COVID-19: flash controls teleworking in the tertiary sector extended (February 2021)

The flash controls on compliance with mandatory teleworking in the tertiary sector (= services sector), which were already announced in January, are extended by 1 month. Consequently, national controls may still be held in February.

See our tips below on how to best prepare for these announced controls.

Who is being targeted?

This action focuses on compliance with mandatory teleworking in the tertiary sector (services sector).

How to prepare?

In a question to an expert, we explain the employer's rights and obligations in the event of a social inspection.

The SIRS/SIOD checklist

The Belgian Social Intelligence and Investigation Service (SIRS/SIOD) has drawn up a specific COVID 19 checklist. This checklist contains all provisions with regard to:

• hand hygiene,
• social distancing,
• general hygiene,
• ventilation,
• contacts with third parties (temporary agency workers, suppliers, customers, contractors, etc.),
• specific measures for the hospitality sector and other eating and drinking establishments,
• measures relating to mandatory closure (hair salons/barbershops, nail salons, massage parlours, beauty parlours, non-medical pedicures, tattoo and piercing studios),
• obligation to telework (from home).

The social inspector can also check the register of foreign employees and the Passenger Locator Form (PHPLF).

Finally, there is also a COVID-19 checklist specifically for service voucher companies.

After an initial period in which the announced controls were of a more informative and preventive nature, a more repressive policy is now being adopted with regard to compliance with the COVID-19 measures. The inspection services will now draw up an official report in the event of serious infringements being identified.

Legal support

If you have specific questions due to this control, you can always contact our Legal Partners by phone (02/549.30.10) or email (legalpartners@partena.be).

And afterwards?

This flash action should not make us forget that social legislation must be observed all year round. Unannounced controls can still take place to help achieve this.

Other sectors

The next flash controls will be published after approval of the 2021 Action Plan. We will update you immediately as soon as more information is available.

Source: Website SIRS/SIOD: Flash controls: teleworking in the tertiary sector (January and February 2021).