18.09.2020
The last six months have been tough for most businesses and the next six look equally uncertain. As the ‘Autumn term’ gets underway, employers will be considering how best to move forward. While some will be keen to encourage those staff who have not yet returned to the workplace to do so, others will want to embrace the new ways of working that have emerged during lockdown.
Some difficult decisions may lie ahead. For example, if customer demand for certain products or services has shifted, many employers will be weighing up whether headcount reductions, or changes to employee terms and conditions, are needed to safeguard their business’ future. As well as these challenges, the prospect of a ‘second spike’ in Covid-19 infections continues to loom.
In these unusual times, each business needs to find its own way. So what could lie in store for your business over the next six months? Here, we explore some of the issues employers may need to grapple with:
1. Contemplating the prospect of redundancies
If redundancies are looking likely in your business, it will be important to plan for and execute those processes carefully (including following statutory collective consultation requirements where applicable). Doing so will help to minimise the risks of employee tribunal claims, as well as making any headcount reductions as cost effective as possible (if consultation/notice periods are able to run while the Scheme is live). Remember that if it appears that you may need to make over 100 redundancies within a 90-day period (triggering a minimum 45-day statutory collective consultation period), for consultation to run while the Scheme is still live, it would need to have started in mid-September. Similarly, if you may need to make between 20 and 99 redundancies within a 90 day period (triggering a minimum 30 day statutory collective consultation period), you would need to start consultation at the end of September if you wish to complete that minimum period while the Scheme remains live. See the ‘How we can help’ section below for guidance on how our HR and Legal experts could support you with your plans.
2. Managing reluctant returners
By way of example, if an employee has been shielding, it will be particularly important to carry out thorough risk assessments and think about how to achieve a ‘Covid-secure’ environment for them (including how they can maintain social distancing within the workplace – potentially by allowing them to carry out an alternative role, or adjusting their working pattern, temporarily). More generally, Government guidance urges employers to take time to consult with employees and outlines health and safety measures employers should consider so that all employees feel safe to return. Examples of possible measures include: new procedures to manage the flow of people within the workplace; increasing cleaning provision; improving ventilation; limiting rotation of equipment; taking staff temperature checks; and revising seating plans. Keeping an open channel of communication with employees and being prepared to make adjustments where necessary will be key to a successful return.
3. Re-introducing returners from furlough and looking after other staff
As well as managing any employees who may be reluctant to return, employers should give careful thought to how best to welcome back those who have been away from the workplace on furlough. In some cases furloughed employees may not have worked at all since March, so they may feel out-of-touch with the business’ Covid-secure practices, be anxious about their futures and need reminding of the company’s expectations and procedures. Ideally, the re-introduction to the workplace for those who have been away for some time should look much like it would for a new employee. Keep in mind that returners will need some time to settle back in.
Similarly, it’s important to make sure that clear policies are in place for all of your existing staff (for example, in relation to sickness absence and employee quarantine) so that they know how the business will operate in the new post-lockdown world. If changes are needed to employees’ terms and conditions, make sure you meet the legal requirements, including for individual and/or collective consultation, and provide adequate warning of any changes.
Given that many employees have experienced an increased strain on their mental health due to Covid-19, it’s also worth reviewing the structures you have in place for managing staff wellbeing (for example, do you have mental health first aiders, or an employee assistance line?). If you have had to make redundancies, consider too how you can keep up morale amongst those who have stayed on.
4. Moving towards (or away from) flexible working
Given that employers are likely to see an increase in statutory requests for flexible working, it’s important that managers and HR know how to deal with these. Does your organisation have a formal flexible working policy, and do your managers know how to implement it? Bear in mind that it may be harder than it was previously to decline requests for flexible working now that lockdown has already provided an unexpected ‘trial’ period. It’s important that managers are well-supported and trained on how best to deal with flexible working requests in line with regulations and in a non-discriminatory way.
5. Preparing for a second wave and managing any outbreaks
It’s important to be clear about the internal processes you will apply and, where appropriate, communicate these to employees. Carrying out a detailed review of how your business dealt with lockdown the first time round could help you to reflect on whether there are any improvements you could make if it happens again. Amid much uncertainty, one thing is clear: businesses will need to be prepared to adapt as we all find (and try to stay on) our feet in these new times.
How we can help
Make UK has developed a suite of detailed downloadable toolkits to support your organisation in the following areas: successfully managing change; dealing with flexible working and statutory requests; home-working; and changing terms and conditions of employment.
In addition, our experienced HR and legal consultants can give you the confidence to manage a redundancy process effectively, saving you time and money. Click here to see how Make UK can help, including training your managers and employee representatives on their roles.
The Coronavirus FAQs on our website are also updated regularly and provide detailed guidance on furlough, self-isolation and other issues relating to Covid-19. If you are a Make UK member, please contact your adviser with any queries you wish to discuss. Alternatively, non-members are welcome to call us on 0808 168 5874, or email [email protected].