Can I stay away from work if I am worried about getting Covid?

WORKING from home is now advised in all UK regions – but here’s what to do if you’re still expected to go in.

With Covid cases and hospitalisations rising rapidly, it’s perfectly understandable to be worried about catching the virus.

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And though deaths are falling as Omicron appears less severe than previous variants, Brits have been asked to work from home again if possible.

We explain whether you can stay away from the workplace if you’re scared of getting Covid.

What are the current rules on working from home?

In Scotland, employers are legally required to let staff work from home where possible till mid-January at the earliest.

And in Wales, workers can be fined £60 for making ‘unnecessary’ trips to work in a crackdown on office work.

Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, employers have been told to encourage home working where it’s realistic.

England’s Plan B rules mean those who can work from home are now advised to do so.

Do I have to go in if I’m worried about catching Covid?

Being nervous about catching Covid typically won’t be a good enough reason not to go into the office.

A recent employment tribunal ruled that staff can’t use the pandemic as an excuse for not going in, according to the Daily Mail.

But as recent rules state, working from home is now advised by the government – so for now, you don’t need a reason to work from home.

And it is your employer’s legal responsibility to keep you safe on the job.

They must make sure they have done all they can to make your workplace Covid-secure.

Masks have also been mandatory on public transport for the past month to protect people who still have to go into the office.

But not all jobs can be done from home and some employers haven’t made the necessary adjustments to new government advice.

In that case, you might be eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP), according to consumer charity Citizens Advice.

What do employers need to do to keep staff safe?

Essential protective measures include minimising how much face-to-face contact workers have with the public and making sure staff can safely social distance while at work are some of the measures your employer needs to put in place.

Michael Newman, partner at law firm Leigh Day, told us that employers should also have conducted a risk assessment.

They must introduce one-way systems where possible and provide PPE if necessary.

If I still feel unsafe at work, what can I do?

If you feel your place of work isn’t Covid-secure and you’d prefer to work from home, you have two main options.

The first is launching a flexible work request.

That’s a formal ask for home or hybrid working, which you can make if you’ve been at your current employer for more than six months.

However, your employer is under no obligation to grant that wish.

They have three months to think about it, there’s no right of appeal AND you’re only allowed to make one each year.

The second and more immediate option is to have an informal conversation, according to Carolyn Brown, head of legal services at law firm RSM UK.

She told The Sun earlier this month: “The most sensible thing to do is raise your concerns with your employer and try to find a solution.

“Employers don’t want their staff to become ill.”

Make sure you let them know what physical and/or mental health conditions are affecting your decision, she added.

Failing that, you can also take your boss to an employment tribunal.

But, Brown added: “This is a lengthy, after-the-fact process which won’t solve your immediate issue.”

Citizens Advice also recommends you be as clear as possible about the changes you want.

Working from home is likely to add to households’ already pricey energy bills.

Here’s how to claim up to £125 toward the new costs under the government’s working from home tax relief.

New laws could allow workers to make flexible work requests from their first day in a new job.

We’ve also explained how you can claim £500 if you’re forced to self-isolate with Omicron.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk