Horsham District Council urge businesses to be COVID-Secure

As coronavirus infection rates steadily increase, Horsham District Council are encouraging businesses ensure they are taking preventative measures to stop the spread in the West Sussex town.

They are particularly urging calling on businesses who have returned to the office to make certain they are COVID-Secure and have taken appropriate steps to ensure social distancing measures are in place.

The council have said transmission have been caused in communal areas such as canteens, kitchens and tea rooms.

Social events such as ‘Friday drinks’ are also being discouraged by the council to reduce our social contact as much as possible with people not in our households or support bubbles, in order to help stop the spread.

Another area of concern identified by the council is travelling to-and-from work, especially people who car share. They are being encouraged to use face coverings, opening windows for ventilation, and if possible, arranging the seating layout to maximise the distance between people.

Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Community Matters and Wellbeing Cllr Tricia Youtan said:

"Nationally, we have observed some concerning trends in workplace outbreaks recently, and whilst in the Horsham District we have fared well overall in containing the virus, it would be a great shame, having got local people back into their workplaces, if the guidelines had to be reversed and they had to go back to working from home.

"We would therefore urge both employers and employees to continue to be vigilant and follow the advice given in support of everyone's efforts to prevent further workplace and workforce transmission."

The Council is also stressing the continued importance of people not going to work if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Staff are being reminded that they are entitled to take paid-time off in these situations and smaller businesses may be able to claim back Statutory Sick Pay using the Government's rebate scheme.

Predominantly of concern are agency workers or those in the "gig economy" who may be incentivised to break self-isolation if no suitable pay arrangements are in place.

Cllr Youtan added:

"We would encourage all employers to offer full pay during sick leave where possible, so that no one is disadvantaged by complying with the self-isolation rules."

The Government has published updated and simplified COVID-Secure guidance. For further information you should contact the Council's Environmental Health & Licensing team on 01403 215415 or through publichealth.licensing@horsham.gov.uk.