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Advice for Members in Wales

Last Updated:  31 January 2022

On 16 December, the Welsh Government announced a number of measures to tackle the rate of Covid infections. These restrictions, which took effect from 27 December, are outlined below. Further information on the restrictions in Wales is available here.

Going to Work

In Wales people should work from home wherever possible to help reduce the number of contacts between people. 
 
We recognise that the majority of Union members cannot work from home and it is important to note that despite the relaxation of some measures in recent months, employers are still required to undertake a specific Coronavirus risk assessment and take reasonable measures to minimise exposure to, and the spread of, Coronavirus. 
 
Please speak to your Rep or Union Official if you have any concerns about health and safety in your workplace.

Booster Jabs

Usdaw has been working with employers throughout the vaccine rollout to support members in getting vaccinated. We continue to negotiate with employers to ensure they provide appropriate support to ensure people can attend vaccination appointments. The Union is encouraging eligible members to get their booster jabs as soon as possible.

Face coverings and Social Distancing

Face coverings remain a legal requirement in most indoor settings, with the exception of hospitality premises. Masks in shops, health and social care settings, and on public transport remain mandatory. 
 
Employers have been asked to reinforce this message and make it clear to the public/customers that this is a legal requirement. However, Usdaw is clear that staff should not be asked or expected to challenge customers over not wearing a mask; this should be done through other methods such as signage and the use of trained security staff. 
 
From 27 December, social distancing in shops and offices will be a legal requirement. Shops must follow the 2 metre rule and one way systems in store. Usdaw still expects employers to maintain other precautionary measures in stores, such as screens at tills and counters and extra hygiene facilities.

Advice for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable

Shielding advice in Wales is no longer in place however people on the shielding list are still advised to take extra precautions to keep themselves safe from Coronavirus. Further guidance is available here.

Members who are clinically extremely vulnerable and concerned about any risks in their workplaces should speak with their Union Rep or Official.

Pregnant Employees

Employers have particular responsibilities towards workers who are new mothers or pregnant women. Members who are pregnant and concerned about any risks in their workplaces should speak with their Union Rep or Official.

Self-Isolation

From 28 January, individuals with COVID-19 can end their self-isolation after 5 full days, as long as they test negative on a lateral flow test on day 5 and day 6 and do not have a high temperature. 10 days remains the default isolation period for those who continue to test positive until the 10th day. If an individual is not vaccinated, they must still self-isolate for 10 days.

If an individual is in close contact of someone who is confirmed or suspected to have the Omicron variant, they must self-isolate from the day you were last in contact with the person who tested positive and for the next 10 days, regardless of your vaccination status or age.

It is illegal to knowingly require or encourage someone who is being required to self-isolate to come to work. This remains the law, regardless of your vaccination status.

From 6 January, if you are not showing any symptoms of Covid and get a positive rapid lateral flow test result, you will not need to take a PCR test to confirm the result for most people. You must self-isolate immediately if you get a positive rapid lateral flow test result. If you have had a positive lateral flow test, you should report the result, self-isolate and follow self-isolation guidance. You no longer need to book a follow-up PCR test (unless you have been advised to take a PCR test because you are in a clinically vulnerable group who may need early access to treatment).

Childcare and Schools

With some rules around self-isolation remaining in place, most working parents still face the challenge of balancing work and childcare. If you need to keep your child at home in line with public health advice to self-isolate, this may affect your ability to attend work due to the need to provide childcare. In these circumstances working parents have the following options:

  • Talk to your manager – in many companies the Union has agreed how working parents will be supported during the pandemic. This could mean changing the hours, days or times of day you work. It might mean using annual leave if you have leave available. Some companies are offering unpaid leave although the Union is clear that this is not a realistic option for many low paid families. We will continue to push both employers and the Government to financially support working parents during this time.
 
  • Talk to your Usdaw Rep or full time official – the Union has been working hard to encourage employers to support parents and while many are doing this some of our members are not getting the support they need. If you require support in discussions with your employer on this, please contact your in-store Usdaw Rep, or call your local Usdaw office.

 

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