Bosses in Leamington urged to explain safety measures to staff ahead of return to work

Concerns have been raised that workers preparing to get back to the workplace will need to know exactly what safety measures they need to follow before starting.

Worries have been voiced by business leaders with the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce after Prime Minister Boris Johnson ‘back to work’ statement on Sunday.

Louise Bennett, the chamber’s chief executive, said: “Companies across our patch are keen to get back to work but health must always come first.

“As the Prime Minister has set out, this is not an end of lockdown, and where people can work from home, they absolutely should remain doing just that.

“Initially, this gives businesses in sectors such as manufacturing and construction the green light to restart operations if they had paused.

“But they will want guidance on how they can do that practically – which we expect to come in the coming days.

“Of course, firms will have their own measures in place on social distancing and other ways to keep staff safe but Government guidance and advice will be essential over the coming days.

“It’s vitally important that businesses communicate with their staff on the next stages of returning to work and what measures they will need to follow.”

Concerns have also been voiced about financial help for firms struggling through the Covid-19 crisis.

Ms Bennett said: “Firms will also need to know that government support schemes, which have helped save millions of jobs in recent weeks, will continue for as long as they are needed so that they can plan ahead with confidence.

 “The timing of further easing of restrictions must be guided by the public health evidence, but businesses need their practical questions answered so they can plan to restart, rebuild and renew.”

Officials at the chamber can provide guidance to businesses and can be contacted on 024 7665 4321.