Trusted Trader COVID-19 Support and Guidance
Updated: 19 March 2021Mainland Scotland is still in a full lockdown at COVID Level 4
By law, in a level 4 area, you can only leave your home (or garden) for an essential purpose.
- These restrictions will begin to be lifted from the 2 April 2021. Follow this link to see to see planned easing of trader restrictions, particularly relating to work in peoples homes. Definition of essential purposes for traders and domestic work requests:
- to carry out utility (electricity, gas, water, telephone, broadband) safety checks, repairs, maintenance and installations (where those cannot be delayed)
- to carry out repairs and maintenance that would otherwise threaten the household’s health and safety
- to deliver goods or shopping, where essential
- to provide pest control services
- to deliver, install or repair key household furniture and appliances such as washing machines, fridges and cookers
- to support a home move, for example furniture removal
- to provide domestic cleaning services in support of a clean and safe living environment for people in vulnerable circumstance, living with a disability, and as a result of that vulnerable circumstance or disability are unable to clean their own home
- cosmetic painting/ decorating/ interior design
- interior remodelling
- measuring, fitting or replacement of kitchens/ bathrooms/carpets or windows where the existing condition is adequate and does not risk the health or safety of the household Work that can continue
- Outdoor workplaces and construction can remain open if safe distancing can be maintained
- Please see the full Working in other peoples homes FAQ from the Scottish Government
- Please see the full Stay at Home Guidance from the Scottish Government
- For the latest up to date information about the lockdown restrictions, always refer to:
www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19
If at all possible, these works should be postponed).
Where work to be carried out on someone else’s home is not essential, it would be against the law for it to go ahead while the house is occupied under the current restrictions. Examples of this could include:
Guidance and Support
1. Requirements for Trusted Traders returning to work2. Useful resources for businesses
3. Coronavirus Scottish official information
1. Requirements for Trusted Traders returning to work
- Social distancing restrictions need to be observed between traders and customers, with relevant PPE as appropriate
- No sharing vehicles with colleagues if possible, no working in close proximity to others on a busy site, including homeowners, tenants or other residents
- No work should be carried out in any household where an individual is being shielded, unless it is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household, such as emergency plumbing or repairs, and where the tradesperson is willing to do so
- Office staff should be kept to a minimum with home working preferable and social distancing essential
- No work should be carried out by a tradesperson who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild
- Ensure all staff are educated about hygiene within working areas. Wipe down surfaces, equipment, regular hand washing. Remove all rubbish or waste
- Be patient with customers, as customers need to be with traders. Some activities may take longer than usual, and levels of anxiety are higher than normal
- Employers have a duty of care to their workforce and customers. Please ensure any traders being asked to work in people's houses are comfortable doing this, educated to the risks and requirements, and showing no symptoms.
Finally, if you have any concern that what you are doing may increase the spread of the virus or put someone in harm's way, then don't proceed. If in any doubt, err on the side of caution or seek advice first.
2. Useful resources for businesses
The Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum (CICV Forum) has been putting together many resources during the crisis, and it is worth visiting the CICV Forum download area as more are regularly added. Recommended are:- Restart signage pack
- Returning from furlough guidance
- Practical health and safety advice about a safe return and restart
3. Coronavirus Scottish official information
- NHS Inform - For the latest NHS advice about Coronavirus in Scotland.
- www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ - Latest official guidance from the Scottish Government.
- coronavirusadvice.scot - Advice.scot has put together a Coronavirus Knowledge Centre, with advice around employment, financial, housing support and a list of useful contacts.
- findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/coronavirus-advice - Scottish Government dedicated business support page.
This advice is provided as an interpretation of the guidance set down by the Scottish Government. This page will be updated as the situation continues to evolve, or more clarification is required.
If you need to contact us, email info@trustedtrader.scot or telephone the Admin Team on 0333 444 7015.
Stay Safe