COVID 19

March 25, 2020

Government Update: Working in a Domestic Residence during COVID-19 Crisis

Government Update: Working in a Domestic Residence during COVID-19 Crisis

The Government department MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government) has issued updated guidance on businesses and premises which are to close and also on tradepersons working in domestic premises.

Within this latest guidance, the Government has specified rules for tradespersons carrying out work within people’s homes.

This is outlined in section 2 of the guidance document and it allows construction companies operating in the domestic market to continue their operations. The most relevant guidelines are as follows:

  • Work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, can continue, provided that the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms.

  • It is important to maintain a two metre distance from household occupants when carrying out this work

  • No work should be carried out in any household which is isolating or where an individual is being shielded, unless it is to remedy (or reduce) a direct risk to the safety of the household, such as emergency repairs, and where the tradesperson is willing to do so.

  • No work should be carried out by a tradesperson who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild.

You can view the latest government guidance on this matter here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance  

To what extent this guidance will be remain the same, in light of the health and safety concerns being flagged we are unsure, but it does seem like there is a recognition from Government that works in the home are considered ‘essential’.

In the current crisis, the GGF naturally advocates that essential or emergency construction work to make homes secure, safe and healthy, must continue under the precautionary measures and social distancing outlined by the Government, for the wellbeing of those living in the buildings.

We will continue to look for further clarification or any changes to this policy as well as the Government’s policy on construction sites. The latest news on major construction sites operations and views/policies can be read here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-52034586

The GGF will continue to work with Government and related agencies to keep you updated on this situation and others related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, to help your business cope in these extraordinary times.  

We advise you visit the GGF platform https://www.ggf.org.uk/covid-19/ which has all the latest information and support for your business.

In the meantime, please follow the general Government guidelines around this crisis and remain safe and well.

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