Are all employees required to return to the workplace? What is the protocol for employees at higher than usual risk?
From 6:01pm Friday 5 February, the government's direction is to encourage all employees to return to the workplace, with appropriate controls and supports in place. Employers are encouraged to work with employees at higher than usual risk, to understand and appropriately mitigate any risks of their return, on the basis of medical advice, individual risk factors, and broader relevant circumstances.
Employees at higher than usual risk are not automatically entitled to an extension of their work from home arrangements during the period of restrictions in place until 12:01am Sunday 14 February. However, employees wishing to extend their work from home arrangements or implement appropriate controls and supports upon their return to the workplace should contact their employer to negotiate appropriate working arrangements. Medical evidence in support of their request will assist in these discussions.
