Coronavirus

Following on from the announcement made in Briefing G20-124 of the return to remote auditing across AIC Trade Assurance Schemes, AIC can confirm that this approach will continue for the foreseeable future under the various restrictions across the UK and Ireland.

As anticipated, the Government has announced that lockdown restrictions will be taking place for a month in England . A series of measures will be in place from Thursday 5 th November until Wednesday 2 nd of December 2020 across England.

Covid-19  Announcement - Changes to the Job Support Scheme | Yesterday, the Chancellor announced changes to how the Coronavirus Job Support Scheme will work once it comes into efffect from 1st November and affects all UK employers who meet the eligibility criteria.

Following on from last week's Member Briefing (G20-135) on deliveries to and from Wales and Scotland from English Tier 2 and 3 regions, Wales have announced that they will be entering a 'firebreak' period from tomorrow.

From today (Monday 19th October) with immediate effect, face coverings must be worn in all communal areas in indoor workplaces, where people mingle or gather. These changes are as a result of amendements to the following regulations; Health Protection (coronavirus) (Restrictions & Requirements) (Additional Temporary Measures) (Scotland) Regulations 2020.

From today (Monday 19th October) with immediate effect, face coverings must be worn in all communal areas in indoor workplaces, where people mingle or gather. These changes are as a result of amendements to the following regulations; Health Protection (coronavirus) (Restrictions & Requirements) (Additional Temporary Measures) (Scotland) Regulations 2020.

Today, the Government has announced the launch of its Covid-19 app across England and Wales.

Following the announcement on the 21st September that the UK Coronavirus Alert Level had been increased from three to four, AIC in consultation with the audit and certification bodies has decided to pause on site audits across all schemes with immediate effect until further notice.

AIC have been informed that HSE are conducting COVID spot check inspections by telephone. There have been some questions raised by businesses as to whether the calls are genuine.

Defra have just published some updated, and quite useful, guidance aimed at businesses operating in the food sector which may have some relevance and value to AIC members: |  

As an industry drivers have reacted well to measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 by protecting themselves and others by following specific site rules in place.

For any members who work in or with food and drink businesses in Wales, on Friday there is a free webinar from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) about how the Welsh Government are responding to the pandemic and how the coronavirus legislation and guidance in Wales differs to the rest of the UK.

New ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidelines are available to UK employers: | https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19