Freedom Day - Covid Guidelines for Letting Agents

The Year 2020 has rolled into 2021. It is 16 months since the UK went into the very first Lockdown and on Monday 19th July 2021, England (Scotland, Wales & Ireland have set their own timetables) moves into Step 4 of the Government’s intention to restore a “sense of normality”. “Freedom Day”, as it is being referred to by the spin doctors of Government, is being faced with excitement and trepidation. The country is split on whether we should “just get on with it” or take a more cautious approach to relaxing back into being able to live as close to a normal life as possible. However, the personal opinion is one thing, but businesses are having to consider how they will move forward on Monday when restrictions such as compulsory mask-wearing, social distancing and venue check-in, will be lifted.

The six key steps for all businesses are as follows:-

• Perform Covid-19 risk assessments

• Turn away people with Covid symptoms

• Provide adequate ventilation

• Keep stringent cleaning regimes

• Enable NHS app check-in

• Have clear communication with staff and customers

It is important to understand that the choice over how to keep people safe in a business environment which includes employees as well as customers now lies with the business in question.

As from the 19th July 2021, the following will apply:-

• testing when you have symptoms and targeted asymptomatic testing in education, high risk workplaces and to help people manage their personal risk.

• isolating when positive or when contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

• border quarantine: for all arriving from red list countries and for those people not fully vaccinated arriving from amber list countries.

• cautious guidance for individuals, businesses and the vulnerable whilst prevalence is high including:

  • whilst Government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can, Government would expect and recommend a gradual return over the summer

  • Government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport;

  • being outside or letting fresh air in

  • minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts.

  • encouraging and supporting businesses and large events to use the NHS Covid Pass in high risk settings. The Government will work with organisations where people are likely to be in close proximity to others outside their household to encourage the use of this. If sufficient measures are not taken to limit infection, the Government will consider mandating certification in certain venues at a later date

The housing industry has navigated the pandemic with great care ensuring that any face-to-face process is conducted abiding by Covid-19 Protocols, however, on Monday 19th July 2021, how will letting agents deal with the changes?

1. Employee Safety - The Government has recommended that businesses start to encourage people to move away from working from home. It is important to re-think and communicate what protocols will continue to be adopted in the work place. Agents should also give “extra consideration” to staff who are clinically vulnerable but no longer legally advised to shield. Staff should also be allowed to work from home if they are forced to self isolate due to being contacted by NHS test and trace, or if they experience Covid symptoms.

   Employers are also expected to ensure there is good ventilation. They are also asked to encourage employees and customers to wear face coverings in enclosed or crowded spaces and to conduct a health and safety risk assessment covering Covid-19 as a hazard.

2. Customer and Visitor Safety - Risk assessments need to be reassessed and the protocols need to be communicated to visitors. That includes having a plan in case there is a coronavirus outbreak.

3. Tenants - How will viewings, valuations, property inspections, check in/check out and inventories be conducted? Will employees carrying out these processes continue to wear masks and adhere to previous protocols? Be sure that the processes you adopt are communicated to all tenants.

4. Policies - remember that the Government is moving away from mandatory mask wearing and social distancing, however letting agents need to be sure that the policies they have in place reflect what they have decided to implement.

5. Cleaning Protocol - For the last 16 months everyone has focused heavily on sanitising everything. These cleaning regimes must be adhered to.

Please note that local authorities will have the power to place restrictions on businesses they believe are failing to follow the guidance and posing a “serious and imminent threat to public health”.