Responding to the coronavirus

As we face the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the CIPD is collating and publishing updated resources to support your response

The spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus, is an exceptional circumstance with ongoing ramifications for organisations, individuals and society on every level. As the situation continues to develop and change, the CIPD will provide updated advice, resources and guidance to support employers and people professionals in their response.

Latest news

Sign up for our webinar to learn more about the practicalities and legal implications organisations should consider around the implementation of COVID-19 testing.

The furlough scheme has been extended until September 2021. Employees will continue to receive 80% of their salary for hours not worked until the scheme ends. The Government's contribution will be tapered with employers contributing 10% in July, increasing to 20% in August and September. We are working to update our content to reflect these changes.

The UK Government has outlined its 'roadmap' out of lockdown restrictions in England. We have added new FAQs outlining the four steps for easing lockdown between March and June 2021 and we are currently updating our content to reflect these measures.

The UK Government has expanded the list of people being asked to shield in England. We have updated our guidance on shielding to reflect this. Employers can refer to the government guidelines and CIPD members can contact the legal helpline on 03330 431 217 for further advice.

As the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout continues, use our guide to help prepare for the impact on your workforce. You can also watch our webinar and download related resources, including a vaccine policy template.

The CIPD has recently contributed to two pieces of work offering advice in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 return to work guide by SOM offers guidance from Occupational Health Professionals on how workers can manage getting back to work after COVID-19 infection and Long COVID.

The Work Smarter to Live Better Report by Microsoft, looks at ways in which workforces have adapted during the pandemic and how organisations continue to re-imagine the new world of work. Based on in-depth interviews and a YouGov research survey, the results were analysed in partnership with the CIPD.

Highlights from this page

Q and As

Coronavirus FAQs

Answers to frequently asked questions to offer guidance in responding to the coronavirus disease, COVID-19

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Webinars

COVID-19: webinars

CIPD experts, leaders and practitioners tackle the key issues and questions around the pandemic

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Resources and guidance to help you

Click on the icons below to see a list of relevant resources.

People policy and legal considerations

Flexible and homeworking

Mental health

Business support and planning

Furlough scheme

Returning to the workplace

Need immediate legal advice?

Call 03330 431 217 for guidance on any employment law issues you’re facing. Free for CIPD members

Need additional resources?

Access tools, templates and calculators through CIPD HR-inform. 50% off for CIPD members Book a free demo today

Need research and academic resources?

CIPD members can access research and academic resources from publications provider EBSCO by searching ‘COVID’ Find out more

CIPD position

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is an exceptional event posing a significant threat to people’s health and huge financial disruption across the economy. 

The UK Government has put in place an unprecedented package of support for both working people and businesses that will go a long way to protect livelihoods. However, it is vital the Government closes any loopholes to ensure money is made available to workers and firms facing immediate financial hardship as soon as possible. 

Many organisations will need to manage or reduce workforce costs during the crisis, but it is important that decisions to make redundancies are taken as a last resort.

Maximising the use of the Government’s Job Retention Scheme, consulting with staff to agree temporary short-time working or changes to pay or benefits, are all ways that can be used to keep people in jobs. 

Employers that continue to value their staff and treat them fairly, even under enormous pressure, are much more likely to retain the skills and people they need to bounce back once the crisis is over.

As a new virus, it’s still unclear how long the threat will last. Organisations must therefore continue to plan for months of disruption. It will be a crucial test of their agility and people support capability.

Employee health, safety and well-being during this time is paramount. Employers need to be proactive in protecting their people and minimising the risk to staff and business continuity. The people profession needs to be at the forefront of the plans and critical decisions being made about the workforce.

They must recognise that many of their people will be anxious about contracting or passing on the virus and how they might cope being isolated from friends, family and colleagues for long periods of time. Constant communication with the workforce and early action are key, including ensuring managers are trained to support employees’ continued well-being, both those in the workplace and those working from home. 

Organisations have had to swiftly adopt agile and flexible working practices, but they must continue to review these methods to ensure the health of staff is protected and the technology being used is fit for purpose. Businesses must put people first in all decisions they make as it will stand them in good stead for long-term survival.

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