Government to discuss bringing people back to work in the office in August

Leo Varadkar says he will ask NPHET to consider a phased return to the workplace sooner

The Government will discuss a proposal to bring people back to work in the office in August, a month earlier than planned.

Leo Varadkar says he will ask NPHET to consider a phased return to the workplace sooner, saying most people will be fully vaccinated.

The Tanaiste says it would be done on a phased basis - starting with meetings and training and antigen testing would have to be considered.

Numerous other factors have to be ironed out ahead including what happens if a worker isn’t vaccinated and doesn’t want to be.

Employment law solicitor Richard Grogan says it’s a tricky area.

Employers are already carrying out risk assessments in offices ahead of workers return while talks are ongoing between union reps and government officials about the office might look like post pandemic.