Returning to the office: The legal pitfalls

Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment

It has been reported that Amundi, Schroders, Legal and General Investment Management and Ninety One have staff starting to return to offices. With the UK’s unenviable status as the European country worst hit by the coronavirus, it is likely that the return to offices in the financial sector will be slow. Though the steps that being taken are tentative, this process will continue.

As and when staff do return, firms will need to reconsider the workplace set up extensively. Government guidance to employers is regularly updated and includes sector-specific advice. Employers need to have a system in place to keep abreast of government advice, whether with internal or external advisers. The health and safety executive will conduct spot checks and has published its own guidance. Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to provide a safe working environment and ensure health, safety and welfare at work as well as a duty of care at common law.  ...