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It's the beginning of March and parents up and down the land are breathing a sigh of relief as schools start to open up in the first phase of the government's roadmap out of the covid lockdown.
Business owners are also starting to get to grips with what the government's recent announcements mean and, whilst a complete opening up of the economy is still some weeks away, now is the time to ensure that you are fully prepared, that the workplace is covid-secure and you are ready to go.
Once businesses in England have reopened, they will be subject to covid-secure workplace requirements. Local authorities and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will undertake checks to ensure that all workplaces in England are safe. Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales may have slightly different requirements - check the government website.
The government website provides a lot of detailed information about what businesses are expected to do to reduce the risk of transmission and spread of the virus. Undertaking risk assessments, social distancing, hand and surface cleaning, ventilation and test and trace are some of the must-dos.
To save you time, we've extracted the key points from 14 government reports to provide a handy guide on how to maintaining your workplace covid-security. We have included links to further information and signposted products we supply to help you prepare.
What? Signs and posters to build awareness of good handwashing technique and frequency.
Who? ALL business types
Check out:
What? Signs and posters to inform customers of queuing and one-way systems and social distancing.
Who? ALL business types
What? Screens for counters, bars, till points, reception desks
Who? Accommodation, close contact services, community centres, entertainment providers, garden centres, indoor and outdoor hospitality, indoor and outdoor leisure, and offices
What? Space and screens between workstations, clients
Who? Close contact services, libraries, and offices
What? Keeping hands clean
Who? ALL business types
What? Guidance systems for outdoors queuing and customer-flow systems
Who? Garden centres, outdoor hospitality, outdoor leisure, outdoor attractions and heritage sites, retail, and car-parks
Don't forget that there is a range of government financial help available to help businesses, including a new 'recovery loan scheme' announced in the latest budget:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/recovery-loan-scheme
The government has released details of a 4 step plan to ease restrictions and move out of lockdown. Opening-up dates are subject to four 'tests' that will be applied before the next step is implemented, so be aware that there may be some slippage. The government has promised to give businesses and the public confirmation of the opening dates at least one week in advance of each step.
From 8th March:
Schools reopen
From 12th April at the earliest:
From 17th May at the earliest:
From 21st June at the earliest:
Remaining closed businesses to open
