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Northern Ireland: Restrictions following latest “Circuit Breaker” lockdown
From today (27th of November), Northern Ireland starts new restrictions enforced under the banner of “Circuit Breaker”.
The impact on the Glass and Glazing industry should be minimal, we have detailed the key points below;
Working from home
It is important that those who can work from home should and it is strongly advised to work with homeowners and customer remotely where possible.
Working on sites and in manufacturing
Construction sites and manufacturing can continue to operate providing workers adhere to governmental and local guidance.
Working in other people’s homes
Working in homes can continue for building or maintenance work, services of trades or professionals can also continue. See extract below from the Northern Ireland Executive website;
“Households are not allowed to mix indoors in private homes. Certain exemptions apply, including:
- building or maintenance work
- the services of trades or professions (close contact services are not allowed)”
Working in the supply chain
Working in the building/construction supply chain can continue. See extract below from the Northern Ireland Executive website;
“Homeware, building supplies and hardware stores can remain open.”
https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/news/executive-agrees-two-week-circuit-breaker
Showrooms
In the Northern Ireland Executive’s latest restrictions there has been no specific guidance or legislation around the opening or closure of window and door showrooms – though this could be considered an outlet for building supplies.
Each business is different, so if you have a showroom and are unsure if you should open or close please use the following guidance which could help with your decision.
- To be 100% safe – close your showroom until after the lockdown
- If you are considering opening your showroom, conduct a proper risk assessment for your employees, customers and any other visitors to your showroom
- If you do open your showroom, ensure you adhere to the general Safe Guidance and social distancing
- If you are opening your showroom it is advisable to;
- operate an appointment only basis for your customers to ensure a more controlled and safer operating environment
- redesign the workplace to allow adequate distancing
- face coverings for customers and employees with customers
- Increase ventilation etc.
Please note: your local authority can force you to close your showroom if required during lockdown.
Door to door canvassing
Though not specified in the Northern Ireland Executive’s latest guidance and restrictions, door to door canvassing can continue, but it is advised that you follow these precautionary steps.
- ensure that all canvassers are fully briefed on the safe guidance;
- canvassing is conducted from outside the property, and;
- social distancing is maintained and;
- the safe guidance is followed, and;
- No physical contact should be made with the householder or occupants.
- Please check with your local authorities if you are in any doubt
Please note: Local authorities may ask companies to stop door to door canvassing and they can legally prohibit this practice.
Further Notes:
- Any work that you continue to undertake through the “Circuit breaker” must be in-line with COVID working guidance.
- These restrictions can vary with each local authority, ensure to monitor your local advice and guidance.
Please follow the GGF’s Safe Guidance documents that are underpinned by the Government Guidance.
Latest Government Guidance when working in homes (published 18 Nov 2020)
Please ensure you and your colleagues work safe and take all the necessary precautions when working during this pandemic. The GGF will continue to do its utmost to provide you with the very latest and accurate guidance and of course when receive any changes from government, we will relay them to you as soon as possible. In the meantime, stay safe and work safe.
