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Business groups have asked for clarity on what will need to be changed in the workplace, as Boris Johnson presents a “conditional plan” to reopen the partnership.
“Businesses need answers to their practical questions in order to plan to restart, rebuild and renovate,” said the British Chamber of Commerce.
The prime minister said that those who could not work from home should be “actively encouraged to go to work” in England.
But he told people to avoid using public transportation whenever possible.
“Companies should see detailed plans for the gradual reduction of restrictions, coordinated with all the nations of the United Kingdom and backed by clear guidance,” said Adam Marshall, director of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
He added: “It is imperative that companies have detailed advice on what will have to change in the workplace, including clarity on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).”
Clear “vital” orientation
In a televised speech, Johnson said he wanted those in the construction and manufacturing industries to return to work this week.
However, other business groups, such as the Institute of Directors (IoD), were called upon.
Its CEO, Jonathan Geldart, said it was vital that the guidance be clear so that companies could plan how to return safely.
“As individuals with the highest legal responsibility, directors must have confidence that it is safe and that if they act responsibly they will not be unduly at risk. Companies must consult with their people to establish sound policies, which in many cases could not be an overnight process. “
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Carolyn Fairbairn, CEO of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said companies were “eager to open up and regain the economy.”
“But they also know that putting health first is the only sustainable route to economic recovery. The message of continued vigilance is correct,” he said.
Commenting on the Prime Minister’s speech, he said: “This announcement marks the beginning of a long process. While stopping work was necessarily quick and immediate, the restart will be slower and more complex. It must go hand in hand with plans to schools, transportation, testing and access to PPE. Businesses will want to see a roadmap, with dates they can plan for. “
Difficult road ahead
Very little has changed in terms of the regulations and bans first announced in March. The lock remains. Closed stores, for example, will not reopen.
What we did get was a “shift in emphasis”: that people should assume they should go back to work, rather than assuming they shouldn’t.
Some in government and industry fear that the “stay home” message has become deeply embedded in the minds of millions of workers.
The prime minister’s replacement of that message with “stay alert” in England is designed to make companies use the discretion in the closing regulations.
However, the practicalities of this are not easy, as business groups and unions disagree on what constitutes a “safe for Covid” workplace.
The government recognizes that there will not be enough public transportation options to get people back to work. Many workers will also face problems with childcare.
On top of that, to the extent that some industries will reopen, such as construction and perhaps some forms of hospitality by July, any increase in the infection rate could cause the brakes to be applied quickly.
The way forward will be a delicate, difficult and constant balancing act between health and the economy. For now, the economy is definitely the second priority.
During his speech, Mr. Johnson added that workplaces would receive guidance on how to become “Safe Covid”.
Frances O’Grady, secretary general of the Trade Union Congress, called for these guidelines to be published.
BBC News previously reported that reducing hot desks and alternatives to social distancing where it is not possible were among the measures being considered to allow the reopening of workplaces.
One of seven draft plans to ease restrictions against the coronavirus, seen by the BBC, also urged employers to minimize numbers by using equipment, stagger shift times, and maximize home work.
Many companies have closed since widespread limits were imposed on everyday life on March 23, in an attempt to limit the effects of the virus’s spread on the NHS.
As a result, the government is now paying the wages of almost a quarter of UK jobs under a program aimed at helping people go on vacation due to the virus pandemic.
Under the job retention scheme, it finances 80% of workers’ wages, up to £ 2,500 per month.
On Sunday, business groups also called for caution when it comes to any future withdrawal of support.
BCC’s Adam Marshall added: “Businesses will also need to know that government support schemes, which have helped save millions of jobs in recent weeks, will continue for as long as it takes for them to plan ahead with confidence.”
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