The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has issued a Circular to Departments and Agencies calling on them to return their employees to their usual — pre-COVID-19 — workplaces.
The APSC Circular 2020/9: Returning to Usual Workplaces, applies to all Commonwealth Agencies and their employees, including ongoing, non‑ongoing and casual workers.
“Where the Australian Government and State and Territory Governments relax COVID-19 restrictions … Agency heads should make arrangements to facilitate employees returning to their usual workplaces,” the Circular says.
“The focus of Agencies and employees should be the continued delivery of critical functions to the Australian public, as well as ensuring workplaces are COVID-safe.”
It said that Agency heads should act on Government, public health and other relevant advice, and make timely decisions to ensure business continuity and a safe transition back to the workplace.
Given that many Agencies have a geographically dispersed operating environment, a COVID-safe return to the workplace may vary within an Agency, depending on the workplace location,” the Circular says.
“A single approach for the Australian Public Service is not practicable given the diversity of working environments. Each Agency’s approach will be different and tailored to their particular circumstances.”
The Circular says however that where there was limited or no community transmission of the COVID-19 panemic, employees should return to their usual workplaces, where it was safe to do so.
“Current public health advice states that the current number of COVID-19 cases is low in most communities,” the APSC said.
“Therefore, all employees, even those at higher risk of more severe illness, may be able to return to usual workplaces…following an appropriate risk assessment and with appropriate controls in place,” it said.
The Circular stressed that Agencies should have a formal plan in place to respond to future localised outbreaks so that employees knew what to expect.
“This should be incorporated into the Agency’s business continuity or pandemic plan,” it said.
The Commission’s full Circular can be accessed at this PS News link.
