Yesterday evening (Mon 25th May) the Prime Minister set out a timeline for retail to re-open from 1st June and further guidance has been published for how to operate safely to protect staff and customers.
CLICK HERE to read full details of the PM’s Announcement
CLICK HERE to read Guidance for Re-opening Retail Outlets
You must make sure that the Risk Assessment for your business addresses the risks of COVID-19, using this guidance to inform your decisions and control measures.
Key details to note:
- Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1st June, as soon as they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers. As with garden centres, the risk of transmission of the virus is lower in these outdoor and more open spaces. Car showrooms often have significant outdoor space and it is generally easier to apply social distancing.
- All other non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be expected to be able to reopen from 15th June if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines, giving businesses three weeks to prepare.
- Businesses will only be able to open from these dates once they have completed a Risk Assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks. They must have taken the necessary steps to become COVID-19 secure in line with the current Health and Safety legislation.
Please refer to the Guidance above to prepare your business for opening!
If we can be of any help in the meantime, please send us a message via our social media platforms (Facebook or Twitter) or email info@otleybid.co.uk.
Rachelle Atkin
Otley Business Improvement District Champion