COVID-19: Businesses reminded to check government rules during the coronavirus lockdown

North East Lincolnshire Council is reminding all businesses in the area to check the latest government guidance during the second national coronavirus lockdown.

The guidance is to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand what they can do to help control the spread of infection.

For details, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/closing-certain-businesses-and-venues-in-england.

Businesses that have read the government guidance and still have questions about what it means for them can contact the Council using an online form at www.nelincs.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Many different businesses and venues must remain closed to members of the public to help stop the spread of coronavirus and protect the NHS.

Enforcement officers at North East Lincolnshire Council have powers to force businesses to close if they ignore regulations to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Businesses and venues that breach the law will be subject to prohibition notices and fixed penalties.

If businesses do not follow prohibition notices, or fixed penalty notices not paid, businesses may also be taken to court with magistrates able to impose potentially unlimited fines.

Report concerns about businesses not following the rules at www.nelincs.gov.uk/coronavirus.

Employees can also use the same form to report concerns about social distancing measures within their workplace.

Cllr Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities at the Council, said:

“I’d like to thank all businesses for their support since the outbreak started. The majority have taken on board the government guidance for the second lockdown, we must all act to slow the spread of the virus.

“It’s essential that all businesses and self-employed people read and understand the guidance and laws that apply to what they do.

“Our officers have made more than 3,000 contacts with businesses during the pandemic, giving advice, support and warnings where needed.

“They will take enforcement action against those that fail to abide by the law and put others at risk.

“We’ve seen a rapid rise in cases locally during the past few weeks, if we don’t act there’s a strong likelihood that restrictions will stay in place for longer.”

The Health and Safety Executive has also published guidance about working safely during the coronavirus outbreak. Visit www.hse.gov.uk for details.