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New Guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from Covid


The government has issued new guidance which is for everyone in England who has been identified as clinically extremely vulnerable. If in this group, the individual will previously have received a letter from the NHS or their GP telling them this. They may have been advised to shield in the past.

This guidance applies to clinically extremely vulnerable individuals only. The over 70s, pregnant women and people who are very obese are not included in this group - they are classified as “clinically vulnerable”. They may still be more at risk of Covid-19 and are advised to stay at home as much as possible and minimise contact with others.

In relation to work, the guidance states:

“You are strongly advised to work from home. If you cannot work from home, you should not attend work for this period of restrictions.

If you cannot attend work for this reason, you may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit. Other eligibility criteria will apply. The formal shielding notification you receive may act as evidence for your employer or the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that you are advised to follow shielding guidance and should not work outside of your home for the period stated in the letter.

If you were on payroll before 30 October 2020, you may also be eligible for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (on furlough), which is being extended until 2 December.

Other people you live with who are not clinically extremely vulnerable themselves can still attend work if they cannot work from home, in line with the wider rules set out in the new National Restrictions from 5 November.”

As always, we are here to help you, so please get in touch if you have any questions.

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