From Monday 19 July the government are no longer instructing people to work from home and are instead encouraging a “gradual” return to the office for businesses.
Businesses still have a legal duty to manage health and safety risks. You must carry out a health and safety risk assessment, including the risk of Coronavirus, and take reasonable steps to mitigate the risks you identify.
To support organisations through this next step the government have updated their “Working safely” guidance to provide advice on sensible precautions employers can take to manage risk and support their staff and customers.
The government have published guidance for the following sectors:
- Construction and other outdoor work
- Events and attractions
- Hotels and guest accommodation
- Offices, factories and labs
- Restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs and takeaway services
- Shops, branches, and close contact services
Responding to the publication of Government guidance for businesses ahead of the full reopening of the economy, Hannah Essex, Co-Executive Director of the BCC, said:
“It is important that everyone understands that July 19 will not see face coverings and hand sanitiser disappearing from all workplaces, businesses and venues.
“As the Prime Minister has said the pandemic has not disappeared and businesses will need to continue to play their part in keeping their employees and customers safe.
“That means that although there may be changes, many businesses will be keeping in place some of the measures that have become familiar over the last 12 months, including face coverings in certain circumstances.
“Although the Government has removed some specific legal restrictions – such as mandatory face coverings in indoor settings – as the guidance makes clear, businesses still have an overall responsibility to minimise risk to their employees and customers.
“Therefore, many are asking questions about whether they will be held liable should they make changes to the way they operate from July 19.
“Companies now have just five days to make this judgement call and effectively communicate it to their staff and customers.
“This is a tight turnaround, but with cases continuing to rise, we hope the public will understand the need to stick to the Covid safety rules put in place at each individual location.”
For an overview of the changes from July 19 and what you should do to protect yourself and others visit here.