Category: Uncategorised

King’s Speech

In Wednesday’s King’s Speech, Labour had set out the legislative agenda for their first months in government. Worker’s rights were at the heart of the legislative programme set out by King Charles III, which the government pledged would be “mission led” and “based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all”.

The state opening of parliament speech confirmed the Labour government will legislate to introduce a new deal for working people to “ban exploitative practices and enhance employment rights” through a new employment rights bill.

It has promised to work in partnership with both businesses and working people to deliver the changes. 

In line with the briefing notes, the Employment Rights Bill is set to include the following:

  • Making parental leave, sick pay and protection from unfair dismissal available from day 1 (subject to special rules for probationary periods)
  • Banning zero-hour contracts, making sure that workers have a right to a contract that reflects the hours they regularly work
  • Ending ‘fire and rehire’ and ‘fire and replace’ by reforming the law and replacing the statutory code
  • Removing the lower earnings limit and waiting period for Statutory Sick pay
  • Making flexible working the default for all workers from day one and requiring employers to accommodate this as far as is reasonable
  • Making it unlawful to dismiss a woman who has had a baby for six months after she comes back to work (with certain exceptions)
  • Creating the Fair Work Agency to enforce workplace rights
  • Introducing a Fair Pay Agreement in the adult social care sector
  • Repealing the law on minimum service levels in relation to industrial action
  • Simplifying the process of statutory recognition for trade unions
  • Introducing a right for workers and union members to access a union within workplaces

In addition to the above, Labour proposes a draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill which proposes to “enshrine the full right to equal pay law” for disabled people and ethnic minorities. The same bill also proposes mandatory ethnicity and disability pay gap reporting.

The King also confirmed that the government would reform the apprenticeship levy, along with establishing a body called Skills England, which “will have a new partnership with employment at its heart”. It is said that the change to the apprenticeship was needed to “help reverse the decline in apprenticeships for young people and make it easier for employers to use their levy funds to upskill their existing workforce”.

Please note that these employment law changes are not currently set in stone and may adapt as and when the different bills go through Parliament. Therefore, once changes are finalised, we will provide a clear update to ensure you are aware of these.

Whilst these changes to employment rights are welcomed, it has been promised that they will ensure a thorough consultation takes place with employers and trade unions, and potentially compromise in places, to ensure any changes have a positive impact on workplace practices and employment opportunities.

Festive Misconduct

Top Tips for Employers to manage the Festive Season!

As we are all aware, Christmas is fast approaching, and we are therefore reaching the season to be jolly! Indeed, many organisations will be arranging Christmas Parties with their workforce. So, this means us HR / Employment Law elves become busy dealing with all the employees that do not seem to behave themselves (yes, we report back to Santa to put them on the naughty list!)

Key Group Services are therefore sending this top tip guide to give you some pointers on how to manage during the festive season: 

Christmas parties are an extension of the workplace!

It is important to be mindful that when there is a social event connected to work, that workplace procedures should be adopted by both the employer and the employee. This is whether you have a fancy three course meal, or you simply invite all staff to the local for a few pints on the final day of work!

This has been demonstrated through case law where the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) found that in the case of The Chief Constable of Lincolnshire v Stubbs, the Chief Constable was vicariously liable for the actions of a male officer who sexually harassed a female colleague whilst at the pub with work.

Therefore, it is important that all employees are aware that they are expected to behave at the Christmas party as they would in the workplace.

Walking home from the Christmas party, still related to the workplace!

When employees are making their way home from any Christmas party, it may be that certain employees travel home together, meaning that they are still carrying out an activity related to work.

In the case of Gimson v Display by Design Ltd, it was found that Mr Gimson assaulted a colleague whilst walking home from the Christmas party. This was investigated by the employer and subsequently Mr Gimson was summarily dismissed as a result. Mr Gimson then submitted claims of unfair dismissal to the Employment Tribunal on the basis that the altercation occurred outside of work. However, the Tribunal did not agree with Mr Gimsons argument and found that if it was not for the Christmas party, which is closely associated with work, he would not have been walking home with his colleague.

This demonstrates that alcohol is no excuse for misconduct at the end of the works party. Indeed, if altercations occur, as the employer you may still be able to take action and it is recommended to remind the employees of this.

Be careful of promises made!

Alcohol is a substance that is known to lower inhibitions. Therefore, as the employer it is important to be mindful as to what discussions is had with employees during Christmas parties.

In the case of Judge v Crown Leisure, Mr Judge was promised by a Director that they intended to align his salary with an employee who was on considerably more money. When Mr Judge became aware that this was not in fact the case, he resigned and claimed constructive dismissal to the Tribunal. His claim was dismissed by the tribunal; however, it is clear from the judgement that employers must be mindful of such conversations as there may be situations where these become contractually binding.

It is highly recommended to not make promises about pay rises or promotions at the Christmas party on this basis, the employer in this case was not held to it, but another Tribunal may not be as sympathetic!

What to take from the above?

To issue a simple communication to all employees to outline that they are expected to behave as they would in work on the Christmas party, for ease, we have included a link to the memo below.

You may also wish to specify specific expectations within the attached memo such as the following: 

  • Must at all times behave in a friendly, respectful, civil and sensible manner towards their work colleagues.
  • Must not flirt with other work colleagues unless it is clear that such conduct is welcomed.
  • Will not photocopy any part of their anatomy using company equipment under any circumstances.
  • Should not be involved in brawling or fighting, attempted or otherwise, towards other colleagues, taxi drivers or staff of the venue in which the party takes place and thereafter for the remainder of the evening.
  • Should consume alcohol responsibly.
  • Will not use the Christmas party to address matters of pay, benefits or workplace issues with the Directors, any members of the management team or a fellow employee.
  • Are hereby advised that if they agree to attend the company funded Christmas party but fail to attend, a sum of money equivalent to the cost of one person will be deducted from their January salary payment.

COVID-19 Restriction Changes – Wales Only

What is the legal requirement on businesses, workplaces, public places and event organisers?

