COVID-19: changes from 19 July
Employers will already have noted that the final stage of lifting restrictions in relation to Covid-19 takes place from 19 July. Although the government is keen to stress that Covid-19 has not gone away, the onus on how to approach matters has been passed back to businesses and individuals, with all remaining businesses now allowed to re-open and working from home instructions lifted.
Official guidance from the government is:
“All businesses should follow the principles set out in the working safely guidance. Whilst the Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can, the Government would expect and recommend a gradual return over the summer.
“Employers will still have a legal duty to manage risks to those affected by their business. The way to do this is to carry out a health and safety risk assessment, including the risk of COVID-19, and to take reasonable steps to mitigate the risks you identify. Working Safely guidance sets out a range of mitigations employers should consider including:
cleaning surfaces that people touch regularly;
identifying poorly-ventilated areas in the venue and taking steps to improve air flow;
ensuring that staff and customers who are unwell do not attend the workplace or venue;
communicating to staff and customers the measures you have put in place”.
Posted on 07/15/2021 by Ortolan
