Working from home to continue until at least July 19, Boris Johnson says

Millions of workers across England will continue to work from home until at least early summer after Boris Johnson added an extra month to current Covid restrictions.

In a statement to the public on Monday, the Prime Minister said that Covid restrictions would not be fully lifted until July 19, with unvaccinated people to have their inoculations fast-tracked.

In a press conference, the PM said it was a “difficult choice” to push back restrictions being fully lifted, but said he was “concerned” about the delta variant.

“I think it is sensible to wait just a little longer,” he said.

Despite the easing of restrictions since March, everyone who can work from home should still do so under current guidance. This will remain in place until all measures are relaxed.

“I am confident we won’t need more than four weeks – it’s unmistakable clear that the vaccines are working – but now is the time to ease off the accelerator.

“We have the chance to save many thousands of lives by vaccinating millions more people,” the PM added.

Under the latest plans, total lockdown will not end on June 21 as previously planned.

The government has provided a provisional July 19 date, although said this could be sooner, with a review into restrictions based on hospitalisations on July 5.

If all goes to plan, ‘Freedom Day’ day will be July 19, when all remaining rules will be lifted and businesses such as nightclubs and theatres will be allowed to reopen.

In an address to the nation, the PM added that furlough and any business rate holidays will not be extended and will end in September as planned.

Over-40s will now receive their second jab after eight weeks not 12 and wedding limits will not be restricted, despite the lockdown extension.

MPs are set to vote on the delay to lockdown next Wednesday. Under the plans, face masks and social distancing will stay for now.

The extension comes as Covid cases are up a third in a week, as another 7,700 people test positive for the new Delta variant.

The latest strain is estimated to be 60% more infectious than the Alpha version which originated in Kent last winter.

But chief medical advisors have warned that those who have been vaccinated are protected against the rising variant.

Working from home – the rules

The latest government guidance states that employees should work from home where possible.

But if you can’t do your job from home, you can be called in to work.

However, employers must ensure there are certain safety measures in place before allowing workers to return.

These include increasing the distance between workstations to allow for social distancing, and encouraging mask-wearing when walking around the building.

“Employers have a duty to take reasonable care of its employees’ health and safety in the workplace,” explains Mini Setty, partner in employment law at Langleys Solicitors.

This obligation means that employers must ensure that the workplace is safe for employees to work in.

These Covid-safe measures include:

• Minimising unnecessary visitors
• Ensuring 2m (6ft) social distancing, or 1m social distancing with additional precautions
• Frequent cleaning
• Extra hand washing facilities
• One-way systems to minimise contact
• Using back-to-back or side-to-side working (rather than face-to-face) whenever possible
• Staggering start/end times

Who is exempt from going into the workplace?

You shouldn’t go to work if:

• You’re self-isolating because you have coronavirus symptoms
• You’ve been in contact with someone who has tested positive
• You’re in quarantine after travelling abroad

Can I refuse to work from home?

In an employment contract, there is an implied term that employees should follow lawful and reasonable instructions.

An employment contract sets out that an employee will carry out the required tasks and, in return they will receive payment from the employer.

However, failing to carry out reasonable instructions, including a request to work from home, could result in disciplinary action.

If you are concerned about your home-working arrangements, speak to your employer as some will have provisions in place for those who are struggling – especially if you have been vaccinated.