Regulation 16 of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 imposes obligations on people responsible for premises that are open to the public or where work takes place:

  • to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus on the premises, and
  • to minimise the risk of spread of coronavirus by those who have been on the premises

This is to be achieved by taking the following steps, which are based on the “hierarchy of controls” principles (referred to above):

  • step 1: undertake a specific assessment of the risk of exposure to coronavirus at their premises (and to consult persons working on the premises or representatives of those persons in doing so)
  • step 2: provide information to those entering or working at the premises about how to minimise the risk of exposure to coronavirus. This includes, in particular, information to all those working on the premises about their risk of exposure to coronavirus identified in the risk assessment and the measures to be taken to minimise this risk
  • step 3: ensure that reasonable measures are taken to minimise risk of exposure to the virus on the premises

Each of the 3 Steps is required to be taken. Further detail on each step is set out below;

What has changed?

The requirement to carry out a specific coronavirus risk assessment and to take reasonable measures has not changed. These requirements remain in place at Alert Level Zero.

There has however been a change to how those required to take reasonable measures determine what reasonable measures they should take, as well as a change in emphasis in what reasonable measures are necessary. The Regulations are now less prescriptive about exactly what measures must be put in place, enabling there to be more flexibility in what is done based on the levels

of risk identified.

The specific requirements on licensed and retail premises are no longer set out separately in the Regulations. However, this does not mean those things are no longer considered ‘reasonable measures’ that may be required, rather that they are not legally required in all circumstances.

For example, table service in pub has been required at all times. As a result of the change in the law, however, whether a table service should be put in place will depend on the circumstances. In a pub that is very rarely busy or during the day where there are few customers present, table service is unlikely to be required as the risk is lower. But table service may well be a reasonable measure that should be taken on a busy evening, or if a pub was holding an event, as the bar area could become crowded.

In so far as the reasonable measures themselves are concerned, there has been a particular emphasis throughout on physical distancing, in particular measures to keep people 2 metres apart. Following the change in the law, physical distancing is still a reasonable measure that may be taken, and in many circumstances is likely to be required to be taken, however it is no longer given particular prominence. This means that where other measures can be taken to minimise risk, such as moving outdoors, requiring people to be tested or vaccinated, using screens etc., physical distancing may not be required or could be required to a lesser extent.

More information can be found here:

https://gov.wales/alert-level-0

https://gov.wales/alert-level-0-frequently-asked-questions

Alert Level 0: guidance for employers, businesses and organisations

COVID-19 Tests Available

Two types of test are currently being used to detect if someone has COVID-19:

  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests
  • Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests

PCR tests detect the RNA (ribonucleic acid, the genetic material) of a virus. PCR tests are the most reliable COVID-19 tests. It takes some time to get the results because they are usually processed in a laboratory.

LFD tests detect proteins in the coronavirus and work in a similar way to a pregnancy test. They are simple and quick to use. LFD tests are not as accurate as PCR tests and are mainly used in people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. Anyone who has a positive LFD test should have a PCR test to confirm the result within 48 hours.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection

COVID-19 Update January 2021

Travel Update

  • The Government has just announced that from 1pm Friday 29 January passengers who have been in or transited through the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda in the last 10 days will no longer be granted access to the UK.
  • British, Irish and third country nationals with residence rights in the UK will be allowed to enter but are required to self-isolate for 10 days at home, along with their household.
  • From 4am on Friday morning all arrivals who have, in the 10 days before their arrival in the UK, been in these destinations and their households will have to self-isolate immediately, and will not be eligible to use Test to Release.
  • There will also be a flight ban on direct passenger flights from the United Arab Emirates.
  • The decision to ban travel from these destinations follows the discovery of a new coronavirus variant first identified in South Africa, that may have spread to other countries.

Government Update

  • Lockdown Guidance Update – The Going to Work Section of the Lockdown guidance has been updated to clarify that you do not need to be classed as a critical worker to go to work if you cannot work from home. The updated section also states that employers and employees should discuss their working arrangements, and employers should take every possible step to facilitate their employees working from home, including providing suitable IT and equipment to enable remote working. Where people cannot work from home, employers should take steps to make their workplaces COVID-19 secure and help employees avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk.
  • Managing playgrounds and outdoor gymsCOVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms has been updated to reflect the latest guidance on use of outdoor public playgrounds that remain open.
  • Night Time Economy Consultation – The Night Time Economy APPG has launched an urgent inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on British nightlife. The inquiry is being led by APPG Chair, Jeff Smith MP, who worked in the sector for several years in his earlier career. The APPG is calling for evidence from night time economy businesses, employees, freelancers and consumers to share their views on the challenges facing the sector, its importance to our society and economy, and how nightlife can be reopened.

Data and Insight

  • Eat Out to Help Out Analysis – HMRC has published an analysis of the EOTHO scheme which includes a geographical breakdown of the uptake. Interestingly the participation and uptake of the scheme was very evenly spread around the UK. Unsurprising areas with high commuter traffic and low resident populations had low claim levels (i.e. City of London and Kings Cross). Also of note, the average claim per outlet was significantly higher in Northern Ireland than either England, Scotland or Wales.

Situation update 28 January 2021

Covid-19 Update November 2020

National Restrictions from 5 November

(England)

On 31 October, the Prime Minister announced tougher national restrictions in England from Thursday.

From 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, the Government is taking the following action:

  • requiring people to stay at home, except for specific purposes
  • preventing gathering with people you do not live with, except for specific purposes
  • closing certain businesses and venues.

Under the restrictions, from Thursday 5 November, everyone must stay at home, and may leave only for a limited set of reasons. These include:

  • for education 
  • for work, if you cannot work from home 
  • for exercise and recreation outdoors, with your household, support bubble or on your own with one person from another household 
  • for all medical reasons, appointments and to escape injury or harm 
  • to shop for food and essentials 
  • to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer
  • to attend a place of worship for individual prayer, a funeral or a related event for someone who has died, to visit a burial ground or a remembrance garden, or to attend a deathbed wedding.

People should work from home wherever possible. Where people cannot do so (for instance people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing) they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace (this includes if a job involves working in other people’s homes). Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work.

Those working in other people’s homes – for example, nannies, cleaners or tradespeople – can do so. Otherwise, the guidance is to avoid meeting for work in a private home or garden, where COVID-19 Secure measures may not be in place.

The risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-secure guidelines are followed closely.

Those defined as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus – that is, people with specific serious health conditions are advised to to work from home. If this is not possible, the advice is not to go to work and look into eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit. Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable are advised to stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors for exercise or to attend essential health appointments.

The guidance reiterates the message: ‘Hands. Face. Space.’:

  • Hands – Wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds.
  • Face – Wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
  • Space – Stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors).

