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
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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
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.
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.
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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.
Upcoming events
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