Welcome to our employment law update bringing you up to speed with this month’s key cases and developments.

COVID-19 developments

• Guidance for pregnant women – Previously employers have treated pregnant women beyond 28 weeks in a similar way to those who are shielding because of the risk of complications from COVID-19. The Government guidance for pregnant women has now been updated; it states that as shielding has ended people considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable, including women who are pregnant with significant congenital or acquired heart disease, would not be advised to shield again. The updated guidance now covers women at any stage of gestation (without reference to 28 weeks) but differentiates between those who are vaccinated and those who are unvaccinated (or not fully vaccinated). A risk assessment must be carried out and if workplace risks cannot be removed or managed, a pregnant worker should be suspended on paid leave. If there are no workplace risks, a pregnant worker can continue working beyond 28 weeks. The guidance places more much onus on the employee, advising women who are pregnant and unvaccinated to take a more cautious approach. Employers should also be mindful of the heightened risk for unvaccinated pregnant workers.

• Mandatory COVID-19 vaccines – Regulations mandating COVID-19 vaccines for those entering care homes, unless exempt, will take effect on 11 November 2021. The Government has recently published guidance on how those who...

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