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Government Updates Step 4 'Working Safely' Guidance

on Friday, 23 July 2021.

The Government's Working safely during coronavirus guidance has been updated in response to England moving to Step 4 of the Roadmap out of lockdown.

Below is a summary of some of the main points employers should be aware of.

The Working Safely guidance, which came into force on 19 July, provides sector-specific advice on sensible precautions employers can take to manage risk and support their staff and customers. The advice has been separated into the following six sectors:

  • construction and other outdoor working environments
  • events and attractions
  • hotel and guest accommodation
  • offices factories and laboratories
  • restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs and takeaway services
  • shops, stores and close contact services such as hairdressing.

Although the guidance does not supersede employers' existing legal obligations, it is important that it is taken into account by employers when considering their health and safety, employment and equalities duties in relation to employees, workers and customers.

What Is Changing and What Does This Mean for Employers?

Whilst it is strongly recommended that the individual guidance is checked for sector-specific advice, in general the guidance sets out six priority actions that should be taken by employers/customer-facing staff members. These are:

  • completing a health and safety risk assessment that includes the risk from COVID-19, including considering how COVID-19 is spread
  • providing adequate ventilation to ensure that there is a supply of fresh air to indoor spaces
  • cleaning more frequently
  • turning away people with COVID-19 symptoms
  • enabling people to check in at your venue
  • communicating and providing training on how the business is using and updating safety measures.

The full guidance also recommends that employers continue to consult workers and any trade union health and safety representatives with regards to health and safety matters, and 'if possible' to consider publishing the risk assessment results on their website. Employers with over 50 workers are expected to do so. The guidance makes it clear that all businesses should show their workers and visitors that they have properly assessed their risk and have taken appropriate measures to mitigate this.

Further information is also included on how employers could consider reducing contact for workers, what to take into account with regards to staff who were previously shielding and how to handle tests and vaccinations.


If you would like advice on the Step 4 Working Safely guidance or on the duties of employers during the coronavirus pandemic, please contact Ellen Netto in our Employment Law team on 07384 812798, or complete the form below.

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