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How to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace: Government publishes new essential guidance
With the UK now in Step 4 of the Government’s Roadmap out of lockdown, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) published updated Working safely during coronavirus guidance to help businesses reduce the risk of transmission and protect staff and customers.
The guidance makes it clear that while there will no longer be a legal requirement to wear a face covering or maintain social distancing, it is expected and recommended by the Government that people continue to do so in certain settings, such as crowded or enclosed spaces with poor ventilation where individuals may come into close contact with people they may not usually meet. Employers should not prevent employees from wearing a face covering if they wish to do so.
“Enabling safe, efficient and effective working environments is of vital importance as the UK moves into Step 4 of the roadmap,” said Alex Veitch, General Manager of Public Policy at Logistics UK. “Which is why it is vital that the Government provides businesses with clarity and certainty on the new guidance. It is not clear the circumstances under which employers might determine that face coverings should still be worn on company premises following appropriate risk assessments under their duty of care; Logistics UK has sought clarifications on this issue on behalf of its members.
“Logistics UK has also raised concerns over the delay between activation of Step 4 and the change from 16 August 2021, which will mean double jabbed adults and under 18s will no longer need to self-isolate if they are a close contact of someone with COVID-19.
“We have also sought clarifications regarding the process for applying for exemptions from self-isolation after the Government confirmed that sector-wide exemptions would not be issued.”
The guidance suggests that the mitigations should be familiar to businesses, and consistent with the policy direction published in Government’s guidance, COVID-19 Response: Summer 2021.
Mr Veitch said: “It is vital that all members remain cautious of the still-present risks of COVID-19 and take all possible steps to ensure working environments are remain safe as restrictions ease.”
The guidance can be found here
Published On: 29/07/2021 16:00:00
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