Following the Prime Minister’s recent statement that the country take additional and very significant measures to slow the spread of coronavirus\covid19. Make UK has commented that it is vital that manufacturers follow this advice and the sector takes every step possible to support the Government and reduce the burden on the NHS.
Equally, the Manufacturers’ organisation highlighted it is important to note that the Prime Minister has not asked all businesses to close, Government advice is primarily focused on closing non-essential retail and leisure facilities. Other employers are now mandated to make sure that anyone who can work from home is now doing so. Make UK said clearly, all businesses should also consider their responsibilities to wider society and reducing the impact on the NHS by slowing down the spread of the virus and removing opportunities for the infection to spread.
On that basis, and having assessed the information published by Government, Make UK said it would remind and clarify the advice member companies should be following for their operational premises:
* Any employees that are showing Coronavirus symptoms as per the NHS advice should comply with the relevant rules around self-isolation and social distancing and employers should work proactively with staff to ensure that this is happening * Employers should ensure that all employees that can work from home are doing so with immediate effect.
* Employees who are otherwise well and not displaying symptoms of the coronavirus should not be prohibited from working if your operations remain open.
* If employees are able to travel to work safely then they can and should do so – in particular this means travelling in a way that complies with the rules regarding social distancing set out in the Prime Minister’s recent announcement.
* Whilst at work employees should also be complying with the rules as set out in the PM’s announcement including rules about keeping a minimum of 2m apart at all times.
Make UK also added that it recognises that as well as seeking advice on the processes that they should put in place for managing their operations, some companies are also seeking guidance on whether or not to remain open and productive. Overall, the Government has asked every UK citizen to do everything it can to reduce the movement of people to help slow the spread of covid-19 and minimise pressure on the health service – the manufacturers’ organisation emphasised to bear this in mind when making decisions. However, the Government has not asked all businesses to cease operations – it has only asked those sectors of the economy that encourage large gatherings of people or create environments where social distancing is impossible, to close.
On that basis, Make UK says if you are considering impacts for your business, in the first instance please consult the Gov.UK website and review all relevant guidance to help guide you.
This information was correct as of the 25th March 2020. Make UK has the very latest advice and information available at: http://makeuk.org
