Rochdale BID want to keep you updated with the latest news, information and advice during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Please check our website daily for more updates for businesses and website individuals.
Timeline for retail to open
Yesterday evening the Prime Minister set out a timeline for retail to reopen from 1st June and further guidance has been published for how to operate safely to protect staff and customers.
Full details of the announcement can be found here: https://bit.ly/RetailTimeline.
Guidance for reopening can be found here: https://bit.ly/UpdatedRetailGuidance.
Key details to note:
- Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June, as soon as they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers. As with garden centres, the risk of transmission of the virus is lower in these outdoor and more open spaces. Car showrooms often have significant outdoor space and it is generally easier to apply social distancing.
- All other non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be expected to be able to reopen from 15 June if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines, giving them three weeks to prepare.
- Businesses will only be able to open from these dates once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks. They must have taken the necessary steps to become COVID-19 secure in line with the current Health and Safety legislation.
For further information regarding the above, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy is hosting a free webinar on Thursday 28 May, 11am: Shops and branches – Guidance for people who run shops, branches, stores or similar environments. Full details of upcoming webinars can be found here: https://bit.ly/BEISWebinars
Tweets from BEIS sharing guidance for shops and branches reopening can be found at: https://bit.ly/RetailOpeningTweet
COVID -19 - Posters to display in your workplace
A new series of posters for businesses to display in-store have been created by the BID to advise customers about increased safety measures. The posters address general topics such as social distancing, limits of store occupancy and payment safety procedures.
The posters are free to businesses and can be ordered by emailing paul@rochdalebid.co.uk
Paul Ambrose, BID Manager said: “These posters are a further effort to ensure staff and customers remain safe during these unprecedented times. I urge businesses to use the posters within their stores to demonstrate awareness of the latest COVID guidance and commitment to safety measures”.
Thank you
As we support one another through COVID- 19, it is important that we continue to share the right information and official government guidance to help keep everyone in Rochdale safe.
The BID wishes to thank everyone in Rochdale for adhering to this temporary way of life. It is incredibly inspiring to see so many local people and volunteer groups pulling their resources together to look after the most vulnerable in our community.
Useful Links
COVID-19: what you need to do
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Support for businesses and employers during coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
General guidance for employees during coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-and-support-for-employees-during-coronavirus-covid-19
COVID-19: guidance for food businesses on coronavirus
If you have any queries regarding the support which his currently being offered, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 07811 278517.
Paul Ambrose
BID Manager
26 May 2020