Coronavirus

Last updated: 19 April 2022

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.

Latest announcements

Most COVID-19 legal requirements in the UK have been lifted with governments across our four nations emphasising personal responsibility and safer behaviours that people can adopt to avoid the risk of infection.

From 18 April, all legal restrictions relating to COVID-19 protective measures at a national level in Scotland were lifted. Workplace requirements that were law have been removed. However, businesses are urged to continue with appropriate protective measures and consider COVID-19 as part of their risk assessment procedures. 

From 18 April in Wales, face coverings are legally required only in health and care settings. Businesses, employers and other organisations are no longer legally required to undertake a specific coronavirus risk assessment and are asked to consider the risks associated with coronavirus alongside other communicable diseases (for example flu and norovirus).

From 24 February, the remaining domestic restrictions in England were lifted and people were no longer asked to work from home. The requirement for every employer to consider COVID-19 in their risk assessments has been removed.  

On 15 February, all remaining COVID-19 legal restrictions in Northern Ireland were lifted and replaced by guidance. Employers are asked to consult with their employees to determine who needs to come into the workplace. When employers consider if workers should come into their place of work, a COVID-19 workplace risk assessment must be completed and appropriate measures should be put in place in line with current Public Health Agency (PHA) guidelines. 

Regional restrictions

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

• England 
• Northern Ireland
• Scotland
• Wales

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.

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 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 those concerned.

Business and workplace advice

Governments across the UK's four nations have issued guidance on keeping safe in the workplace:

• England - workplace guidance including guidance for those working in or running offices and those who provide close contact services. See also the Health and Safety Executive's guidance on how to carry out a risk assessment.
• Scotland - Safer business and workplace guidance and ventilation guidance
• Wales - Keep Wales safe at work
• Northern Ireland - COVID -19: Advice and guidance for places of work and Coronavirus updates to support your business

COVID vaccination and booster information

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

• England: Vaccination information from NHS England
• Northern Ireland: Vaccination programme information materials
• 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.