Getting Work Done in the Home During the COVID-19 Lockdown

Extract from a Buy With Confidenc post – source https://www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk/getting-work-done-in-the-home-during-the-covid-19-lockdown/#

As we are all aware, at the moment the UK is in lockdown, which limits people’s movements and means that in most circumstances the only people who should be in a home are those who permanently live there. However, there are certain circumstances where inviting someone else into your home is unavoidable, such as if you have an electrical or plumbing problem that cannot wait until restrictions are eased.

As per government guidance for businesses that do work in people’s homes, it is up to them on a case-by-case basis what work they are happy to take on, if any. This may depend on things such as their assessment of the potential risk to themselves or others, their ability to source the materials needed for the job, as well as taking into account the work’s ‘essential’ nature. Therefore. if you do have a job that needs doing in your home, you will need to contact the business to discuss whether they are happy to take on the work at this time

Things to keep in mind when having a worker in your home

If you are worried about having workers in your home during the current Lockdown, we suggest keeping the following things in mind (which is based on Government Guidance, correct at 15/04/20):

• The worker(s) coming into your home should be well and showing no symptoms of COVID-19, however mild
• You should ensure that while the worker(s) are in your house, you maintain social distancing of at least two metres
• No work should be carried out in any household which is isolating or where an individual is being shielded, unless it is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household, such as emergency plumbing or repairs, and where the tradesperson is willing to do so. In such cases, Public Health England can provide advice to tradespeople and households.
• There is currently no list of which jobs can and cannot be carried out by tradespeople in people’s homes, however both the householder and business should consider whether travelling to that home for that job is an essential journey
• Householders and businesses should be mindful of all other social distancing guidance to minimise contact transmission of COVID-19, such as hand washing.
• If you feel it is best to leave the home (including leaving any gardens and associated premises) while the worker is in your house, ensure the business is someone you trust and be mindful of the security of your belongings. You should also discuss your intentions with the business ahead of time to ensure they are also happy with this arrangement. You must also remember that you can only be outside your home for certain reasons. These reasons are: shopping for basic necessities, taking exercise, any medical need, or travelling for work purposes. On its own, having a tradesperson in your home is not a valid reason for you to leave your house, so you would need to ensure you have a permitted reason to be away from your home while the worker is there. Official guidance does NOT recommend leaving your home if you have workers there, just that you should maintain social distancing.
• If you are worried and the work that needs doing is not an emergency situation, consider delaying it until restrictions are eased