The Government has updated its Coronavirus advice for business on how to keep employees safe during the outbreak.  Specifically:

• businesses and workplaces should encourage their employees to work at home, wherever possible
• if someone becomes unwell in the workplace with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they should be sent home and advised to follow the advice to stay at home
• employees should be reminded to wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently and catch coughs and sneezes in tissues
• frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, using your standard cleaning products (e.g. door handles, telephones, keyboards)
• employees will need your support to adhere to the recommendation to stay at home to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) to others
• those who follow advice to stay at home will be eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP) from the first day of their absence from work
• employers should use their discretion concerning the need for medical evidence for certification for employees who are unwell. This will allow GPs to focus on their patients
• if evidence is required by an employer, those with symptoms of coronavirus can get an isolation note from NHS 111 online, and those who live with someone that has symptoms can get a note from the NHS website
• employees from defined vulnerable groups should be strongly advised and supported to stay at home and work from there if possible
• Keep employees updated with relevant information
• Provide hand sanitiser and tissues for staff if possible

Wherever possible, staff should maintain a distance of 2m in the workplace.  This could be achieved by using meeting rooms and conference rooms in order to spread staff out across the business premises.

With the exception of some non-essential shops and public venues, the Government is not asking any other businesses to close – indeed it stresses that it is important for business to carry on.  However, you should encourage your employees to work from home unless it is impossible for them to do so.  Sometimes this will not be possible, as not everyone can work from home. Certain jobs require people to travel to their place of work – for instance if they operate machinery, work in construction or manufacturing, or are delivering front line services.

If a Member of Staff Becomes Ill at Work

If anyone becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature in the business or workplace they should be sent home and advised to follow the stay at home guidance.

If they need clinical advice, they should go online to NHS 111 or call 111 if they don’t have internet access. In an emergency, call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital.

If a member of staff has helped someone who was taken unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they do not need to go home unless they develop symptoms themselves. They should wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell with symptoms consistent with coronavirus infection.

It is not necessary to close the business or workplace or send any staff home, unless government policy changes. Keep monitoring the government response page for the latest details.

Workplace Support to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus

The Coronavirus advice for business recognises that employers can help reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) by reminding everyone of the public health advice.  The Government has provided suitable posters, leaflets and other materials on their website which businesses can use to raise awareness among staff.

Employees and customers should be frequently reminded to wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently than normal as well as on arrival at work and when returning home at night.

Most importantly, frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, using your standard cleaning products.  Such items include door handles, telephones, computer keyboards, etc.

The Coronavirus advice for business is updated regularly online by HM Government so it is recommended that companies check the website often.

Post

Staff should continue to follow existing risk assessments and safe systems of working; there are no additional precautions needed for handling post or packages.  The risk of contracting the virus from handling post is extremely low.

Further Advice

If you need advice for your business please contact one of the Jacksons’ team.