Can employees go into work today?
You will understandably be wondering whether you/your staff are able to attend work, given the lockdown announced by Boris Johnson yesterday evening (23 March 2020). The initial signals were confusing, with the Prime Minister stating you can only go into work if it’s essential work that cannot be done from home.
Full guidance on staying at home and away from others’ was then published, available here; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others?mc_cid=797dc2f154&mc_eid=fa34730660 which stated that you [and your staff] should stay at home unless it was for one of four reasons:
Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
Travelling to and from work [is allowed], but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.
So, assuming that this wording is conveying the correct message from government, it is fine to go to work if that work cannot be conducted from home.
Key workers
The Department for Education has published a list of key workers whose children will still receive schooling despite the coronavirus outbreak. The Key workers list is available here;
Other legislation regarding the closure of businesses selling food or drink for consumption on the premises, and businesses listed in the Schedule, to protect against the risks to public health arising from coronavirus. The closure lasts until a direction is given by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is required to keep the need for these restrictions under review every 28 days. Legislation text available here;
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/327/contents/made
Cora Employment Law