Updated 21/10/2020

What is the Government Green List?

While the advice is still to avoid non-essential travel, the Government have issued a “Green List” of countries on the 4th August 2020. This means that if you have an employee returning from one of these countries there is no requirement for them to self-isolate upon return. However, the Green List was reviewed again on Thursday, the 15th of October. As no EU / EEA countries were below the required 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases.

There are no countries on the Green List

The Green List was reviewed again on Thursday, the 15th of October. As no EU / EEA countries were below the required 14-day cumulative number of COVID-19 cases, there are no countries on the Green List.

Therefore, Employees travelling abroad will be required to restrict their movements for 14 days in line with the Government Guidelines.

Travelling to a “Non-Green Listed” country

If an employee travels to a country, not on the approved “Green List” employees are required to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return. As per Government advice, they will be unable to attend work during this time. You as the Employer have the following choices:

If an employee can work from home, you can allow the employee to continue to work while self-isolating and they are paid as normal.

If it is not feasible for an employee to work from home, you can ask the employee which of the below they would prefer;

  • An unpaid absence

  • Utilise additional annual leave

  • They may wish to avail of parental leave/parents leave (if they meet the criteria). 

Completion of 14 day self-isolation

If after 14 days of self-isolation, the employee shows no symptoms of COVID-19, they can stop self-isolating. As mentioned, prior to their return to work, the employee should complete a return to work form. In addition to this, it may also be beneficial to conduct a Risk Assessment, to ensure you as the Employer can take any necessary measurements to safeguard the safety of all employees in your workplace. You can find a copy of both of these documents below.

Should an employee have symptoms of COVID -19, they should not return to the workplace and follow the HSE guidelines. A fit to return to work certificate may be beneficial. If they inform you during their isolation period that they have contracted COVID -19 the employee is then deemed to be sick, they should not work from home during this time frame and you should follow your nor

RECOMMENDED

Return to Work Questionnaire

OPTIONAL

Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment