As new national restrictions begin in November, government guidelines recommend that people should stay at home where possible and should only travel to work if they cannot work from home.
For those who cannot work from home, you are advised to still go to your regular place of work so long as your employer has made the workplace as safe as reasonably possible.
Employers have a duty of care to protecting their employees and customers during coronavirus, and the government has provided a step-by-step action plan on how to do this here.
Food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open.
All non-essential retail, including, but not limited to clothing and electronics stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops, must close. However, non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.
The guidance applies to those currently open and will help those that are currently closed consider what their operations need to look like when they are allowed to open.
By law, staff in retail settings must wear face coverings when in customer facing areas, unless they have an exemption. Customers must also wear a face covering in any indoor space or where required to do so by law.
It is encouraged that surfaces are cleaned more often and staff and customers are asked to frequently wash their hands and use hand sanitiser. Limit the handling of good and make sure stock is cleaned regularly. Store items that have been returned, donated, or brought in for repair in a container or separate room for 48 hours or clean them before display.
Social distancing can be encouraged by putting up signs or introducing a one-way systems for customers to follow. Consider using screens or barriers to separate staff and customers. Reduce crowding by limiting the number of people allowed in your store or branch at any time and use floor markings to manage queues.
By law, employers must not knowingly require or encourage someone who is being required to self-isolate to come to work. For those unable to work from home, see current guidance for employees and employers relating to statutory sick pay.
People delivering close contact services in retail environments should also refer to guidance on keeping workers and clients safe during Covid-19 in close contact services.
The government has set out guidance for working safely during coronavirus online which can be accessed here.