Please find below the latest Businesses and Employers Bulletin from Government.
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Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
The UK government, in consultation with industry, has produced ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible. The new guidance covers 8 workplace settings which are allowed to be open, from outdoor environments and construction sites to factories and takeaways. This sets out practical steps for businesses focused on 5 key points, which should be implemented as soon as it is practical:
The 8 guides cover a range of different types of work. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles. You may need to use more than one of these guides as you think through what you need to do to keep employees safe.
Vehicles – Guidance for people who work in or from vehicles, including couriers, mobile workers, lorry drivers, on-site transit and work vehicles, field forces and similar.
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
Yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on coronavirus. Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy has been published, outlining the UK Government’s plan for rebuilding and recovering from the coronavirus pandemic. The roadmap to lift restrictions step-by-step will be of particular interest to businesses and employers. In step 1, which will apply from Wednesday 13 May in England:
As the rate of infection may be different in different parts of the UK, this guidance should be considered alongside local public health and safety requirements for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
New Updates and Guidance
Staying alert and safe (social distancing) guidance
New guidance on social distancing has been published. The guidance includes information on businesses and venues and going to work. This guidance applies in England – people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should follow the specific rules in those parts of the UK.
Staying safe outside your home guidance
New guidance has been published on the principles that should be followed to ensure that time spent outside the home is as safe as possible.
Active transport strategy
Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks, as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund to relieve the pressure on public transport. The Government will also be launching a campaign to encourage more people to look at alternative ways to travel, to walk or get on a bike for their commute instead of public transport. E-scooter trials will also be brought forward from next year to next month to help encourage more people off public transport and onto greener alternatives. Find out more here.
Public advised to cover faces in enclosed spaces
The public is advised to consider wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces such as shops, trains and buses to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. They do not need to be worn outdoors, while exercising, in schools, in workplaces such as offices, and retail, or by those who may find them difficult to wear. Find more information here.
New portal for care homes to arrange coronavirus testing
A new online portal that makes it easy for care homes in England to arrange deliveries of coronavirus test kits has been launched today.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak have been updated. This guidance applies in England.
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) guidance on coronavirus
Guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus outbreak has been updated to include warnings against purchasing fake or unlicensed coronavirus medicines.
Webinars: Watch recorded session. Recorded webinars are available to help businesses:
Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance
Offer coronavirus support
Tell us how your business might be able to help with the response to coronavirus by using our online service
Share the impact coronavirus is having on your organisation
Let us know how the outbreak is impacting your business. Please send your intelligence to intel@beis.gov.uk. Commercially sensitive information will be treated accordingly. Please note that this inbox is only for receiving intelligence and does not provide business advice
Help us shine a light on the stories of key workers
Tell us about key workers you know that are helping to keep the UK moving during the Coronavirus pandemic. Please fill in this online form for key workers in the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, consumer goods, scientists/researchers, servicing, postal workers, and oil/gas/electricity/water/sewage/chemical workers.
