Trusted Trader COVID-19 Support and Guidance

Updated: 26 October 2020

Summary

On 23 October, the Scottish Government announced a new 5 level system to help tackle the spread of the virus which will come into force from the 2 November. Until then, the below information is still valid.

For the latest information about the lockdown restrictions, always refer to www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19

Guidance and Support

1. Construction sector (including domestic work) restart plan
2. Requirements for Trusted Traders returning to work
3. Useful resources for businesses
4. Coronavirus Scottish official information

1. Construction sector (including domestic work) restart plan

The restart plan was developed by Construction Scotland on behalf of the industry, and the agreed six-step phased model for the return of the construction sector is:

• Phase 0: Planning
• Phase 1: COVID-19 Pre-start Site prep
• Phase 2: ‘Soft start’ to site works (only where physical distancing can be maintained)
• Phase 3: Steady state operation (only where physical distancing can be maintained)
• Phase 4: Steady state operation (where physical distancing can be maintained and/or with PPE use)
• Phase 5: Increasing density/productivity with experience.

As of Wednesday 30 September, we remain at Phase 3 and the below advice still stands.

From Friday 10 July, we moved to Phase 3 of the Lockdown plan, and all remaining phases of the construction restart plan can be implemented. But traders must continue to observe strict social distancing and take into account all health and safety considerations of staff, customers, building occupants, equipment and workspaces.

From Monday 22 June, we moved to Phase 2 of the Lockdown plan and Phase 3 of the construction restart plan, meaning traders and businesses can proceed and work inside people's properties, with strict strict social distancing and take into account all health and safety considerations.

On Friday 29 May, we moved to Phase 1 of a 4 Phase approach to coming out of lockdown. Meaning restrictions were lifted for outdoor trades or those that can social distance from customers, such as gardening, landscaping, tree surgery services, window cleaners, external painting, harling, driveway contractors, and roofers.

For reference, the Scottish Government route map relating to businesses can be seen below.

2. 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.

If these requirements can't be met, the business should remain closed.

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.

3. 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

4. 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.
• www.gov.scot/news/route-map-for-moving-out-of-lockdown/ - The official plan to move out of lockdown.

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