The government information on the restrictions can be found here.

Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street
October 2020


Education and Childcare Settings: New National Restrictions from 5 November 2020

This document explains how the new national restrictions to control the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact education, childcare and children’s social care settings.

The restrictions, applicable to England, came into effect on 5 November. The government stress the importance for children and young people to attend, to support their wellbeing and education and help working parents and guardians. Senior clinicians still advise that school is the best place for children to be, and so they should continue to go to school. Schools have implemented a range of protective measures to make them safe.

Childcare or education is one of the exceptions that children, young people and parents and carers can leave their home for.

Education settings and childcare settings must continue to take swift action when they become aware of a confirmed case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in their setting. Early years settings, schools, colleges and out of schools settings are advised that they can contact the dedicated advice service introduced by Public Health England (PHE) and delivered by the NHS Business Services Authority for support on the action they should take to respond to a positive case (DfE Helpline: 0800 046 8687; select option 1 for advice on the action to take in response to a positive case.)

The following settings are covered by this guidance:

  • early years and childcare
  • out-of-school activities and wraparound childcare
  • schools
  • children’s social care, vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people
  • further education and apprenticeships
  • higher education.

The document is available here.

Department for Education
November 2020


Higher Education: New National Restrictions Guidance

This document explains how the new national restrictions affect the Higher Education (HE) sector.

Under the new national restrictions from 5 November, the government will be requiring everyone to stay at their current home, except for specific purposes. This means students should not leave their term-time address to return home between 5 November and 2 December.

As is the case for the rest of the population, students may only leave home for specific reasons, including:

  • for education
  • for work, for example if you cannot work from home
  • for exercise and recreation outdoors, with your household, or on your own with one person from another household
  • for medical reasons or appointments
  • to escape injury or harm (including mental health crises)
  • to shop for food and essentials
  • to provide care for vulnerable people, or as a volunteer.

This guidance covers the following:

  • student and staff safety
  • face coverings
  • online and in person tuition
  • socialising
  • catered halls
  • financial hardship
  • wellbeing support for students and staff
  • clinically extremely vulnerable people
  • support for students with symptoms or self-isolating
  • libraries and study spaces
  • research
  • tuition fee refunds
  • international students
  • sports facilities
  • performing arts.

It is available here.

Department for Education
November 2020


Clinically extremely vulnerable receive updated guidance in line with new national restrictions

New guidance has been published for the clinically extremely vulnerable on keeping safe under the new national restrictions which came into force last Thursday.

The group are strongly advised to stay at home at all times, unless for exercise or doctors’ appointments.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people in England have today received further guidance on keeping safe as the country introduces new national restrictions from Thursday, the government has announced.

The new advice details further precautions those in this group can take on top of the tougher national measures being introduced, as cases continue to rise across the country. Everyone not considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable will be expected to follow the new restrictions, such as staying at home unless shopping for food or exercising and not meeting up with people outside of the household.

The updated guidance, which clinically extremely vulnerable individuals are strongly urged to follow, includes:

  • Socialising: Stay at home as much as possible, except to go outdoors to exercise or attend health appointments. People can exercise with those they live with or in their support bubble.
  • Work: If people cannot work from home, they should not attend work. They may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme during this period of national measures. People in the same household who are not clinically extremely vulnerable can still attend work, in line with the new national restrictions.
  • School: As evidence has shown there is a very low risk of children becoming very unwell from COVID-19, most children originally on the shielded patient list no longer need to be and therefore can still attend school. If they are unsure, parents should contact their child’s usual GP or hospital clinician to check whether they should still be considered clinically extremely vulnerable. If a GP or clinician has advised that a child should remain on the shielded patient list, they are advised not to attend school. Children who live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable, but aren’t themselves, should still attend school.
  • Going outside: Avoid all non-essential travel – they should continue to travel to hospital and GP appointments unless told otherwise by their doctor. They are strongly advised not to go to any shops or to pharmacies.

The government will also be providing over £32 million to upper tier councils in England to support the clinically extremely vulnerable over the next month. It will be used to provide support, such as access to food deliveries and signposting to local support of befriending services, to the most at risk and enable them to stay at home as much as possible over this short period.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Jenny Harries said: “We have previously said that where the conditions of transmission of the infection alters significantly we would alert patients in relative regions.

“With the prevalence of the virus continuing to increase across England and in places across the world, it’s right that we adjust our advice for the clinically extremely vulnerable accordingly so they can feel as safe as possible over the coming few weeks.

“Our guidance for this group of individuals has always been advisory, but I would strongly urge all those who are clinically extremely vulnerable to take these extra precautions to keep themselves as safe as possible.”

Individuals in this group will also be able to use an online service which will help people to request priority access to supermarket delivery slots and to inform their council they need help. NHS Volunteer Responders can also help with a regular, friendly phone call, and transport to and from medical appointments.

The clinically extremely vulnerable group includes those with reduced immune systems, for example due to organ transplants, or those with specific cancers or severe respiratory conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. The group list is updated regularly as patients’ conditions or the scientific evidence changes, so the majority will have received a letter previously from the NHS or their GP advising them of their inclusion.

Due to new evidence about groups more likely to be at risk of serious illness from COVID-19, those with chronic kidney disease (stage 5) and those undergoing dialysis, as well as adults with Down’s Syndrome, are also being added to the shielding patient list by the NHS.

Those with more general underlying health conditions or who are 70 or over may still be more vulnerable to COVID-19 than the general population, so are also advised to stay at home as much as possible, to carefully follow the rules and minimise contact with others.

The updated guidance is available here

Department of Health and Social Care
November 2020


Working Safely During Coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated guidance

Following the announcements made by the government on 31 October regarding national restrictions in England from 5 November, the Working safely during Coronavirus guidance has been updated, as follows:

Close Contact Services 

Updated guidance during national restrictions from 5 November: 

  • Most close contact services must close. Anyone who can work from home, should (section 1.1) and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals not attending work for this period of restrictions (section 2.1). 

Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, tattoo parlours, spas, massage parlours, body and skin piercing services, non-medical acupuncture, and tanning salons must close.

The guidance covering:

Construction and Other Outdoor Work 
Factories, Plants and Warehouses 
Labs and Research Facilities 
Offices and Contact Centres 
Vehicles

have all be updated in the same way to reflect the following from 5 November: 

  • Anyone who can work from home, should (section 1.1) and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals not attending work for this period of restrictions (section 2.1). 

