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As part of the new rules, which will last one month, non-essential businesses will have to close their doors, as well as restaurants, pubs and bars, which will only be able to operate on a takeaway or delivery basis. Announcing the rules this weekend, Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged the impact it would have on businesses and workers, and so extended the furlough scheme until December 2 in an effort to protect jobs.
Can tradesmen work in the second lockdown?
Current guidelines state if you are unable to work from home and your workplace is still open, you should continue doing so.
This means tradesmen will be able to continue working in the second lockdown, in compliance with Government rules.
Citizens Advice states: “Plumbers, electricians and other traders can still come to your house to carry out repairs – as long as they don’t have any symptoms of coronavirus.
“They should try to stay two metres away from you and avoid any vulnerable people.”
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick also confirmed tradesmen would be able to keep working during the lockdown.
In addition to tradespeople, removal companies and estate agents will be allowed to go into homes.
Mr Jenrick tweeted: “Housing market update ahead of Thursday’s measures: Renters and homeowners will be able to move; removal firms and estate agents can operate; construction sites can and should continue; tradespeople will be able to enter homes.
“But all must follow the covid safety guidance.”
However, if the work you are having done is not urgent, you may consider undertaking it at a more suitable time.
In addition, traders should not go to homes of anyone who is self isolating or at risk from covid.
Guidance provided for in-home workers like tradesmen, plumbers, electricians, property surveyors etc. states that before carrying out work in someone else’s home, you should do a risk assessment.
This involves thinking about what you will be facing, and putting reasonable precautions in place to limit the chances of transmitting the virus.
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Beyond your own personal risk assessment, the Government recommends you should consider:
If anyone in the household you’re working in has symptoms or is isolating, you should not work in the house unless there is a direct risk to the safety of the household, for example, a water or gas leak.
If you’re working in a household with vulnerable people or people over 70, then you should maintain a clear line of communication before your visit to establish what is expected of you.
You should take extra care with hand washing and other personal hygiene measures.
Other things you are advised to do include:
- Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds using hot soapy water on arrival and before you leave
- Use a tissue or your sleeve to catch coughs and sneezes (particularly if you’re not wearing a mask)
- Disinfect surfaces that you touch while carrying out work
- Ensure there’s a clear line of communication with the homeowners at all times before and during your visit
- Maintain social distancing rules as much as possible.
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