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Department of Chemistry Internal Pages

Social distancing in the CyberCafé will be kept under review

The Government relaxed its ‘work from home’ rule on 19 July and the University is planning a test phase until the end of 2021 to understand what works and what doesn't about hybrid working. Of course, because of the nature of their jobs many of our departmental staff members have continued working on the premises throughout the pandemic, for which we are grateful. But now Head of Department James Keeler says that the way is clear for other staff members who wish to return to the Department.

In response to University guidance stating that it is still up to individual departments like Chemistry to manage the wider return to the workplace, James says that the Department will continue to follow social distancing, good ventilation and other safety measures “in a way that best supports our needs and takes into consideration precautionary measures for Covid.”

Support Services Manager Marita Walsh says: “For those staff currently working at home, we are planning a gradual return to working in the Department, so from the start of September all professional services staff will be expected to work at least one day a week on site [pro rata for part-time staff].” She says that the expectation is to increase this to a minimum of two days a week from the start of term in October.  

Marita notes that it is very important for staff to liaise with their line manager or PI before returning to the workplace, to ensure their own safety and the safety of the people they work with.

Marita is happy to be contacted by any staff members who have questions or worries about returning to the workplace. She says: “I will keep everyone updated as we find more out about returning to the workplace and hybrid working.”

According to James, the Department will continue to keep matters under review as the situation develops, and changes will be made “as and when it seems prudent to do so.” Meanwhile, he is encouraging everyone who is able to consider taking up the offer of vaccinations at the walk-in centres now available in Cambridge, and to make use of lateral flow tests, which are available on demand from any pharmacy.

Labs will continue to follow measures to keep staff safe.