We round up the latest employment news.
Omicron: new testing and self-isolation rules
A couple of weeks ago, the government introduced new rules, which meant that anyone who had come into close contact with someone who was suspected of having the Omicron variant, had to self-isolate for 10 days, even if they'd been double vaccinated.
Those rules have now changed. Double-vaccinated people in England who are contacted by NHS test and trace can now take a lateral flow test every day for up to 10 days, rather than having to self-isolate. They only need to self-isolate if they test positive.
These rules also apply to people who are medically exempt from the vaccination.
However, unvaccinated adults aren’t eligible for this new daily testing policy, and must self-isolate for 10 days if they're a contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of the strain.
All countries removed from red list
The government has removed all eleven African countries from it’s red list. Anyone who was required to pay for and self-isolate in a pre-booked government approved hotel can leave early unless they've tested positive for COVID-19.
New rules for foreign travel
Anyone who arrives in England from abroad must self-isolate until they obtain a negative PCR test (the test must be done before the end of day two after they arrive back in the UK). These new rules apply to UK nationals who are fully vaccinated.
Anyone who isn’t fully vaccinated must quarantine at home for 10 days and take two PCR tests after they return to the UK – the first within 48 hours of arrival and the second on or after day eight.
Home Office launches new Skilled Worker eligibility tool
The Home Office has launched a new Skilled Worker eligibility tool, as part of its ongoing plan to simplify immigration procedures. The tool is available for potential applicants or employers to assess eligibility under the Skilled Worker route.
Increases in statutory rate of SSP and maternity pay
In April 2022, the following statutory rates will increase:
• Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Paternity Pay, Statutory Adoption Pay, Statutory Shared Parental Pay, Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay and Maternity Allowance will all increase from £151.97 to £156.66 per week
• Statutory Sick Pay will increase from £96.35 to £99.35 per week.
Company cars: advisory fuel rates from Wednesday 1 December 2021
HMRC has published revised advisory fuel rates for company cars which apply from Wednesday 1 December 2021.
ECHR launches new legal support scheme tackling racial discrimination
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (ECHR) has launched a new legal fund to tackle racial discrimination. Funding will be available for legal practitioners seeking advice when dealing with complaints of race discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
The ‘Race Legal Support Fund’ will open for at least two years, and £250,000 has already been allocated to the fund in the first year.
Artificial intelligence in the workplace
The UK government’s All Party Parliamentary Group on the Future of Work has published a report examining the use, implications, and potential regulation of surveillance and other artificial intelligence technologies in the workplace.
Read more - December 2021
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