Coronavirus: A social distancing and staff welfare reminder
I am sure that you are adhering to Government and ACAS guidance in terms of social distancing and staff welfare but at present we are getting a number of reports and comments from worried members of the public and other sources that a number of Doncaster businesses are failing to comply with government advice with regards to COVID-19.
I, therefore, would like to send out a general reminder to all businesses to follow advice with regards to the health, safety and wellbeing of your employees.
The government advises:
- To reduce social contact and help stop the spread of coronavirus certain businesses and venues have to close. A list of these businesses can be found here.
- With the exception of these organisations, the Government, at present, has not officially required any other businesses to close – indeed they have stated it is important for business to carry on providing they exercise caution and only operate if really necessary.
- Where businesses continue to open, employers should take every possible step to facilitate their employees working 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 your employees cannot work from home then they can still travel to work, provided they are well and no one in their household is self-isolating.
- Employers who have people in their offices or onsite should ensure that employees are able to follow Public Health England guidelines including, where possible, maintaining a 2 metre distance from others at all times, and washing their hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds (or using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available). This includes in canteens, smoke and rest areas
I would be most pleased if our businesses would take heed and follow government guidelines at all times.
If you are uncertain of the guidelines and would like further clarification, indeed if you require any assistance or advice at all during this public health crisis then please get in touch with your Doncaster Chamber account manager.
Alternatively please view the Chamber webpage www.doncaster-chamber.co.uk/coronavirus or follow the CovidDoncaster social media channels for the latest government advice of how to tackle this virus.
With thanks,
Rupert
Dr Rupert Suckling
Director of Public Health
Doncaster Council