Employers should ensure workplaces are safe for anyone who cannot work from home.

Other People’s Homes 

Those who need to visit other people’s homes for their work can continue to do so. Otherwise the guidance is updated to reflect the same as above, namely:

From 5 November: 

  • Anyone who can work from home, should (section 1.1) and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals not attending work for this period of restrictions (section 2.1). 

Shops and Branches 

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.

Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.

Heritage Locations

Some heritage locations can still be visited because they are outside, as long as the current social distancing rules are observed. These include historic parks, gardens, landscapes, and ruins and monuments open to the elements, even where these are paid-for attractions. You should only visit them with:

  • the people you live with
  • your support bubble
  • or, when on your own, 1 person from another household.

Children under 5, as well as disabled people dependent on round-the-clock care are not counted towards the limit on 2 people meeting outside.

Roofed historic buildings and fully-enclosed spaces will be closed, although their attached grounds, including car parks, toilets and outdoor play areas, can remain open.

Hotels and Other Guest Accommodation

It is stressed that, from Thursday 5 November, national restrictions supersede the contents of this guidance document, in particular where the document refers to Local COVID Alert Levels. This guidance document can still be used by those businesses which are permitted to operate under the national restrictions, to support those businesses to operate safely.

In summary, for hotels and other guest accommodation, the new national restrictions mean:

People should stay at home, except for specific purposes.

  • People should avoid all non-essential travel by private or public transport. Essential travel includes, but is not limited to travelling to work where your workplace is open or you cannot work from home; and travelling to education or for caring responsibilities. Where any staff can work from home, they must do so.
  • Overnight stays and holidays away from primary residences will not be allowed – including holidays in the UK and abroad. This includes staying in a second home or caravan, or people staying with anyone they do not live with or are not in a support bubble with. There are specific exceptions, for example if people need to stay away from home (including in a second home) for work or education purposes.
  • When travel is necessary and staying in hotels and other guest accommodation required, we expect people to act responsibly, in line with government regulations and guidance.
  • At the time that restrictions are brought in, if people are currently on holiday and it is not reasonable for them to curtail their stay, they may finish their holiday as planned; the duration of stay should only be as long as reasonably necessary and they should return home as soon as practical. People must comply with the ‘stay at home’ requirements and make every effort to reduce socialising indoors outside of their household whilst in holiday accommodation in the meantime.
  • People who need to travel abroad before 2 December (and are legally permitted to do so, for example, because it is for work), should look at the rules in place at their destination, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and the current travel corridor list.
  • International visitors may continue to enter the country, subject to the existing Travel Corridor rules. Whilst here, international visitors should adhere to all regulations and guidance.

Certain businesses and venues will be ordered to close. The guidance sets out further advice in this area.

Performing Arts
 
From 5 November national restrictions will be in force in England to control the spread of Coronavirus. During this period, performing arts venues can continue to operate under Stages 1 and 2 of the performing arts roadmap. This means that:

  • Performing arts professionals may continue to rehearse and train, and perform for broadcast or recording purposes.
  • Other than for this purpose, theatres, concert halls and entertainment venues must close.
  • Professional dancers may continue to use dance studios.
  • Non-professional activity, such as amateur choirs and orchestra, cannot take place.
  • Where any staff in performing arts organisations can work from home, they must do so. 

The Visitor Economy 
 
For the visitor economy, the new national restrictions mean:
 
Certain businesses and venues will be ordered to close.
 
These include:

  • Indoor and outdoor leisure, games and recreation facilities such as bowling alleys, skating rinks, leisure centres and gyms, sports facilities including swimming pools, soft play facilities, funfairs and fairgrounds, zoos and other animal attractions, and water, aqua and theme parks.
  • Indoor areas of botanical gardens and heritage sites should close, although outdoor areas of those venues can remain open and can offer food and drink as a takeaway service. Alcohol may only be sold as delivery or click and collect.
  • Entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries, casinos, arcades and bingo halls.
  • Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, spas, and massage parlours, all non-essential retail, including vehicle showrooms, hospitality venues like cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs must close; with the exception of providing food and drink for takeaway (before 10pm; and not including alcohol), click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery.

Business meetings and events are advised against, but may take place with up to a total of 30 people if reasonably necessary – for example for the purposes of work that cannot be done at home – if social distancing can be maintained and the venue can demonstrate it has followed the COVID-19 guidance.
 
Hotels and other guest accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions set out in law. Restaurants and bars within guest accommodation should remain closed although food and/or drink including alcohol can be provided through room service as long as it is ordered by phone or online.
 
Event spaces, including in conference centres and exhibition halls, can be used for reasons permitted by law, including for business events of up to 30 where reasonably necessary, for education and training purposes where reasonably necessary, or to provide socially beneficial public services such as Nightingale hospitals or food banks. Conference centres and exhibition halls should remain closed for conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, private dining or banqueting events.

Providers of Grassroots Sport and Gym/leisure Facilities

This guidance is for people who work in grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities. During the period of national restrictions, the following applies to this sector:

  • Individual exercise is permitted – alone, with 1 other person, or within your household or bubble.
  • Sport facilities will close, but you can exercise in public outdoor spaces.
  • This guidance applies to children and adults.
  • Sport facilities must close.

From 5 November, national restrictions supersede the contents of this guidance document, in particular where the document refers to Local COVID Alert Levels.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
November 2020


Coronavirus (COVID-19): Updated Safer Transport Guidance

Operators

This guide will help transport organisations in England understand how to provide safer workplaces and services for themselves, their workers and passengers. It outlines measures to assess and address the risks of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Information on the national restrictions – in place from 5 November – has been added to the guidance.

National restrictions apply in England. These have replaced local COVID alert levels.

The public must avoid travelling within the UK and internationally, and stay at home, unless they are travelling for work, education or for other legally permitted reasons.

The police will be able to take action against those that break these rules, including asking people to disperse and return home, and issuing fixed penalty notices starting at £200 for those who participate in illegal gatherings.

People aged 18 or over can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of:

  • £200 for the first offence, lowered to £100 if paid within 14 days
  • £400 for the second offence, then doubling for each further offence up to a maximum of £6,400.

Transport operators providing services through or within these areas should continue operating services as normal for those who have a legally permitted reason to travel. Operators are asked to review risk assessments regularly to ensure they remain relevant and appropriate.

