Can employers discipline employees who break Covid safety rules outside of the workplace? - BBC Radio 5 Live

Following the backlash against SNP MP Margaret Ferrier who travelled back to Glasgow from London after testing positive for Covid, questions arose regarding the behaviour of employees outside of the political realm. 

Many openly flaunt Government guidelines and rules but what can employers do ensure their employees respect them? Can they impose limits on what their employees can do in their free time away from work? Can they take disciplinary action against employees who break guidelines and rules outside of work?

Alex Bearman spoke to Stephen Nolan on BBC Radio 5 Live and explained that employers not only can but arguably should take disciplinary action against such employees. 

Stephen Nolan's show is available to listen to for free on the BBC Sounds website. Alex's segment starts at the 30:46 mark. 

Alex is a partner in the employment team, acting for both employers and employees. He specialises in all areas of contentious employment law, including unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing and breach of contract, and has experience of dealing with claims brought in the courts as well as in the Employment Tribunal. He also represents clients involved in discrimination claims outside of the employment field.