The government has announced that from today (24 September) face coverings must be worn by employees in many workplace settings.
The new rules apply to those working in:
- Shops
- Supermarkets
- Shopping centres
- Restaurants and cafes
- Bars and pubs
- Banks
- Estate agents
- Post offices and
- Hotels
The same exemptions apply to members of the public so that those with disabilities and underlying health conditions etc. do not have to wear a face covering.
Failure to comply with the new rules is a criminal offence, and an individual can be fined £200.
An employer is not liable to be fined for an employee’s breach, but they are of course legally required to ensure that the workplace is COVID-secure, part of which requires that colleagues and customers are protected from the coronavirus so far as is possible. Failure to do so now carries a fine of up to £10,000.
As a result, employees failing to comply with the new rules on wearing face coverings without a legitimate excuse should be subject to swift disciplinary action.
For more information and to find out how we can help you, please contact us on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.