New Stour & Avon, August 13, 2021
Recruitment
Your questions answered about returning to office working By Faith Eckersall So you’ve spent the past 18 months working from home. But that could all be about to change after the UK government’s official advice to do so ended on July 19, as part of its roadmap out of the covid-19 pandemic. For some, the upheaval of returning to the old routine may be even harder than it was to switch over, which is why Citizens Advice Dorset has set out what you need to know if you’re asked to return to your normal workplace. Can my employer ask me to return to my workplace? The short answer is yes. When you enter into a contract to work for an employer you have to comply with ‘reasonable management requests’. That means your employer can ask you to return to your normal workplace if your original contract specified that you would be office-based or based elsewhere. In practice and where possible, many employers are looking into or actively encouraging a blended working model – some time at home and some time in the office/workplace.
You can ask to keep working from home, but that doesn’t mean your employer has to agree. Start by having an open conversation with your employer about your wishes, and consider making a flexible working request, which is a legal right all employees have. You can include your reasons why working from home is better for you and how it will also help the business. What can I do if I’m worried about safety at work? Your employer has a legal duty under the law, and under your contract, to ensure that your workplace does not pose a risk to your health and safety. Current guidance says employers should complete a Covid risk assessment and take steps to prevent transmission, including frequent cleaning and social distancing. This is due to be updated. While wearing a mask in an enclosed space will no longer be mandatory, employers will still be free to set their own policies, like requiring workers or customers to wear masks. If you are unhappy with safety measures at your workplace, you
NANNY WANTED, country family with boys 1 & 3 East of Shaftsbury. Wed, Thu & Fri must be experienced, confident and enthusiastic. – 07825 305303
ACCOUNTS APPRENTICE An exciting opportunity has arisen at DH Accounting in Shaftesbury for an Accounts Apprentice to gain experience from on the job training whilst studying for AAT Levels 3 & 4. This is a full-time position with 1 day a week for study at college. For further details please call 01747 854556 or send CVs to info@dhaccounting.co.uk.
A JESTYN COKE CHARTERED SURVEYORS Lettings / Property Manager (P/T). The role is within our property management team based in Blandford Forum. You will have responsibilities across a portfolio of residential lettings (ASTs). You will need to have experience in the industry and a relevant qualification, or willing to work towards one. Part-time hours are 17.5 per week plus occasional Saturday morning. For further information please contact Toby at tobycoke@ajcoke.co.uk
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WINCANTON GOLF CLUB require a full/-part-time receptionist, must be over 18 years old. For details please call 07974 655224 PART TIME P.A. Sherborne office. Good computer and typing skills essential. 6 to 8 hours flexible over two days p.w. send CV to ajk@zen.co.uk
could report your employer to the Health and Safety Executive, but ideally you and your employer can solve the issues together. I’m uncomfortable about taking public transport, what are my options? Your employer’s duty is limited to things that are under its control, and so there is no clear legal position about whether it has to take into account the risks you face when travelling to and from work, as part of its health and safety assessment. That said, your employer should listen to your concerns if you’re worried about having to use public transport. You could reach an arrangement that you’re comfortable with, for example, asking to travel at quieter times. What if I need to self-isolate? You shouldn’t go into work if you’re self-isolating because you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus. You must tell your employer you have to self-isolate. It’s worth telling them in writing so you have a record for later use. If you’re unable to work from home, you may be entitled to
benefits, sick pay or a selfisolation payment of £500 from your local council. If you’ve been furloughed before by your employer, they might also be able to furlough you for the period you need to self-isolate. See the Citizens Advice website for more information. Rules on self-isolating are changing. From August 16, if you’ve had your second jab, you won’t need to self-isolate if you have been in contact with someone who’s tested positive. If you have symptoms you’ll need to self-isolate until you test negative. Chief Officer for Citizens Advice Central Dorset, Daniel Cadisch, said: “With restrictions ending and workplaces reopening, people will understandably have questions about their rights. “If you have any concerns, it’s important to talk with your employer as soon as possible so that you can reach a solution that works for both of you.” For more information, call 0800 144 8848 or visit citizensadvicedorset.org.uk for details of your nearest Citizens Advice.
Full Time Warehouse Operative Required J&G Environmental Ltd are recruiting for the following: Daytime Warehouse Operative (Mon-Fri) Night-time Warehouse Operative (Mon-Thurs) To join our team at our Blandford based warehouse. (A forklift license is advantageous but not essential.) Please send a CV and a short covering letter to sales@jg-environmental.com www.jg-environmental.com J&G Environmental Ltd, J&G House, Holland Way Industrial Estate, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 7TA
