COVID Update: Canvassing and Showrooms in England and Wales

COVID Update: Canvassing and Showrooms in England and Wales

Please see below GGF update on Canvassing and Showrooms in England and Wales.

Canvassing

The GGF issued advice on 25th January 2021 stating that canvassing should not take place for the foreseeable future due to the rising level of COVID-19 infections within the UK. This guidance has now been updated in line with the changing landscape and updated Government advice.

Following the announcement of the “Government’s Roadmap” regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the GGF has been working with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Trading Standards who have confirmed with the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) that’s based on English legislation; doorstep canvassing can take place under current legislation.

GGF therefore advises all Members who need to canvass to generate sales leads, when this cannot be done remotely, to undertake canvassing subject to the following conditions;

• Phased and cautious approach to recommence canvassing
• Avoid areas where Surge Testing is taking place
• Risk assessment has been conducted and is in place and that staff/canvassers are provided with information, instruction and training.
• Canvassers should remain outside the property at all times
• PPE and/or face coverings should be used to assure the consumer. e.g facemasks, face-shields, etc.
• Where possible limit engagements with customers to 15 minutes maximum, and much shorter if possible
• Maintain 2 metre social distancing at all times 
• Canvassers should maintain a high standard of personal hygiene and have hand sanitisers etc.
• Follow GGF Guidance to protect the NHS and Save Lives
• Think safety at all times: HANDS, FACE, SPACE
• Checks should be made to ensure canvassers are following the agreed guidance and records kept in the event contact tracing is required

Members should ensure that canvassers have the suitable resources, information, instruction and training to carry out the task in line with the risk assessment.

Showrooms

Glazing (window, door & conservatory) showrooms are still specifically referenced in the Government guidance under inessential retail and therefore the GGF advises that showrooms remain closed until the opening of “all retail” in step two of the Government’s “Roadmap”

GGF will issue further guidance as and when necessary on testing and on other COVID-19 issues.

Members should respect local authority health guidance and are reminded that the guidance itself is subject to change in line with the infection rate and further Government announcements.

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COVID Installers guide

COVID Supply chain guidance