New guidance on safer office working published - Covid Business Ventilation Fund still open for applications for SMEs who need help adjusting their premises
After confirming that staff can start returning to offices from 31st January, the Scottish Government has issued updated guidance for employees and employers to help them manage the return in a safe manner. The Government is encouraging employers to bring staff back on a hybrid basis, with time split between home and office working. This is advisory guidance only. There is no legal requirement to have a hybrid model, but employers are still subject to an overarching legal requirement under health and safety regulations to account for Covid risk as part of providing a safe working environment.
Employers who want to return all their staff to the office on a full-time basis, should first ensure that they take all practical steps to minimise the risk of Covid transmission and funding is available to assist with this through a £25m Covid Business Ventilation Fund. SMEs can claim up to £2,500 per eligible premises to recover the costs of carrying out work to improve ventilation and air quality. This could include installing of carbon dioxide monitors or repairs to windows and vents. The Fund will remain open until 31st March 2022 or when the fund is exhausted, whichever comes first.
Click here for the new safer office guidance.
Click here to apply to the Covid Business Ventilation Fund.