After the Prime Minister’s speech last night on 10 May, we are still seeking clarity from government, around the details of the return to work plan, and what that means for the safety of employers and employees. Businesses and employees must have enough time and plans in place in order to return to work in a safe and controlled manner.
The government are due to discuss this is parliament today and we expect to see further details be released over the next few days.
Our advice to businesses and employers following the briefing is as follows:
- The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will be launching our COVID-19 Business Support Hub this week which will provide the latest advice to business and employers and will be an essential source of up to the minute advice.
- Stay Alert. Control the Virus. Save Lives. The Government are clear that their goal is to continue to protect the NHS, save lives and balance this priority whilst allowing the economy a chance to begin to recover.
- Business and employers who can operate with staff from home, should continue to do so until further guidance. Businesses who cannot, may return to the workplace but only where social distancing measures, a risk assessment is conducted and health & safety guidelines adhered to.
- The changes set out on 10 May do not affect the Job Retention Scheme (furloughed staff) which is still in place until the end of June and we will continue to lobby government for a tapered wind-down of the scheme.
Sharon Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce commented:
“We are urging the government to provide business and employers with further advice and guidance following the briefing last night (10 May).
“Businesses need sufficient time, support and plans in place to ensure that they can provide a safe and secure working environment that protects not only it’s staff and customers but also wider public health.
“It has been made clear that businesses who can continue to work from home, should continue to do so, and that we must stay at home as much as possible.
“We welcome news that businesses are urged to begin to restart, however, we need to do this in a controlled way with clear guidance in order to protect not only people’s lives but also their livelihoods.”
Dr Adam Marshall Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said:
“Businesses share the Prime Minister’s ambition to see more people return safely to work over the coming weeks.
“Companies will do everything they can to protect employees and customers, maintain social distancing and operate successfully as more sections of the economy are permitted to re-open.
“Businesses will need to see detailed plans for the phased easing of restrictions, coordinated with all nations across the UK and supported by clear guidance. It is imperative that companies have detailed advice on what will need to change in the workplace, including clarity on the use of PPE.
“Firms will also need to know that government support schemes, which have helped save millions of jobs in recent weeks, will continue for as long as they are needed so that they can plan ahead with confidence.
“The timing of further easing of restrictions must be guided by the public health evidence, but businesses need their practical questions answered so they can plan to restart, rebuild and renew.”
The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce are developing a suite of webinars focusing around a phased return to work plan and what businesses should be considering in order to support them in the transition with essential health & safety guidance. To hear about them as soon as they are launched, sign up to receive our updates here.
We will continue to lobby government to provide further clear advice to businesses and employers and expect to have more clarity this week. Contact the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce for advice, guidance & support – 01905 763600 or email [email protected]. For the latest information, visit our Coronavirus Business Support Hub.
The latest HSE guidance for businesses and employers can be found here.