Passengers

This guidance has also been updated to reflect the national restrictions in place from 5 November.

Aimed at passengers, this guidance sets out information on how to travel safely during the Coronavirus outbreak. It has also been updated to reflect new legislation on social contact and the requirement for passengers to wear face coverings in taxis and private hire vehicles.

National restrictions apply in England. These have replaced local COVID alert levels (tiers).

International travel or travel within the UK must be avoided, unless you are travelling for work, education or for other legally permitted reasons, including:

  • travelling to work where this cannot be done from home
  • travelling to education and for caring responsibilities
  • hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health
  • visiting venues that are open, including essential retail
  • exercise, if you need to make a short journey to do so.

Department for Transport
November 2020


Actions for schools during the Coronavirus outbreak

This guidance has been updated in line with the National Restrictions that came into force on 5 November.

The following areas of advice are affected:

  • use of face coverings
  • transport
  • attendance – self-isolation and shielding
  • school workforce
  • clinically extremely vulnerable staff
  • wraparound provision and extra-curricular activity
  • physical activity in schools
  • residential settings.

The guidance applies to all schools in England, including:

  • local-authority-maintained schools
  • academies
  • free schools
  • alternative provision schools
  • pupil referral units
  • independent schools
  • boarding schools.

The guidance can be found here.

Department for Education
November 2020


More than one-in-three workers are worried about catching COVID-19 at work

More than one-in-three (35%) workers have an active concern about the transmission of COVID-19 in their workplace – with low-paid workers most likely to be worried, but least likely to raise concerns or see their complaints resolved, according to recent research from the think tank, Resolution Foundation.

Failed Safe? – a report supported by Unbound Philanthropy and the Health Foundation, and drawing on an online YouGov survey of 6,061 adults across the UK – examines the extent of workers’ COVID concerns, what steps employers are taking to make workplaces COVID-secure, and how unsafe practices are dealt with.

The report finds that nearly half (47%) of workers that spend time in the workplace rate the risk of COVID-19 transmission at work as fairly or very high. And despite 90% of employers taking multiple steps to mitigate risks – such as providing hand sanitiser or enforcing social distancing – over one-in-three (35%) workers are still worried about catching COVID on the job.

Failed Safe? notes that COVID concerns are driven by both workers’ personal characteristics and where they work. COVID concerns are most common among black, Asian and minority ethnic workers (47%), those living in a household where someone’s shielding (45%), and among workers in caring (44%) and customer-facing (41%) roles, such as shops and restaurants.

However, the report shows that workers who are most worried about COVID in the workplace are often the least likely to raise concerns about it.  For example, the workers in the lowest weekly pay quintile are far less likely to raise COVID-related safety complaints as those in the highest pay quintile (52%, compared to 72%).

Similarly, 18-24-year-old workers are almost half as likely to raise a COVID-related complaint as 55-64-year-old workers (36%, compared to 67%) despite a higher share of young workers expressing concerns about catching the virus at work (a finding driven by them being more likely to work in higher-risk customer-facing roles).

The Foundation says these findings suggest that workers’ worries about COVID aren’t just about the kind of jobs they do and their personal characteristics, but also their ability to ensure their employer makes their workplace more ‘COVID-secure’. For example, the lowest paid workers are around half as likely to report their COVID complaint was fully resolved as the highest paid workers (15%, compared to 29%).

The Foundation says that given workers’ limited ability to force their employer to resolve COVID safety concerns, the UK’s health and safety regime needs to step up its role in tackling the risk of catching – or spreading – the virus at work.

However, the report notes that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has entered the pandemic severely under-resourced, with its budget per premise under its inspection remit more than halving over the past decade, from £224 in 2010-11 to just £100 in 2020-21.

This lack of resources, coupled with HSE’s risk-based approach to enforcement, meant that HSE were slow to respond to the pandemic. The number of workplace inspections was well below average during lockdown (though inspections have picked up since), and just 221 COVID-related enforcement notices issued from April to September – a number wildly out of step with the extent of employees’ worries about the virus in the workplace. In part this reflects that COVID is not deemed a serious enough risk to grant inspectors stronger enforcement powers.

The Foundation says policy makers should overturn the current view that health and safety is a ‘brake on business’ and take a more proactive approach to enforcement in the face of the pandemic. After all, it says, ‘COVID-secure’ workplaces aren’t just important for workers: they’re vital if firms are going to bounce back from the pandemic with busy, fully-staffed premises, factories and offices.

Lindsay Judge, Research Director at the Resolution Foundation, said: “More than one-in-three workers are worried are catching Coronavirus on the job, despite the extensive steps employers have taken to make workplaces COVID-secure.

“Worryingly, those who are most worried about catching COVID, such as low-paid workers in customer-facing roles, are also the least likely to raise a complaint about it, or to have their complaints resolved.

“Given many workers’ limited ability to get employers to address COVID concerns, the UK needs a strong enforcement regime to ensure that workplaces are as safe as can be. But instead health and safety resources have been cut, inspections have been slow, and COVID-related enforcement notices are few and far between.”

The report can be found here.

Resolution Foundation
November 2020


Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guidance on Working from Home

(Scotland)

This guidance is intended to support employers and the self-employed to continue to facilitate working from home in line with the Coronavirus (COVID-19): Scotland’s Strategic Framework.

The guidance can be applied across any sector where homeworking is a feasible option for both workers and businesses. 

Organisations should make every reasonable effort to make working from home the default position. Where a worker can perform their work from home, they should continue to do so.

Homeworking as a public health measure in response to the pandemic has been a crucial factor in mitigating the transmission of the virus amongst the general population. As such, remote working should remain the default position for those who can do so. Where that is not possible businesses and organisations are encouraged to manage travel demand through staggered start times and flexible working patterns.

As set out in this guidance, all employers and employees should discuss their working arrangements, and employers should take every possible step to facilitate their employees working from home, including providing suitable IT and equipment to enable remote working.

The full guidance can be found here.

Checklist

This checklist is designed to be used in conjunction with the guidance on working from home. 

Scottish Government
November 2020


Coronavirus resurgence: European Commission steps up action

(Europe)

The European Commission has launched an additional set of actions to help limit the spread of the Coronavirus, save lives and strengthen the internal market’s resilience. The measures aim to better understand the virus’ spread and the effectiveness of the response, ramp up well-targeted testing, bolster contact tracing, improve preparations for vaccination campaigns, and maintain access to essential supplies such as vaccination equipment, while keeping all goods moving in the single market and facilitating safe travel. 

