On 18 May 2020, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, responded to a written question regarding the phased re-opening of the UK economy.
In his answer, Paul Scully MP referenced the updated list outlining the businesses that can re-open, and those which are to stay closed. He also pointed to the Government’s guidance for workplace safety.
Paul Scully MP also referred to the taskforces set up by the Prime Minister as part of the plan for Phase 2 of reopening the economy. The five taskforces are pubs and restaurants; non-essential retail (including salons); recreation and leisure (including tourism, culture and heritage, libraries, entertainment and sport); places of worship; and international aviation. The Government are currently working on the details of how these taskforces will operate.
The written question can be read in full below.
Business: Coronavirus
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
18 May 2020
Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, pursuant to the Prime Minister’s statement of 10 May 2020, if he will (a) list the industries and workplaces that can now reopen and (b) publish guidance for those sectors and workplaces to follow.
Paul Scully: The list of businesses which must remain closed at present are published online and updated when relevant at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance.
However, in consultation with industry, we have also produced guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible if they are able to reopen. Our approach has not been split by specific business types or industries, but by the type of work environment instead, such as factories, outdoor work or offices. The guidance reminds employers that they have a duty under UK law to protect the health and safety of their workers and other people who might be affected by their business. This includes considering the risks that COVID-19 represents. The guidance is published online at www.gov.uk/workingsafely.
As part of the plan for Phase 2 of reopening of the economy, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of five taskforces: pubs and restaurants; non-essential retail (including salons); recreation and leisure (including tourism, culture and heritage, libraries, entertainment and sport); places of worship; and international aviation. Officials are now working on the details of how the taskforces will operate.