have any questions relating to this article or any help in preparing a foreign travel policy or any other policy, please contact our employment team on [email protected]
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