The Commission’s Communication on additional COVID-19 response measures sets out next steps in key areas to reinforce the EU’s response to the resurgence in COVID-19 cases:  

Improving the flow of information to allow informed decision-making
Ensuring accurate, comprehensive, comparable and timely information on epidemiological data, as well as on testing, contact tracing and public health surveillance, is essential to track how the Coronavirus spreads at regional and national level. To improve the sharing of data at EU level, the Commission calls on Member States to provide all relevant data to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Commission.

Establishing more effective and rapid testing
Testing is a decisive tool to slow down the spread of the Coronavirus. To promote a common approach and effective testing, the Commission is today adopting a Recommendation on COVID-19 testing strategies, including the use of rapid antigen tests. It sets out key elements to be considered for national, regional or local testing strategies, such as their scope, priority groups, and key points linked to testing capacities and resources, and indications as to when rapid antigen testing may be appropriate. It also calls on Member States to submit national strategies on testing by mid-November. To directly purchase rapid antigen tests and deliver them to Member States, the Commission is mobilising €100 million under the Emergency Support Instrument. In parallel, the Commission is launching a joint procurement to ensure a second stream of access. Where Member States are applying prior testing requirements to incoming travellers and where no testing capacities are available for asymptomatic travellers in the country of origin, travellers should be offered the possibility to undergo a test after arrival. If negative COVID-19 tests are to be required or recommended for any activity, mutual recognition of tests is essential, in particular in the context of travel.

Making full use of contact tracing and warning apps across borders
Contact tracing and warning apps help to break transmission chains. So far, Member States have developed 19 national contact tracing and warning apps, downloaded more than 52 million times. The Commission recently launched a solution for linking national apps across the EU through a ‘European Federation Gateway Service’. Three national apps (Germany, Ireland, and Italy) were first linked on 19 October when the system came online. Many more will follow in the coming weeks. In total, 17 national apps are currently based on decentralised systems and can become interoperable through the service in the coming rounds; others are in the pipeline. All Member States should set up effective and compatible apps and reinforce their communication efforts to promote their uptake.

Effective vaccination
The development and uptake of safe and effective vaccines is a priority effort to quickly end the crisis. Under the EU Strategy on COVID-19 vaccines, the Commission is negotiating agreements with vaccine producers to make vaccines available to Europeans and the world as soon as soon as they are proven safe and effective. Once available, vaccines need to be quickly distributed and deployed to maximum effect. On 15 October, the Commission set out the key steps that Member States need to take to be fully prepared, which includes the development of national vaccination strategies. The Commission will put in place a common reporting framework and a platform to monitor the effectiveness of national vaccine strategies. To share the best practices, the conclusions of the first review on national vaccination plans will be presented in November 2020.

Effective communication to citizens
Clear communication is essential for the public health response to be successful since this largely depends on the public adherence to health recommendations. All Member States should relaunch communication campaigns to counter false, misleading and dangerous information that continues to circulate, and to address the risk of “pandemic fatigue”. Vaccination is a specific area where public authorities need to step up their actions to tackle misinformation and secure public trust, as there will be no compromise on safety or effectiveness under Europe’s robust vaccine authorisation system. Vaccines do not save lives – vaccination does.

Securing essential supplies
Since the beginning of the outbreak, the EU has supported manufacturers to ensure the availability of essential medicines and medical equipment. The Commission has launched a new joint procurement for medical equipment for vaccination. In order to give Member States better and cheaper access to the tools needed to prevent, detect and treat COVID-19, the Commission is today also extending the temporary suspension of customs duties and VAT on the import of medical equipment from non-EU countries. The Commission is also proposing that hospitals and medical practitioners should not have to pay VAT on vaccines and testing kits used in the fight against the Coronavirus.

Facilitating safe travel
Free movement within the EU and the border-free Schengen area are prized achievements of European integration – the Commission is working to ensure that travel within Europe is safe both for travellers and for their fellow citizens:

  • The Commission calls on Member States to fully implement the Recommendation adopted by the Council for a common and coordinated approach to restrictions to free movement. Citizens and businesses want clarity and predictability. Any remaining COVID-19 related internal border control measures should be lifted.
  • The European Union Aviation Safety Agency and the ECDC are working on a testing protocol for travellers, to be used by public health authorities, airlines and airports to help the safe arrival of passengers. The Commission will also work with Member States and agencies on a common approach to quarantine practices, with inputs from ECDC to be presented in November.
  • Passenger Locator Forms help Member States undertake risk assessments of arrivals and enable contact tracing. A pilot next month will allow Member States to prepare for the launch and use of a common EU digital Passenger Locator Form, while fully respecting data protection.
  • Re-open EU provides timely and accurate information on health measures and travel restrictions in all Member States and some partner countries. The Commission calls on Member States to provide accurate and up-to-date information to turn Re-open EU into the one-stop-shop for information about health measures and travel possibilities across the EU. A mobile Re-open EU app is being developed and will launch in the coming weeks.

COVID-19: Guidance for the Public on Mental Health and Wellbeing

Published by Public Health England, this advice and information covers how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It has been updated to reflect the national restrictions in place in England from 5 November. 

Topics covered include:

  • what can help your mental health and wellbeing
  • challenges you may be facing
  • advice for groups with additional mental health needs or facing specific issues
  • people with a learning disability
  • people with autism
  • older people
  • people with dementia.

The document can be found here.

Public Health England
November 2020


HSE: Protect Vulnerable Workers During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

This guidance from the HSE addresses:

  • supporting workers in higher-risk groups
  • accessing COVID-secure precautions
  • clinically extremely vulnerable workers
  • supporting clinically extremely vulnerable workers returning to work
  • pregnant workers.

It points out that employers have a legal duty to protect workers from harm and must consider the risk to workers who are particularly vulnerable to Coronavirus (COVID-19) and put controls in place to reduce that risk.

The higher-risk groups include those who:

  • are older males
  • have a high body mass index (BMI)
  • have health conditions such as diabetes
  • are from some Black, Asian or minority ethnicity (BAME) backgrounds.

