Ministry of Justice staff can now receive COVID-19 tests through the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

This testing is available for staff who are currently off work self-isolating because either they have become symptomatic (new continuous cough or high temperature) or they are part of a household with a symptomatic person. The aim is to support staff wellbeing and ensure delivery of key services at normal levels, as quickly as possible.

Actions:

• Please ask all staff to make sure their contact details, specifically mobile numbers, are correct on SOP.
• Please remind all staff that they must inform their line manager and ensure the absence is logged on SOP if they are off work with symptoms, or in a household with a symptomatic person.
• Reread the COVID-19 case protocol, which includes information on how to record cases correctly on SOP.

To recognise the commitment and dedication of our colleagues who are going to incredible lengths throughout this pandemic, we're asking staff to thank their colleagues for all their hard work by nominating them as 'Justice Heroes'.

Entries are being shared on the intranet to showcase the great work being done across MoJ to keep our justice system running.

You may also want to share some of the great things being shared externally as part of the social media #JusticeHeroes campaign.

Actions:

Nominate colleagues who deserve a moment in the spotlight, and encourage your teams to do the same.

Please be aware that fasting can affect people in different ways. For example, some may understandably become a little quieter or slightly tired at times, even though most have fed back that their productivity increased after the first few days.

Typical requests are likely to be for flexible working, time to be able to complete prayers, and requests for annual leave during Ramadan, particularly during the last 10 days and/or to celebrate Eid.

Actions:

• If you manage an employee who will be observing Ramadan, ensure that you have some 1-1 time to discuss any workplace adjustments that can be considered.
• Read the guidance and share it with your teams, and in particular line managers.
• You can also show your support by participating in this year's Fast-a-thon. Find out more about the month in this blog and on the Ramadan factsheet. Or join the online event, The Benefits of Fasting, to learn more about Ramadan and why Muslim's fast.