Back to the workplace...

Thursday 21 May 2020

Indoor workplaces like offices, warehouses, manufacturing facilities and workshops can consider reopening to employees from today, provided they follow strict guidance, the Government has announced.

Where it is considered essential to the business’s function for employees to return to work, the indoor workplaces can reopen – subject to the latest guidance.

As part of Jersey’s gradual exit from lockdown plan, the Government has allowed certain businesses to trade again provided they meet the criteria for reducing the spread of the virus. Other businesses, such as hairdressers, bars which don’t serve food and tattoo parlours must still remain closed.

Pictured: Businesses which must still remain close (Government of Jersey).

Government say that indoor workplaces that are eligible for re-opening must do the following: 

• Consider if it is essential for the business to function that employees should return to the workplace: home-working should continue if possible;
• plan in advance how to mitigate the risk of the virus spreading during operation: a risk assessment must be undertaken and appropriate measures put in place before opening;
• manage the number of people working in the building to comfortably maintain physical distancing at all times and provide welfare and hygiene provisions for the whole workforce;
• display a record of the risk assessment and hygiene plan so that it can be inspected by the relevant authorities, including the Health and Safety Inspectorate, upon request.

Government have also produced a poster so workplaces can demonstrate they have taken the relevant precautions before opening. 

This guidance follows the passing of covid-19 workplace restrictions into law by the States Assembly earlier this week. As well as detailing the requirements, it provides the Government with the legal powers to ease these restrictions as the island progresses through its Safe Exit framework.

Commenting on this new development, Minister for Health and Social Services Deputy Richard Renouf said: “These wider changes form part of the measures easing restrictions in Level 3 of our Safe Exit Framework. It will allow businesses – if they can ensure the health of their staff and that physical distancing can be maintained – to consider allowing employees to return to the workplace where this is considered essential to maintain the business function and where this work cannot otherwise be undertaken from home. 

Pictured: Health Minister Deputy Richard Renouf.

“I am aware of the impact that living and working from home can have on the mental health our community. The Government has endeavoured to find a balance between the safety of islanders, support for mental health and wellbeing and the need for workplaces to return to support the economy in a managed and safe way. 

“However, I would like to reiterate that where it is not essential to the business for employees to return to the workplace, islanders should continue to work from home while we remain in Level 3.

“This is another careful, measured step within our Safe Exit Framework that we hope will begin to restore a sense of normality to our Island. These measures – and the corresponding guidance – will be continually reviewed as we move through this crisis.” 

Those with questions or concerns about the changes should email workplacecovid@gov.je.