Let's keep life moving, advice for 'pinged' staff, working safely guidance, West Sussex Retail Hub sessions and more business news

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Business support and advice

From Horsham District Council

Let's keep life moving

Let's keep life moving

On Monday 19 July England entered Step 4 of the Government's roadmap out of lockdown.

From Step 4, legal restrictions have been lifted, all businesses can open and the government is no longer instructing people to work from home.

The government is encouraging us all to help keep life moving by taking simple steps as individuals and business owners.

Key tips for businesses are:

  • Review your business risk assessment and speak to your employees about the updates to the guidance
  • Let fresh air in to your workplace, as it can help manage the risk of Covid-19
  • Help avoid workplace outbreaks by letting staff self-isolate when they are legally required to
  • You can now begin planning a gradual return to the office. Review your risk assessment and speak to employees about the changes

Let's Keep Life Moving

Advising staff who have been 'pinged'

NHS Covid19 App

The NHS Test and Trace app has been in the news due to an increase in the number of people being advised to self-isolate.

You must let staff self-isolate when they are legally required to. It's a way to help avoid workplace outbreaks.

The current guidance on the NHS website says if you're told to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app you must self-isolate immediately.

Some options available to support staff who are 'pinged' include discussing work from home options, giving them the option to use their paid leave days, and paying contractual sick pay where appropriate.

According to Government guidance, employees in self-isolation are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay for every day of work missed for their self-isolation period, provided they meet all the eligibility criteria. There is also a Self-Isolation Support Scheme available for people on low incomes who are unable to work from home.

NHS Test and Trace in the workplace

If your business is a critical service

Last week the Government confirmed that some fully vaccinated critical workers will be able to leave self-isolation in exceptional circumstances.

In the small number of situations where the self-isolation of close contacts would result in serious disruption to critical services, a limited number of named workers may be able to leave self-isolation under specific controls for the purpose of undertaking critical work only.

This process is only intended to run until 16 August 2021

NHS Test and Trace in the workplace: Critical services

Working safely during coronavirus

To support businesses through this next phase, the Government's ‘Working Safely’ guidance will continue to provide advice on sensible precautions employers can take to manage risk and support their staff and customers.

Businesses still have a legal duty to manage risks to those affected by their business. The way to do this is to carry out a health and safety risk assessment, including the risk of COVID-19, and to take reasonable steps to mitigate the risks you identify.

GOV.UK: Working safely during coronavirus

Do you know how your customers are feeling about lockdown lifting?

Deciding whether to retain COVID-safe measures after 19 July has been a decision many business owners have faced in the past week.

Visit Horsham recently asked its followers on Facebook questions to find out how they were feeling about lockdown restrictions lifting. We thought it would be helpful to share links to these posts so you can get an insight into how some of your customers might be feeling about returning to shops and hospitality venues in the coming weeks.

Will you be more or less likely to visit shops and other businesses that retain their COVID measures after 19th July? Read the responses

With “freedom day” imminent in pubs and bars, are you going to be happy to be able to order at the bar or would you prefer that table service remained? Read the responses

While commenters represent a small proportion of the District, Visit Horsham has more than 32,000 likes and followers, and represents a key public channel to gauge local sentiment.

Follow Visit Horsham 

Visit...Horsham tours partnership promotes the District

Visit Horsham District

Horsham District Council engaged Whistlestop Arts and the team behind Horsham TV to create the series of short films highlighting six market towns across the Horsham District to encourage people to come out and visit their local area.

Visitors can pick up a passport from one of the businesses involved and tick off their visits around the area.

Find out more

West Sussex Retail Hub

Have you signed up to the West Sussex Retail Hub yet? It's free and a fantastic resource for businesses in West Sussex.

There are expert-led training sessions, education modules, more than 100 training videos available on demand, and much more.

This service is provided by Digital Islands, and is funded by the district and borough councils of West Sussex.

Sign up now so you can attend the next two Q&A events on the programme (below). To get the most from these events it is advised that you complete the related module first.

Sign up now

Upcoming events

Key steps for creating a marketing plan with Emma Pearce

 

Key steps for creating a marketing plan

28 July, 6pm

A live Q&A session with Emma Pearce

The importance of business planning

 

The importance of business planning

4 August, 6pm

A live Q&A session with Simon Brand

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