In this briefing, we round up eight key changes for employers to know about this April.

1. Covid-related changes – 1 April 2022

The following changes will take effect on 1 April 2022:

• Self-isolation:those with Covid symptoms will be encouraged to “exercise personal responsibility” and show consideration to others, but will not be required, nor advised, to stay at home.
• Covid testing:free lateral flow and PCR testing will end for the general public (PCR tests will remain available for social care workers and certain vulnerable groups).
• Risk assessments:the requirement for employers explicitly to consider Covid in their health and safety risk assessments will be removed.
• Guidance for employers:the “Working safely” guidelines for employers in different sectors will be replaced by new public health guidance (which had not been published at the time of writing), which will urge employers to continue to consider the needs of those at greater risk from Covid.
• Covid certification:the use of voluntary Covid-status certification will no longer be recommended for use.

2. National Living / Minimum Wage: rates increase – 1 April 2022

The hourly rates for the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage will increase as follows:

• National Living Wage – age 23+: 9.50 (up from 8.91).
• Standard adult rate – age 21+: 9.18 (up from 8.36).
• Development rate – age 18+: 6.83 (up from 6.56).
• Youth rate – age 16+: 4.81 (up from 4.62).
• Apprentice rate: 4.81 (up from 4.30).
• Accommodation...

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