Most commentators seem to agree that we are approaching the end of the beginning.  The economy has suffered, and as other countries slightly ahead of us on the curve have started to make plans to come out on the other side of Coronavirus, we too need to turn our attention to life after lockdown.

There appears to be a consensus that the world, and consequently, the world of work will also have changed beyond recognition by the time we reach some kind of stability.

If Britain’s roadmap to recovery is to look anything like that of others who have started getting back into gear it appears that we can expect a gradual return to work in a number of phases.

The Irish government this week released a 5 phase plan and if we assume for a minute that the UK roadmap takes a similar approach we can probably expect to see something along these lines:

Phase 1:  

• Relaxed lockdown regulations where people can mix, outwith their immediate household while maintaining social distancing

• Additional childcare for key workers

• Phased return of outdoor workers

• Relaxing of regulations on retailers such as DIY and garden centres

Phase 2 (Approx 3 weeks later):

• Household visits permitted

• Businesses prepare for the return of staff and the public, ensuring the safety of staff and the public

• Small retailers and certain public amenities opened

Phase 3 (Approx 3 weeks later):

• Small social gatherings permitted

• More widespread opening of childcare facilities

• Return to work with low interaction, social distancing observed where possible

• More widespread opening of non-essential retailers

Phase 4 (Approx 3 weeks later):

• Childcare introduced for non-essential workers

• Return to work for anyone unable to work from home

• Higher risk services re-introduced (Hairdressers etc)

• Opening of museums and places of worship

Phase 5 (Approx 3 weeks later):

• Larger gatherings such as weddings permitted

• Return to work across all sectors

• Widespread return to classroom education

• Further easing of retail restrictions

So how might we anticipate this translating to the workplace?  Well, much of the advice covered in our recent webinar remains relevant.

Don’t cancel that Zoom subscription as most of us will be at home for a while….  Communication will remain key and remote working is likely to continue for some time to come.  Travel restrictions will remain for some considerable time and the ‘new normal’ will remain for the foreseeable future.

Social distancing will also be here for a while and we can expect to see the same sort of measures we see in supermarkets (signage, floor markings and perspex screen etc.) translate to the workplace.  Key workers are already being tested on a weekly basis, so we can probably anticipate workplace temperature checks and Coronavirus testing to become a feature of work going forward.

Those staff falling into the “vulnerable” category will have to remain at home for some time to come and allowances will have to be made for those with childcare and carer commitments.

The virus will continue to spread and the same guidance on self isolation will continue to apply for some time to come where a member of staff or their family display Coronavirus symptoms.

It will remain critical to monitor government and local guidance and keep staff appraised on business policy and protocol, reinforcing safety in the workplace.

A clean workplace will be more important than ever, with particular attention being paid to door handles, handrails and communal areas.  Hand sanitiser should continue to be provided in toilets and communal areas.

Post furlough, Businesses will need to continue to review costs and consider emergency measures and sadly redundancies continue to operate.

Mental health and wellness will also be front of mind.  Lockdown has taken its toll on people and additional support will almost certainly be required to ensure that people are at their best. 

If indeed, you feel your business may need extra help and support with some of these measures and changes, please do reach out to chat it over.