April 2021 News and Blogs

All those who cannot work from home are being encouraged to access lateral flow self-test as they are rolled out across Wales. The rapid coronavirus testing kits will be available to collect from the local test sites across Wales from Friday 16 April 2021. You can get testing kits for yourself and your household. Each person can collect 2 packs of 7 LFD self-test kits for home use. You do not need an appointment. Test...

Dr Frank Atherton the Chief Medical Officer/Medical Director NHS Wales, has issued a letter for the attention of providers of close contact services regarding maintaining a Covid secure environment in the close contact service to protect staff and clients. Read the letter in its entirety here.

If you wish to practise a regulated profession in the EEA or Switzerland and have not yet had your professional qualifications recognised in the EEA or Switzerland, you should: Check the European Commission’s Regulated Professions Database to find out if your profession is regulated where you intend to work. Contact the single point of contact for the country in which you intend to work to find out how to get your professional qualification recognised there...

The rate of work-related stress depression and anxiety has increased in recent years, and the last year has presented new challenges that have never been faced before. Recognising the signs of stress will help employers to take steps to prevent, reduce and manage stress in the workplace. Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from stress at work by doing a risk assessment and acting on it. The earlier a problem is tackled the...

Finance Awards Wales is designed to recognise, attract and invest in the talented finance professionals working in Wales. Categories this year are: COVID hero/heroes chief financial officer/finance director of the year (over £25 million) chief financial officer/finance director of the year (up to £25 million) young finance director of the year financial controller of the year accountant of the year accounts technician of the year rising star of the year finance team (financial services) of...

Drone inspections are quickly becoming the go-to survey method for many Welsh industries. Also known as UAVs (unmanned aviation vehicles), drones can perform otherwise extensive and time-consuming tasks, at an incredible rate. Not just that, but with minimal effort and incomparable attention to detail. Many types of Welsh businesses can benefit, from civil engineering to the renewable energy sector, drones are making it easier for everyone. Here we take a look at some of their...

From Monday 12 April 2021, the following relaxations can go ahead: The full return of children to schools for face-to-face education, all post-16 learners will return to further education and training centres, and university campus’ will be able to open for blended face-to-face/online learning for all students. All remaining shops can reopen, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail. All remaining close contact services can open, including mobile services. Travel restrictions on traveling into and...

To tackle the spread of COVID-19, the Welsh Government introduced the Coronavirus Regulations imposing strict restrictions on gatherings, the movement of people, and the operation of businesses (some of which had been required to close temporarily). Incrementally, as a result of regular review of the Regulations, an increasing number of these have been allowed to operate again. Businesses that are permitted to operate, or premises that are allowed to open must do so safely in...

The First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that from Monday 12 April 2021, the following relaxations can go ahead: All remaining shops can reopen, completing the phased reopening of non-essential retail. All remaining close contact services can open, including mobile services. Travel restrictions on traveling into and out of Wales will be lifted. However, restrictions on travel to countries outside the Common Travel Area without a reasonable excuse, remain in place. The Common Travel Area...

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published updated guidance on health and safety for gig economy, agency and temporary workers. The gig economy is growing, and the ways people work are changing, so employers need to think differently about how to keep workers healthy and safe. The guidance for employers includes an overview of why employers should take account of gig economy, agency and temporary workers. This is supported by guidance for workers, which...