Covid-19: Daily communications update 03.04.20, 17:12hrs

General

Self-isolation – if you’re a line manager, please remember to let your director, Jeneva Allison and Simone Surgenor know if any members of your team are self-isolating. They will also need to know when the isolation period has ended or if there are updates (e.g. there are now members of the same household showing symptoms). You should also now be able to log Covid related sickness absence on ESR – see info in HR section below

Employee communications

All staff briefing – there will be a staff briefing on Tuesday 7 April at 12noon, chaired by Rob and Andrew. Please note the following:

• Dial-in details are available in the meeting request invitation you received earlier this afternoon
• Start dialling in from 11.50am, as the call will be locked down at 12noon
• Remember to put your phone/device on mute
• Email the Comms team with any questions you want to raise by close of play on Monday 6 April

HR

Recording Covid-19 absence – our HR and ODL team has updated the FAQs previously circulated (details below). This is to reflect the fact that line managers can now record Covid-19 related absence on ESR. If you’re a line manager, this means you should record absence on ESR in the normal way and address the changes to the Working Time Regulations in relation to carryover annual leave. Changes to the FAQs are as follows:

• Covid-19 HR frequently asked questions update (annual leave and working patterns FAQs) – Question 3 has been updated
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) HR frequently asked questions (general HR FAQs) – Questions 2 and 4 have been updated

Finance

Invoices – we are experiencing delays in invoice coding and approvals. It’s vital that funds continue to flow to our suppliers for goods and services during this time. NHS England and Improvement has issued a directive that we pay invoices within 5 days, and in the case of a dispute you should make a part payment and seek to resolve disputes within 7 days.

Please check your workflow daily and resolve any disputes a.s.a.p, so payments can be made. Part payments must be the exception not the rule. If you’re unable to resolve a dispute and need to make a part payment, please contact Amber Gale or Elise Ryan.

Further advice and support

Please remember to visit:

• AskHUE – for the latest advice and information for staff, including previous daily comms bulletins
• NHS website – for information on the virus and how to prevent it spreading
• GOV.UK website – for national advice, including full guidance on staying at home and away from others