Further to the confirmation from Government yesterday, 14th July, we have written a summary and link to the official guidance for Shops and Retail with respect to Face Coverings.
You will note that there is no requirement for “staff” to wear face coverings in the retail or shop environment, however, your Business Risk Assessment combined with a desire to demonstrate to customers your internal controls and mitigating actions, would in most cases result in staff wearing face coverings in the customer-facing environment unless you have implemented other controls. These other controls could be for example screens at the payment or till area.
It’s important that employers read the guidance to understand the measures they will need to take and how it effects their staff. Please feel free to call our Health and Safety team if in any doubt. Those of you that benefit from our H&S service and provide a retail or shop service will be contacted by a member of our team to discuss how you should respond.
The statement from the face-covering guidance provides confirmation for employers if staff in a retail or shop environment:
“It is not compulsory for shop or supermarket staff to wear face coverings, although employers should consider recommending their use where appropriate and where other mitigations are not in place. For example, there will be times when screens or visors are in use, or when a staff member is not in close proximity to people they do not normally meet, and so wearing a covering for staff will not be necessary. Employers should continue to follow COVID-19 secure guidelines to reduce the proximity and duration of contact between employees”
The Guidance update for Face coverings is as follows;
This page explains what face coverings are, their role in reducing the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19), the settings in which they are recommended, and how they should be safely used and stored. This information is based on current scientific evidence and is subject to change.
This information relates to the use of face coverings in public spaces where social distancing is not always possible. It is important to follow all the other government advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) including staying safe outside your home. Please refer to the guidance on the Gov.uk website.
Oral statement to Parliament
Face coverings to be mandatory in shops and supermarkets from 24 July
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock spoke about plans to make face coverings mandatory in shops and supermarkets from 24 July 2020. Please refer to the guidance on the Gov.uk website.
