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07/06/2022
'Work From Home Where Possible' Guidance Removed
The 'work from home where possible' guidance, introduced in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, has now been removed, The Executive Office (TEO) has announced.
The decision follows an assessment by the Executive COVID-19 Taskforce. It balances health, economic and social considerations and takes on board the latest medical and scientific advice. All remaining Ministers have signalled they are content with the change.
A TEO spokesperson said: "While the threat from COVID-19 has certainly not disappeared, it has receded. The guidance 'work from home where possible' position is therefore not proportionate at this point.
"As with the removal of other COVID-19 measures, this should not be interpreted as meaning there is no risk from COVID or that the pandemic is over. While life continues to get back to normal, we must remain careful.
"Employers may still wish to consider how remote or flexible working could be used effectively to meet organisational need, for instance through adopting a hybrid working approach.
"Where staff are attending or returning to workplaces, employers should carefully consider what practical mitigations might be put in place.
"This update reflects the evolution of our response to the pandemic. Our vaccination programme and the use of innovative COVID-19 treatments means the risk of serious illness has been significantly reduced. By taking sensible precautions in our everyday lives, we can continue on the route back to normality."
The decision follows an assessment by the Executive COVID-19 Taskforce. It balances health, economic and social considerations and takes on board the latest medical and scientific advice. All remaining Ministers have signalled they are content with the change.
A TEO spokesperson said: "While the threat from COVID-19 has certainly not disappeared, it has receded. The guidance 'work from home where possible' position is therefore not proportionate at this point.
"As with the removal of other COVID-19 measures, this should not be interpreted as meaning there is no risk from COVID or that the pandemic is over. While life continues to get back to normal, we must remain careful.
"Employers may still wish to consider how remote or flexible working could be used effectively to meet organisational need, for instance through adopting a hybrid working approach.
"Where staff are attending or returning to workplaces, employers should carefully consider what practical mitigations might be put in place.
"This update reflects the evolution of our response to the pandemic. Our vaccination programme and the use of innovative COVID-19 treatments means the risk of serious illness has been significantly reduced. By taking sensible precautions in our everyday lives, we can continue on the route back to normality."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
