Business Growth, COVID19

Can I reopen my business with the easing of the lockdown?

Posted on by sharon baker

More detail for us all today, following last night’s announcements on 10 May 2020 of some easing of lockdown. We now know which business industries this applies to.

There are 8 different working environments that we now have guidance on:

This is Government guidance, so do still press your industry bodies for their guidance and support.

*Click each heading below for the link to the Government guidance*

  1. Construction and other outdoor work
  2. Factories, plants and warehouses
  3. Working in other people’s homes
  4. Labs and research facilities
  5. Offices and contact centres
  6. Restaurants offering takeway or delivery
  7. Shops and branches
  8. Vehicles

You will notice that there are industries missing from this list. We must assume that this is because these industries are not to reopen yet.

Where we can share specific industry guidance, from your industry bodies, we will do.

If you can’t create a safe working environment for your customers and employees, our advice would be that you can’t open.

Reminder of the PM’s announcements on 10 May:

  • New COVID alert system introduced, alerts from 1 to 5.
    • 1 = virus is no longer present.
    • 5 = most critical.
    • Lockdown has been level 4.
  • You should go to work if you can’t work from home and it’s safe to go to work (we think they’re talking about manufacturing and construction here)
  • New guidance for employers is coming out
  • Don’t use public transport for work if you can avoid it
  • From 1 June 2020: Phased re-opening of some shops and schools in phases (year reception, year 1 and year 6).
  • From 15 June 2020: Non-essential shops, car showrooms and outdoor markets can re-open
  • From 1 July 2020: Some hospitality and public places will reopen provided they’re safe (we think this will be hospitality venues with outdoor spaces)
  • This is all conditional, and depends on big ifs, and for all of us to stay safe and socially distant.

My view is that if you can’t stay safe and socially distant if you go to work, then you shouldn’t go.
There will be more guidance for employers on how to ensure that employees and customers are safe.

Keep an eye out for news and updates from your industry and from us.

We’re here for you

Check out our new COVID19 Resource page for loads of info.
Join our private Facebook page for Small Business Owners.
Book in a 30 minute zoom call with me.

We are working on a Survive and Thrive action plan to help you get back up and running – stay tuned!

Stay safe. Stay strong.

Sharon x

sharon baker