23rd November, 2020
Post-lockdown plan announced by Government
Post-lockdown plan announced by Government.
The Prime Minister has just announced his plans for the new tier system rules for England when the current lockdown ends on 2 December 2020. This may still be subject to change following parliamentary debate later this week. The new system will impact Employers and businesses whichever Tier they are in and we will provide an update once further details are announced.
England to be placed into tiers
On Thursday 26 November all counties of England shall be placed into tiers depending on the infection rate. The Tier system will be made stricter with even those employees in Tier 1 being expected to continue to work from home where possible.
It is expected that Tier 2 will only allow pubs serving meals to be open.
Tier 3 is expected to impact hospitality venues with indoor entertainment venues remaining closed and pubs and restaurants only being allowed to operate if they can provide a takeaway or delivery service.
22:00 curfew softened
The current 22:00 curfew for pubs in Tiers 1 and 2 will be softened allowing an additional hour for patrons to drink up after a last orders call. The new mandatory closure time shall be 23:00.
Gyms and shops to reopen
All gyms and non-essential shops can reopen after the lockdown period ends.
Mass testing to be expanded
Mass testing shall be used in Tier 3 areas following a successful trial in Liverpool. How this will impact employers and testing in the workplace has not been clarified.
Plans to reduced 2 week isolation period
Mass testing trials are taking place currently in Liverpool to look at reducing the current 2 week isolation period. If the trial is successful, the Government hopes to role this out nationally to reduce the period of isolation and so individuals would not have to self isolate unless they test positive.
We will continue to provide updates once further guidance is published.
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Debbie CoyneEmployment Law Senior Associate |
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