You Laid Off Staff Due To Covid-19 Restrictions – So Now What?

You laid off staff due to COVID-19 restrictions – so now what?

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Since March this year, we have seen an unprecedented number of businesses forced to implement measures such as short time, variable pay, layoffs and retrenchments to ensure the survival of their organisations.

On 1 June, with the implementation of Alert Level 3, many businesses could open their doors again, subject to certain protocols being put in place as per the directives from the government. This meant that staff could return to work and continue business as (almost) normal.

Many businesses are now faced with the following considerations: can my business operate at 100% capacity immediately in line with directives, and what if my business is not in a financial position to absorb a 100% staff complement at this time? With regards to question one, it is imperative for businesses to consider that they may not be able to operate at a 100% staff capacity. Alert Level 3 and Level 2 (implemented in August) regulations clearly state that should an employee be able to work from home, they should do so. Furthermore, the business must adopt a phased-in approach in strict compliance with health protocols to ensure that employees return to a COVID-ready workplace.

These protocols include, but are not limited to:

• Appointment of a COVID-19 manager.