Time to return to the workplace, if it is safe and secure to do so

The Government has outlined its next steps around managing the Covid-19 situation and for moving from lockdown to restarting the economy.

This first phase of the recovery includes steps for businesses to start to open up again, where it is safe to do so. This means that from Monday 11th May 2020, in England, the Government guidance is as follows:

• Workers should continue to work from home rather than their normal physical workplace, where possible
• All workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if their workplace is open.   The key exception are those workplaces such as hospitality and non-essential retail which the Government is requiring to remain closed.

When looking at the first phase of the Covid-19 recovery strategy and steps for getting the economy going again, businesses will need to decide what is the best approach for them. Whilst such consideration will include customer demand, financial impact and supply chain challenges, the key focus must be on Covid-19 security for workers and others the business comes into contact with. It is with this in mind that the Government has guidance which covers eight workplace settings that are allowed to open. 

This sets out practical steps for businesses focused on 5 key points that employers should seek to implement as soon as it is practical:

1. Work from home, if you can
2. Carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unions
3. Maintain two metres social distancing, where possible
4. Where people cannot be two metres apart, manage transmission risk
5. Reinforce cleaning processes

The workplace setting guides cover the following:

1. Construction and other outdoor work
2. Factories, plants and warehouses
3. Labs and research facilities
4. Offices and contact centres
5. Other people’s homes
6. Restaurants offering takeaway or delivery
7. Shops and branches
8. Vehicles

Further information and details of the workplace setting guides can be found by clicking the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

To check whether or not your business or venue must remain closed to the public, please click on the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance