Covid-19 HR FAQs

EA fully supports the ongoing COVID-19 PHA vaccination programme and therefore there is an intention to be flexible, accommodating and supportive to the eligible staff wishing to avail of the vaccine. 

All staff are asked to seek to arrange for such appointments to take place outside core working hours/school hours or within their own time.  It is recognised however that this may not always be possible. When this is the case staff should endeavour to access time slots which minimises disruption to the school/work place. Principals/ Line manager are asked to be as flexible as possible to accommodate such requests.

Appointments within working hours must be agreed with the Principal/ Line Manager in advance. A reasonable period of time should be agreed to account for travel and waiting times. 

As with any medical appointment, evidence of the appointment should be provided to the Principal/Line Manager on request.

As services are fully operational the flexi scheme arrangements operated by EA have been reinstated. The main purpose of flexi scheme arrangements for staff is to provide flexibility around core working hours to vary times of arrival/departure from work and lunch breaks and to take time off if they accrue extra hours.  There is however a guiding and overriding principle that this flexibility should be achieved without adverse effect on the overall efficiency and staffing of services and service delivery needs.  In line with normal operating arrangements staff should seek prior agreement with the relevant service manager in relation to the operation of flexi scheme working arrangements.  Managers should monitor workloads and hours worked to ensure that employees can achieve a work life balance while meeting business needs whether an employee is working on site, off site or in a hybrid manner.

For the latest advice visit NI Direct.

The normal managing attendance procedure will be upheld.

Where Principal/ Line Managers are concerned about the support arrangements in place for those returning they should contact HR on 028 9041 8023.

In most cases some or all of these supportive measures will be required prior to safeguard a return. 

• Appropriate notice and supportive dialogue with management to ensure a smooth transition back to work.
• Statement of Fitness for Work completed to sign them off as now fully fit to be at work
• An OH referral if concerns around support are still present (telephone/ virtual).

Taking a range of factors into account, during this time, it is not appropriate for Classroom Assistants to provide support to pupils in their own homes during EA contracted hours.

Once notified in writing of pregnancy Principals/Line Managers should carry out a standard Maternity Risk Assessment to comply with the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

A general pregnancy assessment may include COVID-19 risks but there is no requirement for an additional COVID-19 specific assessment.

The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RCOG) RCOG/RCM Guidance contains guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) in pregnancy and should be considered as part of this Maternity Risk Assessment.

Pregnant staff of any gestation should not be required to attend the work place if this is not supported by the risk assessment.

People with a higher risk due to existing medical conditions, pregnant staff, carers, the elderly etc are all eligible for an autumn booster vaccination and this is the primary intervention in preventing the worst harms of COVID-19 present. Other public health messages around hygiene and ventilation still stand.