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.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) publishes store reopening guidance
In preparation for the reopening of a greater breadth of stores, the BRC has worked with shop worker trade union Usdaw to produce guidance on social distancing for non-food retail stores, drawing on government advice as well as the lessons learned by essential retailers in recent weeks.
The industry body and the union issued the advice to non-food retailers, closely based on what is already happening in many food stores. Some suggestions include:
- limiting the number of people in-store at any one time
- encouraging customers to shop alone where possible
- scheduling deliveries to avoid crowding
- cleaning door handles, lift buttons and hand rails regularly
- using floor markings to remind customers to maintain a distance of 2m
The full guidance can be viewed here:
https://brc.org.uk/media/674528/social-distancing-stores-v1-april-2020.pdf
At present, it remains uncertain as to when the non-essential retail sector can reopen for business and the final decision on this will be made by the government.
Proposing Furloughed Space Grant Scheme
The British Retail Consortium have written to the Secretary of State proposing a Furloughed Space Grant Scheme where the Government introduces a scheme of rental support for businesses. A copy of the letter can be found here. We will update if a response is published
Thank you
As we support one another through this second phase of lockdown, 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
UK Government – Coronavirus: latest information and advice
UK Government - COVID-19: guidance for employers and businesses
UK Government – Coronavirus business support
National Health Service - Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Acas – Coronavirus advice for employers and employees
World Health Organization – Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
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
27 Apr 2020