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This analysis comes as the majority of COVID-19 restrictions have been removed in England from today (19th July). From today (Monday 19th July), most legal COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted in England. In line with the 4th and final stage of the Government’s roadmap, this includes the removal of social distancing and lifting the order to work from home where possible. However, lawyers from Royds Withy King have warned this has put employers in a difficult position. Employers will now be expected to make their own decisions concerning how and when to bring staff back into the office and how to manage employees who have different views about safety, mask-wearing and remote working. Kate Benefer, a Partner in the Employment Law team at Royds Withy King, discussed the potential problems which could arise: The Government has passed onto employers the responsibility for deciding what measures are necessary to ensure a safe workplace. Whilst the easing of restrictions will be welcomed by businesses, it will inevitably create further confusion and potential points of conflict in the workplace. Employees and employers may, for example, have different perspectives of risk and what is safe, and that will be difficult to manage. Businesses have
