There can be a knee-jerk tendency from a few employers
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 unease, employers have been reminded that employment laws and regulations have not changed.
A media release from the Council of Trade Unions stated that COVID-19 level changes do not suspend correct organizational practices.
"As we’ve seen from previous lockdowns, there can be a knee-jerk tendency from a few employers to feel that normal obligations to pay staff, consult on health and safety and act in good faith are somehow suspended,” said CTU’s president Richard Wagstaff. “We should all know by now that this is not the case. In fact, there can be stringent consequences further down the line for any breaches of employment law."
Wagstaff went on to advise employers to act with a level head when dealing with employees – and urged them to follow the law whilst also demonstrating empathy.
“Everyone is adjusting to news of the latest public health measures, employers and working people alike,” he continued. “Businesses must consult staff on their COVID-19 plans including around health and safety. The best way to get through alert level changes with minimum disruption, now and in the future, is acting carefully and in good faith.”
Speaking of employment law, HRD recently spoke to integrity risk expert Darren Murphy, CEO of Core Integrity, who revealed how to reduce worker misconduct risk this year.
