Updated Work Safely Protocol from Government

The latest CEO Update to Ibec membership from Danny McCoy

Dear member,

Following consultation with the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF), of which Ibec is a member, the Government has today published the Transitional Protocol- Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19, which will provide guidance for planning and implementing the safe return to work across all industries and sectors following the removal of most public health restrictions. 

These updated guidelines recognise the necessity of autonomy for businesses in planning for their individual company needs, along with the importance of personal responsibility that we all bear in continuing to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

An overview of the Transitional Protocol includes:

• Details of the substantial easing of the majority of requirements on businesses but recognises that many business may wish, during the transition period, to maintain some of the good practices developed over the course of the pandemic including.
  • Infection control practices
  • Covid-19 response plans
  • Lead Worker Representative (LWR) role
  • A designated isolation area
• The general requirement to maintain two metres social distance and to operate pods of six has been removed.
• In addition, employers do not need to collect contact details of people but may need to provide attendance information as appropriate to Public Health in the event that they are investigating an outbreak in the workplace.
• The wearing of face coverings applies to certain settings such as healthcare, transport, retail and public offices and by those serving food and drink

Ibec encourages employers in the weeks ahead in planning to give effect to the updated guidance, in line with their own Covid-19 risk management and safety requirements to meet the pace of return in their organisation and in consultation with their own teams.

Ibec has produced a new FAQ document to assist member companies to adapt to the next phase of public health guidance, including the transition of many employees back to the workplace. Access our latest Return to Work FAQs here.

If you have any queries, please do get in touch.

Regards,

Danny McCoy

CEO

Ibec