Living with Covid - considerations for employers and businesses

Today, COVID restrictions have been lifted in England.

Even though the restrictions have been lifted by the Government, businesses should still be considering their exposure to COVID-related risks, especially relating to vulnerable employees and the public. 

It is worth remembering that health and safety legislation still requires employers and business owners to do everything reasonably practicable to provide a safe workplace or public place of business. The lifting of restrictions does not remove or change these duties. 

We are still operating in the context of a transition period where COVID infections resulting in serious illness or death remain a risk. We may eventually come to a position where serious risk to health is not so much of a threat.

To be safe, businesses should consider keeping existing workplace policies, such as working from home, sanitising workstations, ensuring adequate ventilation and even face coverings in some environments in place. Employers and businesses providing services to the public should consider maintaining or adapting their policies/procedures with regards to health risks.