COVID-19 Guidance for Agency Workers
We have listed some government advice on COVID-19 and other good practice, along with some questions and answers. Please remember that Essential Employment is here to support you through this uncertain time. If you are an agency worker on assignment then please contact us with any concerns and we will do our best to assist you.
- Symptoms. If you have a new continuous cough and/or high temperature and/or a loss of, or change in sense of taste or smell, self-isolate and let your recruiter know.
- Isolation. If you have symptoms, even if mild or you have been near someone with possible or confirmed Covid-19, you must immediately go home and self-isolate for 10 days.
- If you do not have symptoms but have tested positive for Covid-19 you must self-isolate for at least 10 days, starting from the day the test was taken
- If you develop symptoms during this isolation period, you must restart your 10-day isolation from the day you develop symptoms
- Those you live with need to isolate for 14 days. Guidance available here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance
- Let your recruiter know
- Testing. If you have symptoms of Covid-19 get tested. Get tested 119 or visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ and let your recruiter know.
- Keep your distance in the workplace. Try and stay 2m apart from people where possible. If unable, keep 1m apart. When at work follow procedures and advice to keep you and others safe at work. It is also a good idea to avoid close contact with people in a business setting, e.g., shaking hands. You may inform the individual that while you respect business protocol, you think it is a good idea to avoid hand shaking while this outbreak is happening.
- Clean hands and surfaces at work. Make sure you use hand washing and sanitisers provided. Follow cleaning requirements as instructed by your workplace because work surfaces can be contaminated with Covid-19 when infectious people cough, sneeze or touch them. More advice visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-innon-healthcare-settings/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings
- Face coverings must be worn in most indoor areas or when you cannot make space. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face Full details https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-whento-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-oneand-how-to-make-your-own
- Travel to work safely. Cycle, walk or drive alone to work if possible. If you have to share a vehicle, follow the guidance https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-forpassengers#private-cars-and-other-vehicles
- For advice on sick pay talk to us or visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/worker-support
- Covid-19 guidance is also available in different languages at www.gov.uk
Frequently asked questions for temporary workers
Q: What protective measures can I take to prevent possible contraction of COVID-19?
Follow the government guidelines and client protocols
Avoid close contact with people who are sick and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze by either sneezing into your elbow or with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. Please see this link for further information: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/886217/Best_practice_hand_wash.pdf
Q: What if I test positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Do not report to work if you are on an assignment. Call your Recruitment Consultant immediately and let us know you have tested positive for COVID-19, and you will receive further guidance.
Your Recruitment Consultant will communicate with the client directly.
Q: What if I may have been exposed at my worksite to someone who tested positive for COVID-19?
Please contact your Essential Employment Recruitment Consultant that you believe you’ve been exposed at your worksite to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. You’ll be given further guidance.
Q: What if I feel sick? What should I do?
Your health and wellbeing are of the utmost importance. Contact your Recruitment Consultant if you are sick, do not report to work, or if at work, go home immediately.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, follow medical advice and stay home until you have recovered and have been medically cleared to return to work.
Q: What if the client’s worksite where I work closes?
Contact your Recruitment Consultant right away and let them know the client has decided to close their office(s) for a period of time. If remote working is not possible, your assignment may end as a last resort; often this is at the client’s discretion. We will do our best to find another opportunity for you to continue working.
Q: Will I get paid if I am sick and have to stay away from work?
You may be entitled to statutory sick pay please contact your Recruitment Consultant who will provide you with further guidance.
Q: What if the client asks me to travel domestically for my assignment?
If a business trip requires you to travel well beyond your regular daily commute, have an overnight stay or extended travel, and you are not comfortable doing so, please contact us.
Q: What if my child’s nursery or school is shut down due to potential Coronavirus exposure?
Firstly please explore if you have alternate childcare options. If none are available, contact your Recruitment Consultant, and they can work with the client to determine if any of the work can be done remotely. If not, your assignment may end as a last resort; often this is at the client’s discretion. Of course we will work with you to find another assignment, based on your availability.
Q: What if I’ve taken a personal trip and travelled to or from another country, should I inform the client?
If you’ve recently visited a country or area under travel restriction from the UK Government please contact your Essential Employment Recruitment Consultant for further guidance before returning to work.
If you have any other queries please contact us and we will do our best to help!