Insurers are continuing to require staff in England to stay at home if they test positive for Covid and are reviewing policies with regards to the provision of free Covid tests.
This is in light of the prime minister’s announcement earlier this week ending all Covid restrictions in England and the end of free mass lateral flow testing from April.
The legal requirement to self-isolate for those who test positive and the £500 isolation payment for people on low incomes are also ending this week.
From 1 April, free rapid testing for the general public is ending but free tests will remain available to the oldest age groups and those most vulnerable to Covid.
However, government is working with retailers to ensure that everyone who wants to can buy a Covid test.
Staff wellbeing is utmost priority
Insurers have responded to the changes by ensuring staff who test positive for Covid stay at home and reviewing their policies on the provision of free Covid tests.
An L&G spokesperson told Health & Protection the wellbeing of its employees is its utmost priority.
“In line with the latest government advice, we are still currently advising those colleagues in England that have Covid-19 symptoms to take a test and, if positive, do not come in to the office,” the insurer said.
“There are no changes to our current working practices for colleagues in Wales or Scotland, many of whom are still working from home in line with local guidance.”
L&G added it is yet to make a final decision on providing free tests for staff.
“We are currently reviewing our procedures with a final decision that continues to place employee wellbeing at the heart of what we do, yet to be communicated to our colleagues,” it continued.
“Throughout we have retained safety measures in our offices including temperature checks and strict cleaning regimes.”
‘Stay away from the office’
Aviva said if a staff member is unwell they should not work, and the company’s usual sick policy applies.
“If a colleague tests positive, we ask that they stay away from the office. In Scotland, self-isolation remains a legal requirement and colleagues should follow government guidance.”
Vitality said it will continue to be guided by the government in its approach to managing Covid-19.
“We will also continue to ask any employees who have symptoms, have tested positive or are concerned that they have Covid-19 to not come into the office,” a spokesperson added.
LV= said the safety of both its staff and business remains paramount.
“To reduce our risks going forward, particularly for colleagues who remain vulnerable, we continue to recommend that people who test positive avoid coming into the office but if they are well enough and their job allows they work from home,” the insurer said.
“We currently offer lateral flow tests in our reception areas and our policy around testing is under review in light of the government announcement this week.”
Safe environment in offices
Aegon said it is currently reviewing its policy alongside the latest guidelines, adding its priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of employees and that it will continue to create a safe environment within its offices.
Canada Life said it will require staff to continue to refrain from coming into the office if they test positive, just as it would expect them to stay at home if they are feeling generally unwell.
“We’ve adopted flexible working and have equipped colleagues to be able to work from home if they feel well enough to do so, but wouldn’t expect anyone to if they are poorly,” it said.
“We’ve yet to make any decision around the provision of tests following the news of the end of free testing in April.”