Staff update about the end of “Plan B” safety measures in England

The Prime Minister has announced that all COVID-19 “Plan B” safety measures will be removed by 27 January 2022. This includes work-from-home guidance, compulsory vaccine certificates and the requirement to wear face masks in shops and on public transport. 

From Thursday 27 January, we will reinstate UCL’s Interim People Management Guidance, including the expectation for all staff to work on campus for at least 40% of the time. 

We are committed to welcoming everyone back to work onsite carefully and as safely as possible to rebuild our community on campus, so all our staff and students can collaborate and learn from each other again in-person.  

As part of our measures to reduce the risk of infection, face coverings will remain mandatory at UCL while you are indoors in our buildings, unless you are exempt. The Mayor of London has also announced that face coverings will remain a condition of carriage on TfL services. 

We are continuing to work closely with UCL’s Public Health Advisory Panel and encourage all staff and students to get vaccinated or boosted if you can, as well as getting tested at least twice a week with a free Lateral Flow Test (LFT), before you come to campus, and before mixing with people in crowded indoor places. The NHS vaccination centre at Bidborough House remains open and the UCL Connect to Protect service will continue. If you feel unwell, even if you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms, you must stay at home and not come to campus. Find out more on the coronavirus information hub.  

Longer term, we are exploring what the future of work at UCL will look like, by learning from colleagues’ experience of the pandemic and remote working. You can let us know how you are finding the return to campus by completing our Future of Work at UCL survey. 

If you have any questions about these changes, or if your personal circumstances make returning to work on campus difficult, please speak to your line manager. You can also find further information and resources, including guidance for managers, on the Making Hybrid Work hub.