New quarantine restrictions apply as of 9 December 2020: what employers should know

After assessing the epidemiological situation in Lithuania, the Government has adopted additional restrictions on business, education, movement of people, meetings and other fields. This resolution and the new restrictions will come into force as of Wednesday, 9 December 2020.

In response to the additional restrictions, we have prepared this summary covering key information relevant to employers.

Extension of quarantine

The quarantine period is extended until the end of the year: 31 December 2020, 24:00.

Remote work

Both in public and private sectors, work must be organised and customers must be serviced remotely. An exception to this requirement applies where the relevant functions must (can only) be performed in the workplace. However, in these cases employers must ensure compliance with set safety requirements. So, as of Wednesday 09 December remote work in the private sector is no longer just recommended but will now be mandatory, except where work functions must (and can only) be performed from the usual place of work.

It is important for employers not only to ensure smooth organisation of remote work, but also formalise it properly. If you have not adopted internal policies on remote work and/or have not signed remote work agreements with employees, we recommend at least communicating to the employees the main rules of remote work by e-mail (e.g. working time and employee availability, use of work equipment, reimbursement of increased expenses, compliance with safety and health requirements, and so on).

Employees raising primary school-age children

New restrictions have also been introduced in education. Attendance at pre-schools and kindergartens is recommended only for those children whose parents do not have the possibility to work remotely. Also, primary school holidays will start earlier this year: from 14 December 2020 until 3 January 2021.

Considering the early start of school holidays, those companies where remote work is not possible should be prepared for time-off (e.g. annual leave) requests from employees raising children attending primary schools. We would like to remind you that by law employers must seriously consider employee requests related to fulfilling their family obligations.

Our Employment team is at your disposal should you need advice on any employment issues you are facing. Do not hesitate to contact us.