While there are currently no expectations of additional controls specifically for these groups, employers must ensure that existing controls (social distancing, good hygiene and cleaning, ventilation, supervision etc) are applied strictly. Employers are advised to:

  • emphasise the importance of individual and wider workforce engagement, buy-in and cooperation to ensure controls are applied stringently
  • have individual discussions with their managers around their particular concerns
  • discuss the risk management measures put in place to minimise transmission to keep them, and others, safe
  • explain the controls that will be put/are already in place to protect them and other workers.

The guidance is available in full here.

HSE
November 2020


Working Safely During Coronavirus

This ACAS guidance highlights the latest and current government Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice, which is that anyone who can work effectively from home should do so. 

For workplaces that are open, everyone should:

  • follow government guidance on making the workplace safe
  • avoid busy commuting times on public transport where travel is essential, and wear a face covering
  • wash their hands regularly.

You must not go to work if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.

It sets out advice on areas including:

  • making a workplace safe
  • social distancing at work
  • the workplaces that can open
  • if the workplace is closed
  • working from home.

Find the guidance here.

ACAS
November 2020


Face Coverings in Education

This is new guidance from the Department for Education. From 5 November, pupils and teachers in all of England’s secondary schools and colleges will be required to wear face masks in communal areas and corridors.

Examples of where education leaders might decide to recommend the wearing of face coverings – for pupils, staff and visitors – in communal areas of the education setting include:

  • Where the layout of the school or college estate makes it particularly difficult to maintain social distancing when staff and pupils are moving around the premises.
  • Where on top of hygiene measures and the system of controls recommended in the full opening guidance to schools and FE colleges and providers, permitting the use of face coverings for staff, pupils or other visitors would provide additional confidence to parents to support a full return of children to school or college

In primary schools where social distancing is not possible in indoor areas outside of classrooms between members of staff or visitors (for example, in staffrooms), head teachers will have the discretion to decide whether to ask staff or visitors to wear, or agree to them wearing face coverings in these circumstances. But children in primary school do not need to wear a face covering.

The full guidance can be found here.

Department for Education
November 2020


Coronavirus (COVID-19): Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Action Plan

(Scotland)

Scotland’s COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Plan aims to help ensure that the right PPE of the right quality gets to the people who need it at the right time. The Plan’s scope includes health, social care and other workplaces and settings where COVID-19 could put people at risk.

Employers across the public, private and voluntary sectors also need to make sure their staff have the right PPE, says the Scottish Government. To do that, they need to be aware of, and properly implement, relevant clinical and sector-specific guidance. Unions and individuals also have a key role to play in raising awareness and ensuring issues arising are flagged and properly responded to.

The PPE Action Plan outlines:

  • Modelling work, which allows Scottish Government and NSS to understand how PPE supply and demand is changing.
  • Scottish Government work with the manufacturing sector, to help develop sustainable domestic manufacture.
  • How Scottish public procurement policy is helping us ensure our supply is resilient and best value for the taxpayer.
  • Work to support innovation, considering the environmental impact of PPE and promoting reusability, and how the needs of users are at the foreground of our thinking.

The Plan is available here; an FAQ document on PPE can be found here.

Scottish Government
October 2020


Working Safely During Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Forestry

This FISA document sets out guidance on how to work safely. It gives practical considerations of how this can be applied in forestry operations.

V1.6 released on 30 October 2020 was updated to take into account the regional differences in COVID-19 protection measures across the UK.

It points out that most forestry work takes place outdoors, over large areas with limited interaction with other people. Physical (social) distancing measures can be readily implemented in the majority of work operations taking place. In addition, recent improvements in the provision of personal hygiene and hand washing facilities on forestry sites will make it easier for workers to follow good practice. 

Specific activities within forestry operations will require additional control measures to enable physical (social) distancing and enhanced hygiene regimes. These include safe travel to and from the (often remote) work sites, and the use and cleaning of shared equipment and welfare facilities on-site. Both of these activities will require adjustment to current working practices to ensure compliance with new public health advice.

If an activity cannot be undertaken safely, for example due to a lack of suitably qualified personnel being available or physical (social) distancing or other suitable controls being implemented, it should not take place says the document.

It is also essential that any worker who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or is concerned that they may have symptoms themselves, does not come to work and follows public health guidance on self-isolation. Managers and supervisors should remind the workforce at every opportunity of the site safety rules which are aimed at protecting them, their colleagues, their families and the UK general population. 

The document gives practical considerations of how this can be applied in forestry operations. The information and advice contained in this guidance can also be used to protect workers carrying out other outdoor work such as peatland restoration, wildlife and nature reserve management, and ecological surveys and research. These are included in this document under the broad heading of environmental management. 

It is available in full here.

FISA
October 2020


Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer Public Places – Urban Centres and Green Spaces

This guidance provides the owners and operators of public spaces with information and examples of measures that may be undertaken to adapt and manage public spaces in order to help social distancing.

It has been updated to reflect the national restrictions in force from 5 November 2020.

From this date, the government announced restrictions for England that:

  • require people to stay at home, except for specific purposes
  • prevent people gathering with people they do not live with, except for specific purposes
  • close certain businesses and venues.

The guidance is primarily for owners and operators of public places including but not limited to:

  • local councils and town/city centre managers
  • landowners
  • commercial landlords responsible for public places
  • management companies.

It is available here.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
November 2020


COVID-19: Guidance for Managing Beaches, the Countryside and Coastal Areas

From 5 November national COVID-19 restrictions apply to England, this includes actions that:

  • require people to stay at home, except for specific purposes
  • prevent people gathering with people they do not live with, except for specific purposes 
  • close certain businesses and venues.

The national restrictions replace the local COVID alert level measures. The new national restrictions apply across England for four weeks up to Wednesday 2 December. 

Click here for the updated guidance.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
November 2020


COVID-19: Guidance for Managing Playgrounds and Outdoor Gyms – updated

This guidance is for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms to enable their use while minimising the transmission risk of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

It has been updated to reflect new national restrictions in England from 5 November.

The national COVID-19 restrictions from this date includes actions that:

  • require people to stay at home, except for specific purposes
  • prevent people gathering with people they do not live with, except for specific purposes
  • close certain businesses and venues.

Under the restrictions in force from 5 November:

  • outdoor gyms must be closed
  • outdoor playgrounds can remain open.

The guidance is available here.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
November 2020


COVID-19: Guidance for the Safe Use of Council Buildings

This information is for those managing council buildings. It signposts to relevant guidance on a range of different activities that can take place in these spaces, in line with measures to tackle COVID-19.

