The second lockdown came to an end on 2 December but tough restrictions continue in most areas. The government has implemented a new three tier system in England which must be adhered to from 2 December, in an effort to further reduce the rate of infection in the country.
The three tiers that have been introduced are “medium”, “high” and “very high”. More than 55 million people are in the strictest two tiers, but what does this mean?
Tier 1: Medium
– A maximum of 6 people are allowed to meet indoors or outdoors
– People are encouraged to work from home where possible and minimise travel
– Business meetings are permitted (including in restaurants if not practicable elsewhere)
– Conferences and other business events can take place indoors and outdoors (at 50% of the venue’s capacity)
– Beauty services and personal care is permitted, including hairdressing
– Pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open until 11pm
– Limited numbers of spectators are allowed at sporting events and live performances
– Travel to Tier 3 areas must be avoided (unless for work)
Tier 2: High
– A maximum of 6 people are allowed to meet outdoors
– Households must not mix indoors
– Anyone who can work from home should do so
– Business meetings are permitted (including in restaurants if not practicable elsewhere)
– Conferences and other business events can take place indoors and outdoors (at 50% of the venue’s capacity)
– Beauty services and personal care is permitted, including hairdressing
– Pubs (serving substantial meals) and restaurants will be allowed to open until 11pm
– Limited numbers of spectators are allowed at sporting events and live performances
– Travel to Tier 3 areas must be avoided (unless for work)
Tier 3: Very High
– Households must not mix indoors or outdoors
– Travel outside of the area should be avoided (unless necessary for work)
– Business meetings are permitted
– Events and conferences should not take place
– Households must not mix in hospitality venues
– Beauty services and personal care is permitted, including hairdressing
– Pubs and restaurants are closed (except for delivery and takeaway)
– Indoor entertainment venues remain closed
Social distancing must still be observed as part of all of the above listed restrictions.
Can you keep your office open?
In all tiers, if it is not possible for you or members of your business to work from home, staff can be asked to come into the office, provided it is COVID secure and government guidelines are followed. A risk assessment must be carried out, cleaning must take place regularly, social distancing must be practiced, workspaces should be arranged to keep staff apart and a record must be kept of all staff and contractors in the workplace for 21 days as part of the NHS Test and Trace.
International travel for work purposes is permitted and staff can stay overnight outside of their local area if necessary for business reasons.
Business meetings should ideally be conducted virtually but, if this is not possible, meetings can take place in offices. However, if this is also not practicable, meetings with a business purpose may take place in restaurants located in Tier 1 and 2.
Please note than staff Christmas parties should be avoided as safety should be the primary concern. Meetings with a social purpose (including Christmas parties) will be subject to the normal rules on social gatherings listed above (i.e. the rule of six, etc). Virtual celebrations could be considered instead.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules and restrictions in place, with Northern Ireland currently in a two week lockdown.
Madeleine Rhodes mrhodes@redfernlegal.com
