Thousands of people return to work in the Midlands as lockdown restrictions are eased

Thousands of workers are preparing to return to their workplace for the first time since lockdown restrictions were eased.

It comes after the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said that everyone should return to work if they cannot work from home during his address to the nation on Sunday evening (10th May). However, he also said that people should avoid using public transport to commute.

Business leaders across the Midlands have welcomed the plans for easing the lockdown but they say "clear guidance" on PPE, social distancing and government support schemes is vital.

In his speech, Boris Johnson highlighted people who work in manufacturing and construction as examples of those who should return to their workplace this week.

Leicestershire-based builder, Barratt Developments, has become the latest UK housebuilder to restart work on its construction sites from today (May 11th). Meanwhile, building work on a new hotel at Leicester Tigers Rugby Club also begins today. The 190 room building will be situated next to its Welford Road Ground and will include a 660 space multi-storey car park.

Car giant Jaguar Land Rover is gradually resuming production at its UK plants, including its site in Solihull. And luxury car-maker Aston Martin Lagonda has already started production at its base in South Wales with a view to reopening its Warwickshire factory soon.

Commenting on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement, the East Midlands Chambersaid that the Government needs to work closely with businesses and their employees to ensure the transition back to work happens smoothly, effectively and safely.

The Government will publish guidelines this week for how to protect staff and limit the spread of the virus across different industries and sectors. Meanwhile, several unions threatened to tell members not to go to work under current plans.

So what are the rules when it comes to returning to work?

Who is now expected to return to work?From Wednesday, people in England who "can't work from home" will be "actively encouraged to go to work". But they should still avoid public transport if possible because of social distancing.

Which workers are likely to return to work first?Construction and manufacturing workers are expected to be among the first to return to work after the Prime Minister said: “We now need to stress that anyone who can’t work from home, for instance those in construction or manufacturing, should be actively encouraged to go to work.”

Nannies and childminders can also return to work, if safe to do so, to allow more parents to return to work.

However, it's unlikely that many office workers will return because many have already proved they can work effectively from home.

Some shops may be allowed to reopen in the next stage of lockdown easing but many restaurants, pubs and entertainment venues may not be allowed to open until much later in the year.

Anyone with symptoms should not return to work, and should instead self-isolate, as should members of their household.

If you’re considered to be vulnerable...Government advice remains that vulnerable people should have no, or limited, social contact. Those considered to be especially vulnerable to the virus should continue to limit how much time they spend outside the house, including the over-70s, people with underlying health conditions such as diabetes or asthma and pregnant women. Wherever possible they should work from home or be furloughed under the government scheme.

The guidelines are less clear if you live with a vulnerable person.

Claire Anna Horne is an employment rights executive at Thompsons Solicitors and she described the importance of employees discussing any concerns with their boss.