With the exception of the
organisations required by the government to close, other businesses can continue to operate, and indeed, the government recognises that it is important for businesses to carry on during these difficult times.
Employers should take every possible step to facilitate their employees working from home, but clearly this is not possible in all instances. If you cannot work from home then you are still permitted to travel to, from and for your work.
The police have been advised of the current rules. People do not have to show that they are a key worker or that it is critical work – the legislation permits travel to work where you can’t work from home.
If employees are unable to work from home, employers who have people in their offices or onsite should ensure that employees are able to follow Public Health England
guidelines including, where possible, maintaining a 2 metre distance from others, and washing their hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds (or using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available).
Work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, can continue, provided that the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms. Again, it will be important to ensure that Public Health England guidelines, including maintaining a 2 metre distance from any household occupants, are followed to ensure everyone’s safety.
No work should be carried out in any household which is isolating or where an individual is being shielded, unless it is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household, such as emergency plumbing or repairs, and where the tradesperson is willing to do so. In such cases, Public Health England can provide advice to tradespeople and households.
No work should be carried out by a tradesperson who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild.
At all times, workers should follow the
guidance on self-isolation if they or anyone in their household shows symptoms.