Working from Home guidance to be relaxed from 31 January

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has today announced that employers should begin a phased return to the office from next Monday the 31 January 2021. The return to the office is possible due to the falling numbers of coronavirus cases in Scotland.

This will mark the first time since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 that the Scottish Government has updated its working from home guidance. The First Minister has warned against a mass return to the office with fears this will risk an increase Covid-19 infections, official guidance therefore is that employers should utilise a hybrid approach with office and remote working.

The Scottish Government has promised that guidance on Hybrid Working will be published later this week, employers should await this further guidance before determining next steps. Employers should also note that whilst employees may be able to return to the office more regularly they will need to ensure other steps are taken to mitigate the spread of Covid-19 as is currently required under public health regulations.