New requirement for customers to wear face coverings in “retail settings”
COVID-19 guidance for the automotive aftermarket sector has been updated to include advice on new face covering rules which now apply in England.
The second edition document states that customers must wear a face cover “when in a shop, branch, store or similar environment” but employees are not required to wear a one.
Those who fail to comply with the new rules could face a fine of up to £100, reduced to £50 if the fine is paid within 14 days.
In both Wales and Northern Ireland, face coverings are strongly advised but not mandatory in a retail environment.
The guidance has been produced by the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It covers every aspect of an aftermarket business including workshops, from clear communications with customers and colleagues to social distancing, sanitisation and hygiene, and collection/delivery of vehicles from vulnerable owners.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recently warned that it is “putting employers on the spot” and checking that they are complying with COVID-19 health and safety law.
HSE has published a generic COVID-19 risk assessment for businesses to meet COVID-19 requirements.
View the document in its entirety by clicking here.