It has been updated to reflect the national COVID-19 restrictions applicable to England from 5 November. This includes actions that:

  • require people to stay at home, except for specific purposes
  • prevent people gathering with people they do not live with, except for specific purposes
  • close certain businesses and venues.

It acknowledges that many council buildings are also workplaces and so councils must therefore be aware of their responsibilities as employers. To help contain the virus, everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. Where people cannot do so (for instance people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing) they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace. 

Public sector employees working in essential services, including education settings, should continue to go into work. The risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if COVID-secure guidelines are followed closely. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk. 

The guidance is available here.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
November 2020

COVID-19 eBulletin: Latest updates and guidance

RIDDOR reporting of COVID-19

HSE has published guidance on when and how you should report coronavirus incidents under RIDDOR (the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).

RIDDOR applies to all sectors and workplaces in Great Britain. You should only make a report under RIDDOR, relating to coronavirus, when:

  • an accident or incident at work has, or could have, led to the release or escape of coronavirus. This must be reported as a dangerous occurrence
  • a worker has been diagnosed as having COVID-19 attributed to an occupational exposure to coronavirus. This must be reported as a case of disease
  • a worker dies as a result of occupational exposure to coronavirus

Air conditioning and ventilation during the coronavirus pandemic

Good ventilation can help reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus in the workplace.

It is important to focus on improving general ventilation, preferably through fresh air or mechanical systems.

Where possible, consider ways to maintain and increase the supply of fresh air, for example by opening windows and doors (unless fire doors).

Health and safety COVID-secure spot checks ongoing

HSE is carrying out spot checks and inspections on all types of businesses in all areas to ensure they are COVID-secure.

By calling and visiting premises and speaking directly to employers, we can check the measures they’ve put in place are in line with government guidance.

  • how spot checks and inspections work
  • what our inspectors will need to check
  • how they can help you keep your workplace COVID-secure
  • actions we will take if employers are not managing the risk of COVID spreading

Legionella risks during the coronavirus pandemic

Employers, the self-employed and people in control of premises, such as landlords, have a duty to protect people by identifying and controlling risks associated with legionella.

If your building was closed or has reduced occupancy during the pandemic, water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease.

Coronavirus: More guidance

HSE has published a range of coronavirus-related guidance and information, which you may find useful.

It includes:

Reporting Covid-19 cases – England

Where to find information on how to report cases of coronavirus in your organisation

COVID-19 early outbreak management information has been created to make sure that people who run businesses or organisations:

  • know how to recognise and report an incident of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • are aware of measures local health protection teams may advise in order to contain it

This information is contained within ‘action cards’ that have been designed for specific situations where an outbreak could occur. This could be a restaurant or office, a construction site or a place of worship.

The action cards are designed to be downloaded or printed and kept on hand in your business or organisation.

Click here for more information. 

How COVID-19 early outbreak management action cards help fight the virus

The action cards provide instructions to anyone responsible for a business or organisation on what to do in the event of one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your organisation.

These quick-reference guides provide key steps to help you quickly identify, report and respond to any potential COVID-19 outbreak within your local community. A COVID-19 outbreak is more than one confirmed case of COVID-19. Depending on the type of organisation, this may also include ‘possible’ cases of COVID-19.

The action cards have been developed to cover a range of businesses and organisations to provide specific advice on the issues each type of organisation may face now lockdown restrictions have been eased.

They complement existing outbreak control guidance, and signpost to other useful information to help business owners and managers fully understand their responsibilities in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19.

To access more information, refer to the guidance below or search the titles on GOV.UK:

COVID-19 update 12th October 2020 – England

  • Today the Prime Minister gave a statement in Parliament which outlined a new three-tier system of local COVID alert levels in England. The system is due to be debated by Parliament tomorrow and will become law from Wednesday. Every part of England will be designated as one of the following three Alert tiers:
     
  • Medium Tier – Most of England will be in this alert level and is a continuation of the measures that are currently in place, such as the rule of Six, 10pm curfew, the need for table service, test and trace requirements and face coverings away from tables.
     
  • High Tier – This tier will introduce more stringent restrictions on household interactions, with people being prevented from mixing with other households or support bubbles in indoor hospitality venues. The Rule of Six will continue to apply outdoors, in public spaces and private gardens. Most areas which are already subject to local restrictions will automatically move into the high alert level. As a result of rising infection rates, Nottinghamshire, East and West Cheshire and a small area of High Peak will also move into this alert level.
     
  • Very High Tier – These restrictions will apply to areas where transmission rates are causing the most concern. Wet-led pubs and bars will be required by law to shut in these areas, with all social mixing indoors to be banned. In addition to these baseline requirements, the Government and local government leaders in each very High Alert area will agree on other specific additional measures which could include further restrictions on the hospitality, leisure, entertainment or personal care sectors. But retail, schools and universities will remain open.
     
  •  It was announced that Merseyside would be classified as a very High Alert area and in addition to the baseline requirements, gyms and leisure centres, betting shops, adult gaming centres and casinos will also close from Wednesday.
     
    It was also announced that Government engagement with local leaders in the North West, the North East and Yorkshire & Humber was continuing suggesting that these areas may also be designated as Very High Alert soon.
     
  • The regulations for closure for ‘high tier areas’ has just been published, replicated below and we will get more clarity on how this will operate:

    ‘Requirement to close businesses selling alcohol for consumption on the premises:
     
  •  A person responsible for carrying on a business of a public house, bar or other business involving the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises must cease to carry on that business, unless paragraph (2) applies.
     
  • This paragraph applies if alcohol is only served for consumption on the premises as part of a table meal, and the meal is such as might be expected to be served as the main midday or main evening meal, or as a main course at either such meal.
     
  • For the purposes of sub-paragraph (1) — 
    • alcohol sold by a hotel or other accommodation as part of room service is not to be treated as being sold for consumption on its premises;
       
    • an area adjacent to the premises of the business where seating is made available for customers of the business (whether or not by the business), or where customers gather to drink outside the business, is to be treated as part of the premises of that business.
       
  • For the purposes of this paragraph, a “table meal” is a meal eaten by a person seated at a table, or at a counter or other structure which serves the purposes of a table and is not used for the service of refreshments for consumption by persons not seated at a table or structure serving the purposes of a table.
     

 Post code checker – The Government will shortly be launching a postcode checker website that will show what alert level any particular areas is in.