On Monday, 22nd February, Boris Johnson outlined his roadmap for the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions in England. Below, we have summarised how the roadmap will impact employers and employees across the country.
Financial support schemes
Whilst there have not been any details released yet in respect of extensions to the various financial support schemes for businesses and workers (e.g. the Coronavirus Job Support Scheme (CJRS – also known as the furlough scheme) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)), the Prime Minister has stated that the Government will “do whatever it takes” to protect businesses and jobs.
Any details in respect of extensions to the financial support schemes are due to be announced in the Budget next week by the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak.
The re-opening of non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure and entertainment venues
As part of the Government’s roadmap, these sectors will be permitted to re-open, in compliance with relevant restrictions. The dates and restrictions of relevance are as follows:
Step two – no earlier than from Monday, 12th April:
- “Non-essential retail, personal care premises, such as hairdressers and nail salons, and public buildings, such as libraries and community centres, will reopen.
- Most outdoor attractions and settings, including zoos, and theme parks, will also reopen although wider social contact rules will apply in these settings to prevent indoor mixing between different households. Drive-in cinemas and drive-in performances will also be permitted.
- Indoor leisure facilities, such as gyms and swimming pools, will also reopen – but only for use by people on their own or with their household.
- Hospitality venues can serve people outdoors only. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcohol, and no curfew – although customers must order, eat and drink while seated.
- Self-contained accommodation, such as holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen…”
Step three – no sooner than from Monday, 17th May:
- “…Outdoor performances such as outdoor cinemas, outdoor theatres and outdoor cinemas can reopen. Indoors, the rule of 6 or 2 households will apply – although we will keep under review whether it is safe to increase this.
- Indoor hospitality, entertainment venues such as cinemas and soft play areas, the rest of the accommodation sector, and indoor adult group sports and exercise classes will also reopen.
- Larger performances and sporting events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half-full (whichever is lower) will also be allowed, as will those in outdoor venues with a capacity of 4000 people or half-full (whichever is lower).
- In the largest outdoor seated venues where crowds can spread out, up to 10,000 people will be able to attend (or a quarter-full, whichever is lower).”
Step four – no sooner than from Monday, 21st June:
- “It is hoped all legal limits on social contact can be removed.
- We hope to reopen nightclubs, and lift restrictions on large events and performances that apply in Step 3.”
Those who can work from home
For businesses whose workers can work from home, the message remains the same as before – “…you should continue to work from home where possible”. This message is likely to remain the same until the end of the restrictions (i.e. no sooner than Monday, 21st June).
A week prior to step four of the roadmap, a Government review will be published which will outline the latest guidance on working from home.
Other relevant details of the roadmap which will impact employers and employees
The Government has also stated that reviews will take place in respect of the use of face masks, social distancing requirements, travel overseas, Covid-19 status certification for venues, and when major events can once again resume. However, the Government has not stated when these reviews will take place.
Additionally, Boris Johnson has stated that free Covid-19 testing kits will remain available to businesses up until the end of June.
Has the roadmap been welcomed by employers?
Whilst many Conservative backbenchers wanted the Prime Minister to loosen the restrictions faster than has been set-out, the roadmap appears to have been welcomed by many businesses in the hope that this will be the last lockdown England has to endure.
However, many unions and employers have questioned why Boris Johnson didn’t explicitly state if the furlough scheme would be extended or not. This will not be confirmed until the Budget on Wednesday, 3rd March.
That being said, many hospitality and retail groups have said that an extension to the CJRS would not be enough to save many businesses and that additional grants will be required to offset the National Insurance contributions and pension costs they have to pay, on top of the rent arrears they are amassing.
Long-term impact of Covid-19 on working methods
The long-term impact of the pandemic could result in many businesses, specifically office workers, changing their working practices and methods so that employees spend more time working from home. As mentioned previously, a week prior to step four of the roadmap, a review will be published which will outline the latest guidance on working from home.
During a Downing Street press conference, Boris Johnson commented he was sceptical of predictions that the coronavirus pandemic would mean a “fundamental change” to working methods in big cities, stating:
“The better remote communication gets and the more people can see each other and talk on mobile devices, as a paradox the more actually they want to see each other face to face…”
“That I’m sure will come back. I think that London and our great cities will be filled full of buzz and life and excitement again.”
How Nelsons can help
Laura Kearsley is a Partner in our expert Employment Law team.
For further information in relation to the topics 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.