With effect from 1 April 2021, individuals who have been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable from Covid-19 are no longer being advised to shield.

Such individuals are still advised to take extra precautions to protect themselves but will no longer be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay on the basis of being advised to shield and are no longer being advised not to attend the workplace if they cannot work from home.

All individuals are currently still being advised to work from home so you should ensure that any clinically extremely vulnerable individuals continue to work from home if possible. In the event that it's not possible for such an individual to work from home, you should discuss why they need to return to the workplace and the measures you have put in place to ensure the safety of the workplace. As such individuals may have protected characteristics, any refusal to return to the workplace should be handled carefully.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.