Yesterday the government published its 60-page Covid-19 Recovery Strategy and how the UK will move from present lockdown to phased return to work. There were no new financial business initiatives announced but it was stated that the present support system will be extended until September but with the caveat that business owners might have to make financial contributions to keep the furlough scheme going.
One part of the document that we believe is the most pertinent for our clients and partners is on page 55 covering workplace safety and how business must adopt measures to get co-workers back into the workplace safely. That guidance is linked to further HM Gov high-level guidance also published yesterday to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
This guidance is on the following workplaces:
- Construction and other outdoor work
- Factories, plants and warehouses
- Offices and contact centres
See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/offices-and-contact-centres
- Restaurants that offer takeaway or delivery (not in-dining)
- Shops, branches and stores
See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/shops-and-branches
- Vehicles (including couriers, lorry drivers, mobile workers and field forces)
See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehicles
All business owners need to assess and manage the risks of COVID-19 and if you have 5 workers or more you must have a written assessment. Your risk assessment should identify practical actions that protect people from harm and injury. There is a useful toolkit published by the Health and Safety Executive at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/assessment.htm
Tracy Taylor MIPA FABRP
For more details on this or other concerns or enquiries you may either: –
- see our earlier postings under News on our website.