Matt Hancock has told the BBC that there are no plans to make face coverings mandatory for office workers in England contrary to a report in the Telegraph which suggested otherwise.
It has of course, been widely reported that face coverings will become mandatory for customers in shops from 24th July in England (it is already a requirement in Scotland). The new rules do not apply to retail staff.
It has also been compulsory to wear a face covering on public transport and in NHS facilities since 15th June.
In explaining the different requirements for those in offices as to those in shops, Mr Hancock stated that face coverings are helpful during short interactions with strangers but that social distancing and hand washing were more effective strategies for offices where contact with colleagues for longer periods of time was likely.
Face coverings and masks in the workplace
Face coverings and masks may already be required in certain workplaces as part of the employer’s COVID-19 secure risk assessed strategy to prevent and limit the spread of the coronavirus in the workplace.
Currently, the advice across a range of sectors is that employers should consider personal protective equipment (PPE) where social distancing of at least two metres is not possible.
See our earlier blog on working safely during the coronavirus.
How Nelsons can help
Laura Kearsley is a Partner in our expert Employment Law team.
For further information in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, please contact Laura or another member of the team in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.