1 February 2022

This week’s update covers:

  • Self-certification period back to 7 days
  • HMRC COVID-19 grant reporting video and sick pay webinar
  • COVID-19 transmission survey
  • COVID-19 ‘Living Safely for Us All’ Campaign
  • Welsh Government: Self-isolation period reduced
  • COVID-19 guidance

Self-certification period back to 7 days

Since 27 January, the self-certification period for sickness absence has gone back to 7 days, after it was increased to 28 days in December. For absences that began on or after 10 December, up to and including 26 January, the 28-day period will continue to apply.

HMRC Covid grant reporting video and sick pay webinar

HMRC has published a video on how to report Covid taxable grants and payments and is inviting people to sign up for one of its forthcoming webinars on the COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.

Covid transmission survey

The PROTECT COVID-19 National Core Study on transmission and environment is asking for views from anyone with a role to play in controlling transmission of Covid (including in workplace settings) about the knowledge gaps they would like to see filled.

COVID-19 ‘Living Safely for Us All’ Campaign

With Omicron cases declining and restrictions easing in Scotland, the re-introduction of the ‘Living Safely For Us All’ campaign has been announced. Messaging has been updated to reflect a more positive tone while covering the COVID-19 safety behaviours. Living Safely For Us All illustrates that keeping up with the key behaviours helps keep life moving elsewhere. Living Safely For Us All will run throughout February across TV, radio, outdoor and digital advertising channels.

View the ‘Living Safely for Us All’ TV ad via YouTube here.


Welsh Government: Self-isolation period reduced

People who test positive for COVID-19 will be able to leave self-isolation after five full days if they have two negative lateral flow tests. The two consecutive negative lateral flow tests must be taken on days five and six of the isolation period.

The changes came into effect from 28 January, at the same time as Wales is expected to complete the move to alert level zero, i.e. This means:

  • Businesses, employers and other organisations must continue to undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise the spread of coronavirus.
  • The general requirement of 2m social distancing in all premises open to the public and workplaces will be removed.
  • Working from home will remain part of advice from the Welsh Government, but it will no longer be a legal requirement.

COVID-19 guidance – recently updated with the latest Omicron guidance

Read our four nations’ FAQs which include links to the latest Government guidance that must be followed.

Members can call our membership team, Monday-Friday, 9-5, on 01234 831965. Please be patient due to the extremely high level of calls we are currently getting.

For legal advice, Members can login to get our 24/7 legal helpline number. Again, please be patient. The legal team is also dealing with a considerable number of calls.