COVID-19

Update September 2022

All government restrictions related to Covid-19 have now been lifted and as a result, NCG and all of its colleges are operating normally. There is no longer any requirement to self-isolate or to undertake routine testing. Colleagues and students are encouraged to keep up to date with Covid-19 vaccinations.

Recording illness

From September 2022 all sickness (including Covid-19) will fall in line with the conditions set out in NCG’s Sickness Absence Policy.

Therefore, if you are unwell (with Covid-19 or any other illness) and are unable to carry out your full duties, you should stay at home in line with NCG’s sickness procedures. This absence should be recorded as sick leave in i-Trent.

I have Covid symptoms/have tested positive. Should I attend work?

If you are unwell (with Covid-19 or any other illness) and are unable to carry out your full duties, you should stay at home in line with NCG’s sickness procedures. This absence should be recorded as sick leave in i-Trent.
If you are well enough to work and to complete your full duties, you should attend the workplace as normal.

Will Covid related absence count towards sickness trigger points?

Yes, from September 2022 all sickness will count towards sickness triggers in line with NCG’s Sickness Absence Policy.

What if I’m still in my probationary period / on an hourly paid contract / don’t have the contractual entitlement for occupational sick pay?

All sick leave will now be recorded in line with NCG’s Sickness Absence Policy and your contract of employment.

My child is ill / cannot attend school or childcare due to Covid-19, what should I do?

If, as a result of caring responsibilities (such as if your child has Covid-19) you are unable to deliver your normal working pattern, it is important that you discuss this with your line manager as soon as possible. Your line manager will work with you to see what options are available to you i.e. hours you are available and duties you are able to undertake if it is not your full role.

If this is not an option, the following will be considered:

Taking annual leave
Dependant Leave – Unpaid after the first day
Unpaid leave
Temporary reduction in hours / salary

How will I be kept safe whilst I am on campus?

NCG will continue to comply with the requirements for cleaning, ventilation and welfare facilities in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Reducing the risk of illness to Covid-19 and any other infection is the personal responsibility of everybody. Individuals can still reduce the risk of catching and passing on COVID-19 by:

Getting vaccinated
Practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing and use of hand sanitiser
Keeping desk spaces and equipment clean, particularly in shared offices and hot desks

Can I wear a face covering?

Face coverings are not required but colleagues and students may continue to wear one if they wish to do so.

Can I work from home?

All colleagues have now returned to campus unless an agreement for hybrid working is in place.

What if I am classed as clinically extremely vulnerable?

You may previously have received a letter or email identifying you as someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), and you may have been advised to shield during earlier stages of the pandemic. Shielding advice ended in April 2021.

Most people who were identified as CEV are now well protected after receiving their primary and booster vaccination doses. For most people who were CEV, you are no longer at substantially greater risk than the general population, and you are advised to follow the same guidance as everyone else on staying safe and preventing the spread of Covid-19, as well as any further advice you may have received from your doctor.

If you have been given specific advice from your doctor that will affect your ability to work, you should speak directly to your line manager. You can find more guidance available here.