CIPD - Employers must take steps to counter potential isolation and anxiety among some home workers

23 Sep 2020 03:10 PM

The CIPD responds to the Prime Minister’s statement on new measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19

Among the new measures announced to help contain the spread of COVID-19, the Prime Minister has said that people should work from home where they can. 

In response, Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, said:  

“With home working likely to be the default for many for another six months, employers must recognise that isolation and anxiety could become an issue for some of their workers. To counter this, they should ensure managers are regularly checking in with their teams, are asking about their wellbeing and signposting to support services where necessary. 

“It is also of course inevitable that these measures will further restrict business activity, particularly in sectors such as leisure, hospitality, and transport. This is why there is a very strong case for the Government to consider extending the furlough scheme - but with a focus on supporting the hardest hit sectors.”