Guidance For Employers On Going Back To Work

As many businesses are now starting to turn their attention towards going back to work, if they have not already done so, we thought we would share with you the new Covid-19 guidelines which have been issued by the government on what needs to be put in place for both the workplace and the workforce in order to proceed back to work as safely as possible.

This information has been taken from the Accountancy Daily website which says that:

“The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said the information has been developed with input from firms, unions, industry bodies and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and in consultation with Public Health England (PHE) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The new guidance covers eight workplace settings which are allowed to be open, from outdoor environments and construction sites to factories and takeaways.

5 Key Points To Be Implemented

The five key points, which should be implemented ‘as soon as practical’ and which cover all settings are:

1. Work from home, if you can

All reasonable steps should be taken by employers to help people work from home. But the guidance makes clear that those who cannot work from home and whose workplace has not been told to close should go to work.

2. Carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unions

This guidance operates within current health and safety employment and equalities legislation and employers will need to carry out Covid-19 risk assessments in consultation with their workers or trade unions, to establish what guidelines to put in place. If possible, employers should publish the results of their risk assessments on their website and the government expects all businesses with over 50 employees to do so.

3. Maintain two metres social distancing, wherever possible

Employers should re-design workspaces to maintain two metre distances between people by staggering start times, creating one way walk-throughs, opening more entrances and exits, or changing seating layouts in break rooms.

4. Where people cannot be two metres apart, manage transmission risk

Employers should look into putting barriers in shared spaces, creating workplace shift patterns or fixed teams minimising the number of people in contact with one another, or ensuring colleagues are facing away from each other.

5. Reinforcing cleaning processes

Workplaces should be cleaned more frequently, paying close attention to high-contact objects like door handles and keyboards. Employers should provide handwashing facilities or hand sanitisers at entry and exit points.”

Our Dedicated Accountancy Team

We hope the above information proves useful to you and if you need any guidance with regards to a business plan or financial advice to help you through the tough months ahead don`t hesitate to call our dedicated team here at WHR Accountants on 028 3752 2909.