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 Welcome to our latest Southwark Business Update. Please continue to share these updates with your employees and local business networks. If you don’t receive copies of our newsletter directly and would like to, you can sign up to our mailing list here.
Living with COVID-19
On Monday 21 February the Government announced its plans for living with COVID-19. The changes that have and will come into effect are as follows.
On 24 February the Government:
- removed the legal requirement to self-isolate following a positive test. Adults and children who test positive will continue to be advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for at least five full days and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received two negative test results on consecutive days
- stopped asking fully vaccinated close contacts and those aged under 18 to test daily for seven days, and removed the legal requirement for close contacts who are not fully vaccinated to self-isolate
- ended self-isolation support payments. National funding for practical support and the medicine delivery service will no longer be available
- ended routine contact tracing. Contacts are no longer required to self-isolate or advised to take daily tests
- ended the legal obligation for individuals to tell their employers when they are required to self-isolate
- revoked The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.3) Regulations.
From 24 March, the Government will:
- remove the COVID-19 provisions within the Statutory Sick Pay and Employment and Support Allowance regulations.
From 1 April, the Government will:
- remove the current guidance on voluntary COVID-status certification in domestic settings and no longer recommend that certain venues use the NHS COVID Pass
- update guidance setting out the ongoing steps that people with COVID-19 should take to minimise contact with other people. This will align with the changes to testing
- no longer provide free universal symptomatic and asymptomatic testing for the general public in England
- consolidate guidance to the public and businesses, in line with public health advice
- remove the health and safety requirement for every employer to explicitly consider COVID-19 in their risk assessments
- replace the existing set of Working Safely during COVID-19 guidance with new public health guidance.
Continuing to work safely with COVID-19
COVID-19 can still be a serious health condition for people with additional health risks. Businesses are therefore urged to make every effort to help keep their workforce and community safe. Remember, some measures are required under the Health and Safety Act and must remain in place.
From 24 February 2022, all businesses must still:
From 24 February 2022, all businesses are still strongly advised to:
- encourage the use of face coverings, particularly in crowded, indoor spaces – check the most up to date guidance on face coverings for the public
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provide signage asking individuals to wear a face covering while on those premises
- consider what other measures can remain in place to reduce the risk of transmission – for example, provide hand sanitiser at the entrance to your business and encourage customers to use it, use screens at points of service, or encourage contactless payment
- if you operate a large, crowded indoor setting, consider asking customers to demonstrate their COVID-19 status (a recent negative test, natural immunity, or vaccination status) using the NHS COVID Pass (while it is still being used)
- make sure employees, customers and visitors are aware of the public health protection measures that are in place when visiting your premises.
The above list is not exhaustive. The government’s guidance on working safely during COVID-19 is comprehensive and sector-specific.
Creative business support programmes from Stride
Stride has partnered with DOES Ltd, University of the Arts London (UAL), and NX Hub at Goldsmiths on three free programmes to support to creative businesses led by underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Free responsible business programme
Southwark businesses with fewer than 250 full time equivalent employees can take part in a free, online responsible business programme delivered by Heart of The City.
Businesses taking part will explore – and take action on – topics such as:
- creating inclusive workplaces and recruitment policies
- running and measuring effective community and charitable policies
- making plans to get to net zero
The programme is designed for all businesses, from those starting out to those already on their responsible business journey. Find out more about the responsible business programme and apply.
New property licensing schemes from 1 March 2022
We introduced new property licensing schemes on 1 March 2022. These schemes will help to improve rented homes in the borough. If you apply for the property licensing scheme between 1 March and 31 May 2022 you will automatically get an early bird discount.
Landlords and property managing agents can also sign-up to our mailing list for regular updates.
Have your say on community involvement in planning processes
We want everyone who lives and works in the borough to get involved in local planning decisions. That’s why we’re consulting on how best to reach the community and ensure voices are heard.
Our Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) defines how and when local residents, community groups and stakeholders can be involved in the planning process. This is both when new planning policy documents are prepared or when consultation is carried out on planning applications for new development.
As part of SCI, we want your views on the new draft Development Consultation Charter. It sets out how you can expect to be consulted by applicants/developers at different stages of the planning application process.
Share your views on our SCI before 23 March 2022.
Contact us
Thank you for following the COVID-19 guidance. It is vital we continue to follow the government guidelines as restrictions change. We are available to provide advice and information at southwarkbusinessdesk@southwark.gov.uk.
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