Over the last few days their have been announcements from the Central and the Devolved Governments of the UK.

The GGF contacted Central Government regarding the new restrictions following the Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of national lockdown in England from 5^th November to 2^nd December.

The Government replied to the GGF almost instantly confirming how the glass and glazing sector is impacted in England. The GGF also searched through all the latest guidance from the devolved Governments as well as the Republic of Ireland.

In general, our sector can remain open for business, there is the stark reminder that we need to ensure we operate safely and to the safe guidance. Here is the breakdown of the latest guidance and restrictions, as well as useful links to the key Government websites and GGF Safe Guides, should you need further information.   

In England:

1. Tradespeople can continue to work in people’s homes as can salespeople and surveyors if necessary, but ideally if anyone can work remotely they should.  
2. Door to door canvassing is still allowed but companies employing people to do this should make sure they are following the guidance, paying particular attention to remaining outdoors and at least 2m social distancing – note this may be affected by the local rules within the 3 tier guidance system
3. Those who work in construction and manufacturing should continue to attend their workplaces and follow the Site Operating Procedures or work from home if possible
4. Builders’ merchants and DIY stores can remain open (and will certainly be able to offer delivery or click and collect services) – although it should be borne in mind that there may be specific local rules relating to retail under the 3 Tier guidance system
5. It is not confirmed yet whether showrooms can or cannot open. The list of non-essential retail premises that will have to close during the 4 week lockdown will be announced later this week.
6. Government safety guidance must be adhered to when at work, and this is within the GGF Guidance Brochures for installers and consumers. Site Operating Procedures are also available from the GGF website.

UK Government links

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#businesses-and-venues

COVID Secure Guidance (factories, plants, and warehouse)

COVID Secure guidance (working in other people’s homes)

Local COVID Alert levels guidance

Meanwhile,  there are no changes to the glass and glazing sector in Northern Ireland since First Minister Arlene Foster’s announcement on 13 October for a four-week circuit breaker lockdown.

In Northern Ireland

1. Tradespeople can continue to work in people’s homes as can salespeople and surveyors if necessary, but ideally if anyone can work remotely they should.  
2. Door to door canvassing is still allowed but companies employing people to do this should make sure they are following the guidance, paying particular attention to remaining outdoors and at least 2m social distancing – note this may be affected by the local rules within the 3 tier guidance system.
3. Those who work in construction and manufacturing should continue to attend their workplaces and follow the Site Operating Procedures or work from home if possible.
4. Builders’ merchants and DIY stores can remain open (and should certainly be able to offer delivery or click and collect services).
5. Showrooms can remain open.
6. Government safety guidance must be adhered to when at work, and this is within the GGF Guidance Brochures for installers and consumers. Site Operating Procedures are also available from the GGF website.

In Scotland

The Scottish 5 tier system to enforce tighter local restrictions was activated at 6.00am this morning 2 November. It is important to monitor what level your local area is in and review the guidance of what is permissible. This information is available here

Currently across Scotland;

1. Tradespeople can continue to work in people’s homes as can salespeople and surveyors if necessary, but ideally if anyone can work remotely they should.  
2. Door to door canvassing is still allowed but companies employing people to do this should make sure they are following the guidance, paying particular attention to remaining outdoors and at least 2m social distancing – note this may be affected by the local rules within the 5 tier guidance system.
3. Those who work in construction and manufacturing should continue to attend their workplaces and follow the Site Operating Procedures or work from home if possible.
4. Builders’ merchants and DIY stores can remain open (and should certainly be able to offer delivery or click and collect services).
5. Showrooms can remain open but may be subject to change under local rules under the 5 tier guidance
6. Government safety guidance must be adhered to when at work, and this is within the GGF Guidance Brochures for installers and consumers. Site Operating Procedures are also available from the GGF website.

In Wales

On 21 October, the Welsh Government updated their COVID restrictions with a view to these ‘firebreak’ restrictions lasting until 9^th November. Due to the UK Government’s decision to increase English restrictions, the Welsh Government has had to respond and the First Minister, Mark Drakeford, will be giving further updates this week, although the plan is for the firebreak in Wales to end as planned on 9th November.

The Welsh government has updated its guidance with regard to working in other people’s home’s;

“Work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople, can continue as long as it is managed in a safe way and both the worker and household members are well and have no symptoms of coronavirus. However, we recommend that people consider whether the work can be safely deferred until after this short lockdown.”

Companies can continue to operate manufacturing plants and factories and work in other people’s homes however there should be a consideration to defer the work and if that is not possible then the work should be in line with COVID-19 guidelines.

In Wales:

1. Tradespeople can continue to work in people’s homes as can salespeople and surveyors if necessary, but ideally if anyone can work remotely they should.  
2. Door to door canvassing is still allowed but companies employing people to do this should make sure they are following the guidance, paying particular attention to remaining outdoors and at least 2m social distancing – note this may be affected by the local rules and if it can be deferred it is advisable to do so.
3. Those who work in construction and manufacturing should continue to attend their workplaces and follow the Site Operating Procedures or work from home if possible.
4. Builders’ merchants and DIY stores can remain open (and should certainly be able to offer delivery or click and collect services).
5. Showrooms can remain open but may be subject to change under local rules.
6. Government safety guidance must be adhered to when at work, and this is within the GGF Guidance Brochures for installers and consumers. Site Operating Procedures are also available from the GGF website.

Welsh Government links

COVID-19 safe working guides

COVID-19 Working in other people’s homes guide

In the Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland entered Level 5 restrictions from midnight on Wednesday, 21^st October. These restrictions are scheduled to end on 2^nd December.

This has the below implications for working arrangements in Republic of Ireland.

General guidance

• People should work from home unless they are delivering an essential service for which their physical presence is required.
• Movement beyond a 5km radius of a person’s home is permitted when delivering essential services.
• Employers that require individuals’ physical presence for delivering essential services, must ensure that workplaces meet current guidance.

Working in other people’s homes

• Tradespeople may continue to enter other people’s homes to deliver maintenance and repair services. This is considered an essential service, according to the guidance.

Other workplaces

• Construction is considered essential work, and all construction or development work and the provision of support services relating to construction and development work may continue.
• Essential retail and essential services will remain open. This includes hardware outlets and builders’ merchants.
• Manufacturing plants delivering products necessary for the supply chain of essential services will remain open. This includes such as manufacturers of glass and other glazing products.

GGF Guidance

Members should use the GGF’s COVID-19 Safe Guides and for manufacturers please refer to the Site Operating Procedures.   

GGF Safe Guide for Homeowners  

GGF Safe Guide for Home Improvement companies working during COVID-19

Site Operating Procedures during COVID-19

Notes to all GGF Members:

• Please monitor your local government websites and adhere to local rules/restrictions or information in specific local areas, if required.
• Keep to the Government guidance (which is also within the GGF Safe Guides)
• Carry out a risk assessment
• Apply reasonable and sensible practice when working during this deadly pandemic

The recent announcements and lockdown is in the main allowing our sector to remain open, but please ensure you stay safe and do everything practically possible to prevent the virus from spreading further.