Recent cases suggest that the tribunal may expect employers to have considered furlough when contemplating redundancies.

It is not necessarily unfair to make an employee redundant while the CJRS exists. However, it may be unfair if furlough is not considered as an alternative, or a good explanation as to why furlough was rejected cannot be provided.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60f025b9e90e0764d0ab7d30/Mrs_B_Mhindurwa_v_Lovingangels_Care_Limited_-_3311636-2020_-_Judgment.pdf

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60c2156bd3bf7f4bcb0efd26/Mr_M_Handley_v_Tatenhill_Aviation_Limited_2603087.2020_judgment.pdf

Workplaces that provide essential services can apply to take part in the daily contact testing scheme, including food distribution and production, emergency services, transport networks, defence, prisons, waste collection, and energy.

Staff at approved workplaces who have been identified as the close contact of someone outside their household who has tested positive for COVID-19 can choose to take part in daily contact testing rather than self-isolate unless they develop symptoms or get a positive test result.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-test-and-trace-workplace-guidance#critical-services

From 7 August 2021, Wales has moved to Alert Level 0 which removes gathering limits but requires face coverings to be worn in indoor public places, with eh exception of hospitality settings.

From 9 August 2021, The Health Protection (Coronavirus) (Requirements) (Scotland) Regulations 2021 (SSI 2021/277) came into force in Scotland which removes all curfews and gathering limits. Masks must be worn in some places and are recommended in workplaces where it is hard to maintain a safe distance. Social distancing is not required but is still recommended.

https://www.gov.scot/news/scotland-to-move-beyond-level-0/

https://gov.wales/alert-level-0

Following an investigation commenced by the Trading Standards Office, Teeside Crown Court saw three mobile fish sellers convicted for defrauding and knowingly misleading elderly and vulnerable victims, out of approximately £325,000.00.  The fraudster trio were sentenced to a total of 80 years behind bars, the principal financial beneficiary of the fraud being sentenced to 5 years, 11 months and 2 weeks of those.

https://www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk/news/fish-fraudsters-get-put-plaice/

“Digital Natives” – employees reaching adulthood in the second decade of the 21st century – are predicted to make up over 25% of the workforce by 2025.  Perceived as being familiar with the internet from a very young age, these individuals may require implementation of a different strategy to attract, manage and retain their talent.

https://www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk/legal-news/work-live-not-live-work-managers-ready-gen-z/