The Government has announced a four-step roadmap out of lockdown to ease restrictions in England, but how will this affect employers across the country?
For many businesses, the date that they can re-open will be dependent on Government reviews and guidance. Each step within the timeline will be assessed against the following criteria:
- The success of the vaccine rollout
- Evidence that the vaccine is working
- Assessment of new variants
- Keeping infection rates below a level to help ease the pressure off the NHS
Whilst we are still awaiting further guidance, employers should continue to do the following:
Work from home
People are still advised to work from home and minimise domestic travel where possible. As part of the roadmap out of lockdown, step 4 will see most of the population having received the vaccination. The Government will complete a review of social distancing measures and other long-term measures that have been put in place to limit transmission. The results of this review will then inform decisions on when social distancing, face masks and other measures may be lifted.
COVID-secure workplace
The roadmap out of lockdown will see restrictions being eased but it is still vital to maintain good habits. This will help minimise transmission for both businesses and individuals. Businesses that do open must abide by social contact rules. Businesses are required to enforce restrictions and to demonstrate robust strategies for managing the risk of transmission. The Government will update COVID-secure guidance to provide further advice on how businesses can reduce the risk of transmission. For example, improving the flow of fresh air indoors and introducing regular testing. However, as mentioned above, a review will be carried out to inform decisions on certain social contact rules. This is because the Government have recognised that “social distancing is difficult and damaging for businesses“.
Part of the roadmap out of lockdown will be regular testing in the workplace. This will play a key part in how businesses reduce the risk of transmission. The Government will be offering free test kits for workplaces whose staff cannot work from home. This will be extended till the end of June. Organisations, including those not yet open, will need to register their interest in this scheme by the end of March.
Childcare
From the 8th March schools will reopen for all children. However, employers need to be understanding of the difficulties that parents can still face such as if a child is required to self-isolate. The Government has said that it will be expanding support for those who are self-isolating. This will cover parents who are unable to work due to care commitments for a child who is self-isolating.
Support for Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people
The Government expect that the vaccination will offer vulnerable people increased protection from becoming seriously ill. In the meantime, Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people should continue to follow shielding guidance. They should also limit their time spent outside of the home. The Government do anticipate that “it will no longer be necessary to advise shielding beyond the end of March 2021”. They will confirm advice and a plan of action nearer the time. In the meantime, it is important that these people stay safe.
Business support
The Government has stated that they are committed to doing “whatever it takes to support the country through the COVID-19 pandemic and support will continue”. Details and a budget for a plan for jobs including further economic support to protect jobs and livelihood will be outlined on March 3rd. As the economy gradually and safely reopens the Government will tailor support to reflect the changing circumstances. It remains to be seen if the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be extended. They have said that they will “continue to help people find new jobs, acquire new skills or start new businesses” but they also recognise that “it will not be possible to preserve every job or business”.
International travel
Travel restrictions overseas will remain in place for now. However, a Taskforce will report on 12th April with recommendations to ease the return to international travel whilst still managing risks from imported cases and new variants of concern. Following the Taskforces report, the Government will decide when these restrictions can be removed which will be no earlier than Step 3 (17th May). The Government may also investigate introducing a system to allow vaccinated individuals to travel more freely. It should be noted that before going ahead, this would require evidence on vaccine transmission and their effectiveness against new variants.
