In Dudley borough
Please find below the latest guidance and resources for businesses and workplaces
Face coverings are now compulsory in some settings. Please see the full list at gov.uk
Key protections should remain in place including encouraging and supporting businesses and large events to use the NHS COVID Pass in high risk settings to help to limit the risk of infection.
Find out what financial support you can get
Make your workplace COVID-secure
Business Omicron Grant – Hospitality, Leisure and Accommodation
The Chancellor, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, has announced an additional £1 billion of support will be available for businesses who have been impacted by the Omicron variant.
More information here: Financial support available for businesses and workplaces
COVID-19 Additional Business Support
Reopening your business
Information and resources for reopening your business
Working safely during coronavirus - shops and branches
Making your workplace COVID-secure during the coronavirus pandemic
HSE is supporting businesses to reduce the risk of coronavirus as more people return to the workplace.
Spot checks to reduce the risk posed by COVID-19 transmission
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is continuing to support businesses by carrying out spot checks and inspections to ensure they are working safely and are continuing to reduce the risk posed by COVID-19 transmission. This includes visiting businesses regulated by councils.
During the spot checks, HSE provides advice and guidance to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors but where some businesses are not managing this, HSE will take immediate action.
HSE’s latest advice on keeping workplaces safe covers the measures that may be required to protect workers, customers and others from COVID-19.
It is a legal requirement for employers to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace and, alongside cleaning, hygiene and handwashing, good ventilation is one of the best ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Guidance:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/regulating-health-and-safety/spot-inspections.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/roadmap-further-guidance.htm
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/risk-assessment.htm
More information:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/index.htm
Coronavirus testing
One in three people don’t have any symptoms, so don’t know they have the virus. By testing twice weekly, residents and workers can help to reduce the spread of the virus and keep friends, families and the wider community safe.
Here's what some Dudley borough businesses have said about symptom free testing:
‘Very helpful, puts our minds at rest’.
‘Not tried before, good idea to have’.
‘This is a great idea to promote locally. The ladies were very approachable and informative’.
‘Caring isn’t always sharing. We think it is great to have kits on site’.
‘Great to have to keep staff safe. Much appreciated’.
‘Brilliant service. Should have been organised locally sooner to keep everyone safe. Good to spread the word re free testing as much as you can. Happy to deliver kits to local pub so staff and customers can be kept as safe as possible’.
Find out more about symptom free testing
If you have any one of the main symptoms of COVID-19:
- a new, continuous cough
- a high temperature
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
You should immediately self-isolate for 10 days and book a test either online (using the link below) or by calling 119.
Do you have other symptoms?
Some Dudley borough residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 have displayed other symptoms. Though these are not the COVID symptoms, we would like to encourage residents to get tested as a precaution:
- headaches
- aches and pains
- feeling very tired for no good reason
- sore throat
- runny nose
- sneezing
- tummy ache in children.
More about coronavirus testing.
If you have any of the above symptoms you must not book a lateral flow (symptom free) test.
Taxi operators
The department for transport has issued guidance to help operators provide safe workplaces and services for their staff and passengers across all modes of private and public transport in England and would welcome your support in ensuring that your customers, colleagues and members have the information they need to stay safe.
Mental Health Resource Packs
The pandemic has caused a lot of uncertainty, particularly for some workplaces. Changes and challenges such as the lockdowns, social distancing, disrupted routines, home schooling, upsetting news announcements, worry about loved ones are all impacting on our health and wellbeing.
Looking after our mental health has never been so important. As part of this year’s Blue Monday – Turning Dudley Green Campaign, mental health resource packs have been created to provide specific information and guidance for workplaces. Please follow this link to access your resource pack.
Small Business Minister Paul Scully has written an open letter to businesses about the resources available to help promote positive mental health in the workplace.
Travel
Find out more about travelling during coronavirus.
Report a business
If you wish to report a business for not being Covid safe. please contact Citizen's Advice.
Face coverings
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make your own
Dudley Council have produced an exemption card for use by anyone with legitimate health reasons. This is available to download now to print or use on mobile devices.
Resources
You can view and download posters to display for both staff and customers to make them aware of coronavirus guidelines.
If you have trouble downloading them or require physical or translated copies please email: capa.admin@dudley.gov.uk.
Coronavirus assets
View all of the posters here.
Download all posters via Dropbox
Stay connected
If you want to receive the latest advice and support for your business sign up to our free email updates. It’s quick and easy and can be done here.
Pavement licenses
Temporary Licence applications for the hospitality industry to place tables and chairs on the public highway are now open. Find out more and apply here.
Health and wellbeing
Find guidance on staying well and supporting staff and colleagues with home working here.
Mental Health at Work have produced this guide: Remote working: a practical safety guide for businesses
See the CIPD Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for UK employers
Skills and recruitment
Find out what support is available here.
Jobs advice and support for young people affected by Covid-19
Kickstart Scheme
Businesses are now able to sign up to be part of the landmark £2 billion Kickstart scheme, giving unemployed young people a future of opportunity and hope by creating high-quality, government-subsidised jobs across the UK.
Under the scheme, announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak as part of his Plan for Jobs, employers can offer youngsters aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit a six-month work placement.
The government will fully fund each “Kickstart” job - paying 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.
Kickstart Scheme opens for employer applications
Useful links
You can find further support and advice via the links below:
www.dudley.gov.uk/council-community/emergencies/is-your-business-prepared
www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
www.blackcountrychamber.co.uk/campaigns-projects/covid19-business-support