A LEADING employment lawyer is warning Scottish businesses that complying with Covid-19 health and safety workplace guidance to allow employees to return to work is more than a box-ticking exercise.

With employers looking to begin a return to work for staff over the next few weeks and months, it is imperative they comply with the latest health and safety guidance or risk potential claims against them, the firm says.

Gilson Gray, which employs 150 staff across six offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and East Lothian, is warning companies there is much more to health and safety regulations than handwashing and face masks.

The advice comes as the firm launches what is believed to be the first product of its type to help both employers and employees understand what is required to work safely out of lockdown

Graham Millar, employment law partner at Gilson Gray, said: “The perception might just be that we all need to wash our hands, use hand sanitiser and maybe wear masks – but in reality, these rules will change the entire workplace. It’s up to employers to consider how their business operates and look at where there could be a transfer of infection.

“This involves looking at all the things that would have been overlooked before: if you have 10 people in the office with only two toilets, using the same printer and kitchen, coffee machine – how will you deal with this? Breaches could lead to fines or, at worst, claims for compensation if an employee contracts Covid-19 in the workplace and becomes seriously ill or dies.”

Graham believes the best way for employers to ensure they have a good plan in place is to have a very clear understanding of the new rules and what they realistically mean for their employees – and to have those employees fully signed up to them.

Graham said: “The mindset the courts have taken over the past six or seven years is that it’s no longer good enough to just have a policy in place. The focus is now on how well your employees understand and appreciate your policies. “

Gilson Gray has created an online training programme, with the cost, depending on the size of the company, ranging from £15-25 per person. See gilsongray.co.uk