With increased calls for the government to let businesses and the public know when the rules on lockdown might be loosened, one Kent firm says it is never too soon to start planning for the reopening of the economy.

Current government coronavirus guidance has seen businesses either close, operate with a reduced workforce, or have the majority of their staff working from home or furloughed.

Law firm Brachers is now urging business owners to consider a number of key issues, including thinking about a return to work and creating a safe working environment, and how to implement changes to the workforce.

Partner Antonio Fletcher said: “It is vital that everybody continues to comply with the on-going guidance in order to protect our communities and NHS.

“Business can’t be switched back on overnight and owners and management teams are now starting to plan ahead for when the government says we can return to work after the pandemic.”

Risk assessments, staff furloughing, and remote working arrangements have been among the key topics around virtual boardroom tables in recent weeks.

While many employees will be looking forward to getting back to seeing colleagues and returning to a full wage packet an equal number may be reluctant to do so.

Antonio Fletcher added: “While schools remain closed it is important that employers are mindful of the challenges faced by those with additional childcare responsibilities, who may find it difficult to work full-time or at set hours.

“Other workers may be continuing to care for elderly or vulnerable family members. Clearly, there is a need for employers to brush up on their knowledge of parental and dependant leave, and to ensure their policies are fit for purpose.”

Employers will continue to have an ongoing obligation to provide employees with a safe working environment and preserve their health and safety at work. This applies equally to when staff return after the pandemic, as it has done in putting in place homeworking arrangements.

He added that risk assessments would be needed for working conditions, with guidance for staff returning to work regarding social distancing, maintaining a clean working environment and what to do if staff show any symptoms of coronavirus. The impact of the length of the lockdown on businesses – and future demand for services and products – could also mean making more challenging decisions over the coming months.

Partner Catherine Daw added: “Businesses may need to recruit and train new staff or, on the flip side, to only reintroduce parts of the workforce or even make redundancies.

“Careful planning and the allocation of resources will need to be made and must be taken in accordance with both government guidance and the business’ legal powers and obligations.”

Brachers is urging employers to remain up-to-date with employment law and the ever-evolving entitlements the government is providing to those who are unwell, shielding or self-isolating.

She added: “Ultimately businesses need to be prepared for when the lockdown is relaxed.

“This will ensure employers know which employees they should be asking to return to work; their rights and entitlements for both parties, and to ensure the workplace remains safe and that any changes to the workforce are implemented legally.”

To find out how the employment law team at Brachers could help your business visit: brachers.co.uk.

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When and how we could end lockdown.