Top 10 HR questions December 2021: NHS Covid pass and fit notes

Questions on employees’ Covid vaccination status, self-isolation and testing continued to be popular during December.

Employers were also asking various questions about sickness absence and fit notes.

On 17 December 2021, to reduce pressure on GPs, the government introduced a temporary increase to the timeframe for employees to provide evidence for the purposes of statutory sick pay. Employers cannot require employees to produce a fit note within the first 28 days of absence.

The top 10 HR questions in December 2021:

1. Can employers use the NHS Covid Pass to check employees’ coronavirus status?

2. Can employers ask employees if they have had a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination?

3. Must employees who are exempt from the duty to self-isolate still inform their employer if they are a close contact of someone with coronavirus?

4. What is an employee’s holiday entitlement if an extra bank holiday is granted one year?

5. Can an employer require employees to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19)?

6. Is an employer obliged to comply with the advice on a fit note?

7. If an employee is on sickness absence during a bank holiday, are they entitled to be paid or to receive additional time off in lieu?

8. What steps should an employer take where an employee is off sick for over a week but has not submitted a doctor’s certificate?

9. Can an employer withdraw a job offer on receipt of a poor reference?

10.What is the companion’s role at a disciplinary or grievance hearing?

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