The UK Government’s COVID-19 Recovery Strategy

On 11 May the Government published a long-awaited “road map” for getting Britain out of its coronavirus lockdown (the guidance: Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy). The restart of the economy is to be done by a three-phase strategy for gradually lifting the current restrictions.

The Government says in the guidance that for the time being, all those who can work from home should continue working from home to minimise the social contacts across the country and to minimise the C-19 transmissions.

All workers who cannot work from home should return to work. The Government explains that this group includes workers in food production, construction, manufacturing, logistics, distribution and scientific research in laboratories, as well as nannies and childcare providers. This category of workers should walk, cycle or drive and avoid public transport wherever possible. The Government will increase funding and provide new statutory guidance to encourage local authorities to widen pavements, create pop-up cycle lanes, and close some roads in cities to traffic (apart from buses) as some councils are already proposing.

Also, as from 13 May 2020, all buyers and renters will now be able to complete purchases and view properties in person, while estate agents, conveyancers and removals firms can return to work if they follow new guidance published by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.

Those who are not working from home should follow the new “COVID-19 Secure” guidelines. Employers have been asked to keep the workplace as safe as possible, such as staggered shifts, social distancing, frequent hand washing, social distancing, regular disinfecting of surfaces touched by others and use of face coverings in enclosed spaces. The guidelines explain that a face covering is not the same as a face mask such as the surgical masks or respirators used as part of personal protective equipment by healthcare and other workers.

The cost of hot-desking, using perspex to separate desks, organising open-plan shared spaces, investing in technology to enable working from home and sourcing PPE products may be a challenge to many businesses in the current climate. There are also shortages of PPE kits and a long waiting list for deliveries in some parts of England.

 

If you have a requirement for either PPE, sanitising or sterilising services to your work place, one of our clients SesPco Limited would be happy to assist in providing information and procurement service regarding the correct type of PPE, hand sanitiser and sterilisation services for your workplace e.g. masks, shields, gloves hand sanitisers is available at SesPco Limited.

Orders can be placed by contacting the advisory business team on +44(0)333 880 2507,

Ben Gilbert Sales Director on 07823 456007 or David Collett on 07714 299003  for B2B enquiries,

or Sespco website www.sespco.co.uk  by clicking on PPE products.