Shielding employees in England able to return to workplace from 1 August

On 23 June, the government announced further easing of lockdown restrictions for those in England identified as clinically extremely vulnerable.  

From 6 July, they will be able to gather in groups of up to six people outside, including members of other households, provided they maintain social distancing. If they live alone or are single parents, they will also be able to form a "support bubble" with another household of any size, again from 6 July.

From 1 August, they will no longer be advised to shield. This means they will be able to return to the workplace if they cannot work from home, provided that the workplace is COVID secure. 

The government recognises that people may feel uncertain about returning to the workplace. It asks employers to ease the transition by ensuring they put robust measures in place to enable the clinically extremely vulnerable to return to workplaces that are COVID secure. It recommends employees speak with their employer to understand their specific policies in relation to COVID-19, discuss their situation and agree a plan for returning to work and any adjustments that may be needed before they return.

Updated guidance for those classed as clinically extremely vulnerable will be published on 6 July and 1 August as the easing measures come into force.

The COVID secure guidelines for the different workplace settings can be accesses here