GO BACK TO WORK!

Businesses prepare to implement changes to ensure staff and customers remain safe

After the coronavirus lockdown paralysed the economy, companies across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire faced a fight for their futures. Some have worked through the pandemic while others had to shut up shop and furlough staff. But either way alongside the day to-day operations, all workplaces have had to be transformed by new rules and regulations – aimed at keeping staff and customers safe and well. As a result, management have had to develop risk-based approaches to achieving just that. And as we all adjust to a new normal and restrictions are eased on a daily basis, more and more firms and their staff are now ready and prepared to...

THOUSANDS more businesses will be able to reopen over the next few weeks as the Government continues to gradually lift the restrictions which have seen our daily lives turned upside down for almost three months.

The Prime Minister, below, announced on Monday that nonessential high street shops, department stores and shopping centres in England will be able to reopen from June 15 as part of plans to start easing the lockdown rules.

The decision follows the reopening of construction sites, garden centres and estate agents this month – and outdoor markets and car showrooms being allowed to welcome customers again from Monday.

However, hospitality businesses, hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons will remain closed for at least another month, Boris Johnson has said.

For many companies across the UK, the reopening will mean the introduction of major changes to processes, services and general working life as they attempt to apply new ‘Covid-19 secure’ guidance to the practical realities of running a business.

The Government has updated guidelines for retailers after consultation with businesses, union leaders, Public Health England and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Measures include posters to demonstrate awareness of the guidance and commitment to safety measures, storing returned items for 72 hours before putting them back on the shelves, placing protective coverings on large items touched by the public such as beds and sofas and frequent cleaning of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, including selfcheckouts, trolleys, coffee machines and betting terminals.

Already many North Staffordshire businesses which have returned to work have introduced new working practices to ensure staff and customers are safe.

This includes 250 new stringent measures at luxury car-maker Bentley Motors, in Crewe, which includes workers being made to wear face masks, temperature checks for staff and a reconfiguration of the factory.

Similar measures have been put in place at digger maker JCB, such as face masks and visors being handed out to staff, a reduction in office desks to enhance social distancing and the closure of canteen facilities.

Alton Towers will restrict the number of visitors and only accept advance bookings as part of a phased reopening of the theme park, while changes at the Trentham Estate include a one-way system around the gardens, new opening hours and new exit points.

But for many other small businesses, there is still very little guidance available to them to ensure they can open up as safe and as quickly as possible.

British Chambers of Commerce Director General Adam Marshall said: “Clarity and guidance on plans for a phased reopening of the retail sector will be welcomed.

“Businesses will be taking a safe, proportionate and risk-based approach to returning to work, in close consultation with their staff. For many this will be an entirely new way of operating as they apply guidance to the practical realities of their business.

“HSE and local authorities should support businesses as they seek to comply with the new rules – and reserve new enforcement powers for the tiny minority of businesses who are wilfully disobeying or ignoring

their obligations.” Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “It is good news that a timetable for an easing of the lockdown restrictions has been laid out by Government, with the latest news that car showrooms and outdoor markets can reopen from June 1, as long as risk assessments and liaison with unions have been completed if needed.

“We also look forward to non– essential shops aiming to open from June 15, with tourism and hospitality businesses hoping to reopen in July, if, of course, it is safe to do so.

“The world of work will look a lot different and there will be many aspects that businesses will need to prepare for and get used to. We know businesses are working through comprehensive plans to ensure they re-open in a safe way for customers and staff.” Councillor Atkins added: “There is no doubt that businesses continue to face Covid-19 related challenges across Staffordshire, and we do anticipate more tough times ahead for businesses and our economy.

“However, businesses can be assured we are doing all we can, working with partners and central government, to mitigate the impact of the crisis wherever possible.”