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Trusted Trader COVID-19 Support and Guidance

Updated: 18 January 2021

Mainland Scotland is 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 originally took effect on 5 January and are being continually reviewed and amended.

Definition of essential purposes for traders and domestic work requests:

(If at all possible, these works should be postponed).

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

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:

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

Guidance and Support

1. Requirements for Trusted Traders returning to work
2. 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.

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.

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

They have also released this useful video emphasizing the need for tradespeople to keep socially distanced.

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