UK Workers Ready To Return

That's according to a survey of 2,000 workers by the global legal business, DWF. A further quarter of workers say they may be ready to go back to work, however 18% believe it is too soon to return regardless of additional safety measures. Younger workers are the most eager to be allowed to return, with 68% of those aged 18-24 and 58% of 25-34 year-olds ready to return immediately.

As Boris Johnson outlines the Government's roadmap to release lockdown, the survey also finds that workers in the UK would be willing to accept a wide range of safety measures to enable a return to work. Over 69% would be happy to wear Personal Protective Equipment, such as masks and gloves, on public transport and in their workplace.

79% would be comfortable with their employer conducting regular temperature tests, while 78% would also be willing to allow their employer to conduct regular COVID-19 antigen tests. The measure attracting the least acceptance was signing up to a central Government contact tracing app, although even here there was still majority support, with only 16% categorically stating that they are unwilling.

Just 4% of workers said they would be unwilling to adhere to social distancing at work, with 85% happy for their employer to adopt the measure.

Commenting on the survey, Kirsty Rogers, Employment Partner at DWF, said: "It is evident from the survey that the British workforce is keen to get back to work – but with conditions. They expect their employers to follow the guidance coming from government, keep them informed, and ensure that their workplace is safe to return."

When asked who has primary responsibility for their health & safety at work, 63% of people said it was their employer, with 29% of workers believing it was their personal responsibility, indicating that more than ever employees will be looking to employers to ensure that they meet their duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Rogers added: "Businesses need to get going again, in many cases it is an existential need, but they must also understand the expectations and responsibilities they have to their employees and customers. It is vital that employers have carefully considered what measures will work for them. This should be supplemented by a clear risk assessment and robust policies and procedures.

"They must clearly communicate changes to the workforce; help the workforce to understand steps they are taking to protect health and safety. There should be special consideration for those workers particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, or those with caring responsibilities."