The government has published its plan to bring the country out of lockdown following Boris Johnson’s speech to the nation on Sunday 10 May. ‘Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy’ (the “Plan”) sets out a plan to rebuild the United Kingdom in the face of COVID-19.
The Plan sets out a planned timetable for lifting the current restrictions, starting with ‘Step One’ which shall apply from Wednesday 13 May. Within Step One there are some changes which effect the workplace which we set out below.
The Plan confirms that for the foreseeable future workers who can work from home should continue to do so, where this is possible. In terms of those who can’t work from home, the Plan states that they should travel to work if their workplace is open. Sectors of the economy that are allowed to be open should be open and this includes ‘food production, construction, manufacturing, logistics, distribution and scientific research in laboratories’ The exception to this is workplaces in the hospitality industry and non-essential retail.
Employers are then told that they should, as soon as practicable, be following the Government’s “COVID-19 Secure Guidelines” which were published last night. There are 8 guides covering a range of different types of work including sectors such as ‘Construction and other outdoor work’ and ‘Factories, plants and warehouses’, as well as ‘Offices and contact centres’. These look at a number of preventative measures employers should take to reduce the risks from COVID-19.
The position in terms of anyone who is symptomatic (or where a member of their household is) remains the same, that they must stay at home and self-isolate.
On the question of travelling to work, the Plan also states that everyone should continue to avoid public transport wherever possible.
Employers should take particular note of the guidance provided in terms of providing a safe workspace in the context of COVID-19, and ensure they continue to comply with their duty of care regarding the health and safety of their workforce.
The full Plan and COVID-Secure Guidelines can be accessed at the following:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
We are expecting a further announcement this evening from the Chancellor in relation to the future plans regarding the Government’s Job Retention Scheme and will provide a further update in this respect.
If you have any questions or queries in relation to the information provided, please contact a member of our Employment Department.
