On 23 June, the Prime Minister announced changes to lock down measures that would apply from 4 July. These changes include a reduction to social distancing from 2M to 1M+ rule. The 1M+ rule means that where ever it is not manageable to create a 2M space between employees and customers that 1M (+ mitigation) may be allowed provided you are safe. This can be achieved by using face masks, cough screens, not working face to face or limiting the time spent below 2M to a minimum.
The government has set out these points to consider regarding the 1M+ rule:
- considering whether an activity needs to continue for the business to operate
- keeping the activity time involved as short as possible
- using screens or barriers to separate people from each other
- using back-to-back or side-to-side working whenever possible
- staggering arrival and departure times
- reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed teams or partnering’
However, you DO NOT need to change the way you are working now and if you feel like the 2 metre social distancing is helping you and your staff stay safe then leaving the signage at 2 metres is acceptable.
This guidance applies in England – people in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should follow the specific rules in those parts of the UK. See below for further information on Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
You should continue to wash your hands regularly, disinfect work areas and tools regularly. This will help to protect you and anyone you come into contact with and is critical to keeping everyone safe.
You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions about your business on our FAQs page. If there is something you can not find an answer to then please get in touch by emailing info@britishfloristassociation.org
Going to work
Employers should decide, in consultation with their employees, whether it is viable for them to work from home. Where it is decided that workers should come into their place of work then this will need to be reflected in the risk assessment and actions taken to manage the risks of transmission in line with this guidance. Please go to our members area for a risk assessment related to florist businesses.
All workers who cannot work from home should travel to work if their workplace is open. Workplaces should be set up to meet the new COVID-19 Secure guidelines before operating. These will keep you as safe as possible, while allowing as many people as possible to resume their livelihoods. In particular, workplaces should ensure employees can socially distance from each other and have access to wash their hands regularly.
If an employee feels unsafe they can report this to the authorities who can investigate and enforce extra measures where they see fit.
Businesses should maintain 2m distancing wherever possible.
Objective: To maintain 2m social distancing wherever possible, including while arriving and departing from work, while in work and when travelling between sites.
At all times, workers should follow the guidance on self-isolation if they or anyone in their household (or support bubble), shows coronavirus symptoms. You should not go into work if you are showing symptoms, or if you or any of your household (or support bubble) are self-isolating.
Weddings
A big part of our industry is weddings and as we all know the effect of re arranging these has been difficult to manage. From 4 July, these restrictions will be relaxed but not yet to the point where the celebrations afterwards can take place. The government have said:
” Weddings and civil partnerships will be allowed to take place. You should only invite close friends and family, up to a maximum of 30 people. The wedding exception is for wedding ceremonies only. Large wedding receptions or parties should of course not be taking place. Wedding celebrations can only happen when people follow the guidance of six people outdoors, support bubbles, or two households indoors or outdoors. It is critical for these guidelines to be observed to keep you and your family and friends as safe as possible.”
If you are primarily a wedding florist then telephone consultations can continue and you can meet potential clients outdoors. Switch to virtual meetings too is also a great option to keep generating business and engage with clients .
Scotland
On the 29th June florist shops are able to reopen. This is great news for Scottish florists who have patiently waited. You can already be carrying out risk assessments to ensure the safety of staff and customers. Remember that a 2M distance must be adhered to. Indoor shopping centres will remain closed so in order to open a retail space you must have an entrance and exit directly to outdoors and not into a covered area.
Scotland is now in ‘Phase 2 of the route map for Scotland’: Remote working should remain the default position for those who can. Where that is not possible businesses and organisations are encouraged to manage travel demand through staggered start times and flexible working patterns.
If you are a BFA or IoPF member you can join our members facebook group and ask any questions you might have to business owners and employees who have already gone through this process.
Wales
From Monday 22nd June , Florists were able to open. Many shops in Wales are currently opening for the first time and welcoming customers back. A 2M distance must be in place and upheld by staff and customers.
Northern Ireland
On Friday 13th June all large retailers and small shops including florists could reopen for business in Northern Ireland. Again, social distancing advice requires people to stay 2m (6ft) apart. No further details of a social distancing to 1 metre has been announced as yet.
Florists who are preparing to reopen
Please follow this link to go to our members area and access templates and guidance for getting back to work safely CLICK HERE
Remember that although you can open you do not have to feel rushed. Making sure you are ready is important so follow the guidelines and only reopen when you are ready and it is safe to do so.
Although we are all on slightly different schedule around the UK we are all still working together to make sure we are safe. Good luck to anyone reopening, we are thinking about those who are yet to do so and if you are unsure of anything please feel free to contact us and refer to the government websites which are appropriate to your area.
