Covid-19 Update - 01/04

On 1^st April, the Government is implementing the latest ‘Living with Covid-19’ guidance, so as part of this we have reviewed all Society policies and continue to follow the guidance. For guidance on face coverings, colleagues should refer to their trading area for their individual groups or discuss this with their line manager.

Regarding perspex screens, these safety measures will remain alongside ensuring that hand sanitiser is available, something that will be reviewed month by month as we move towards the Summer and warmer weather.

A key point that has been released was that all free symptomatic and asymptomatic testing will be removed i.e., Lateral Flow and PCR testing. Certain colleagues may also be eligible for free Covid testing through the Government and if this is the case then they will be notified by the Government shortly and receive these in the post. However, for colleagues that do not qualify for this, our Healthcare business is providing testing kits at an exclusive cost price (simply log in to the website to gain the discount), click here to find out more.

Regarding testing, we are aware of the changes and the Society is there to support all colleagues by going above and beyond the standard guidance:

If a colleague tests positive for Covid-19 and provides their line manager with evidence of a positive result, then:

• they are advised to remain away from work for 5 full calendar days as the evidence suggests this is when they are most infectious, with colleagues being able to return on day 6.

• the Society will ensure that colleagues are not financially disadvantaged i.e., if a colleague no longer has or runs out of company sick pay then this will be topped up.

• The spell of absence will continue to be omitted from the absence trigger points.

Whilst we appreciate there may be mixed emotions about the changing of the guidance, it is essential that we continue to ensure that all of us as colleagues, members and customers feel as safe as possible in our workplaces and continue to follow the Government guidance.

More information including the Society’s FAQ’s and policies, which will be updated in due course, will reflect this announcement in the Coronavirus information centre. This can be found here.

If you have any additional questions which are not captured on this page please direct these to your line manager in the first instance, colleagues can also contact the HR Advice Line on 01926 516469 for further support.