Read our latest guidance and resources about therapy during COVID-19.

Coronavirus

We’ll be adding more information and guidance to this hub whenever we can, so please check back regularly.

Last updated: 11 August 2021

The government has announced that from 19 July there will be no further mandatory requirement to work from home or to wear masks in England. However, the public are urged to exercise personal responsibility and the government will ‘expect and recommend’ a gradual return to the workplace.

Wales moved to alert level 0 on 7 August. Most but not all coronavirus restrictions were removed and replaced by an ongoing requirement for organisations and businesses to carry out risk assessments. Face masks will continue to be required in a number of settings including when people access healthcare.

Almost all Scotland's restrictions ended on 9 August. However, face coverings are still required by law in most communal/public indoor spaces (unless you are exempt) and two-metre physical distancing is required in healthcare settings. The Scottish government advises continuing to work from home with a longer term move to hybrid models of home and office working, and employers must carry out risk assessments.

In Northern Ireland, mandatory social distancing of at least 1m is required indoors. The wearing of face coverings remains mandatory on any form of transport. You can meet others indoors where necessary for work but should work from home where you can. Employers that require staff to come in to a workplace must complete a risk assessment.

UKCP guidance remains to consider the ethical implications of working in your clients’ best interests, risk assessing both theirs and, very importantly, your own safety and wellbeing.

Regional restrictions

There are currently different terms of restriction across the four nations. For ongoing regionally specific information, please check the restrictions in your area and, where relevant, that of your clients, your place of work or educational establishment.

Official guidance on the restrictions applicable can be found on government websites:

England - there may be extra advice in areas receiving an enhanced response to COVID-19.
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales

Assessing the risks

Practitioners should carefully consider every client, couple or group and risk assess in each case. If in doubt please refer to your supervisor and insurer. Employed therapists should follow their employer’s guidance around working practice.

Irrespective of how you see clients, you must adhere to the UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, placing your clients best interests at the heart of your decision making. Ask how best you can serve your clients without compromising their health and safety. We appreciate that some clients may be keen to return to in-person therapy if restrictions are lifted which may present personal risks to you and/or them. We would not penalise you for wishing to work remotely. Your biggest consideration will perhaps be how to communicate this message with your concerned.

COVID-secure environments

Throughout the pandemic there has been a legal requirement for businesses and workplaces to be COVID secure.

In England, almost all restrictions were removed on 19 July. The government has published workplace guidance for the next stage of unlocking, for various sectors of the economy, which includes guidance for those working in or running offices and those who provide close contact services.

COVID-secure measures remain a requirement for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Information can be found through the following links:

Scotland - General guidance for safer workplaces and more recently on returning to offices.
Wales - Keep Wales safe at work
Northern Ireland - workplace safety guidelines and social distancing.

Vaccination

Each of the UK nations has its own programme of delivery:

England: Vaccination information from NHS England
Northern Ireland: Vaccination information from the HSC Public Health Agency
Scotland: Vaccination information from NHS Scotland
Wales: Vaccination information from Public Health Wales

Other sources of information

We are advising people who are looking for information about the virus to visit the NHS website, where you will find the most up-to-date information, including what to do if you are worried you might have symptoms, advice for travellers and common questions.

The GOV.UK website also has up-to-date information about the situation in the UK, and you may find further relevant information at GOV.Wales, GOV.Scot, and NorthernIreland.gov.uk.

You can find more information and resources here: