2:37 pm, May 4, 2020
Draft guidance from the government laying out how car dealerships will be able to get back to business has been sent to a select group of dealers.
The documents – discussed at Friday’s virtual meeting between industry leaders and the government – lay out the steps dealers need to take before getting back to work.
Some dealers and manufacturers have now been asked to comment on the proposals before it is finalised and shared with the industry.
The details on the proposed measures have been leaked to the BuzzFeed website today for all industries including those working in vehicles, offices and retail, the highlights of which are below.
Following Friday’s car industry meeting – which was attended be manufacturer representatives, dealer bosses and industry bodies – next Monday (May 11) was discussed as a possible date dealers could get back to work.
However, it is now thought that could be later.
Prime minister Boris Johnson has said he will outline his proposals to get Britain back to work on Sunday and that would not give dealers enough time to prepare to open the following day.
Rumours are now circulating in the industry that May 18 could be the date dealers are allowed to return to work, which would fall into line with the announcement at the weekend that Irish dealers can get back to work on that date.
The advice in the leaked documents – which will be particularly relevant to car dealers – is expected to include for offices:
- Employees for roles critical to business can go in
- Office staff should work at home, though, where possible
- Plans should be made for minimum number of people needed to run the business
- Employees should work facing away from each other and further apart
- Screens should create a physical barrier between people
- Floor tape should be used to mark out 2m distances
- Hot-desking and shared spaces should not be used
- Shared office equipment should be lightly used
- Meetings should be conducted remotely
- Hand sanitiser should be provided
- Meetings should be in well ventilated rooms
- Frequent cleaning
General advice for businesses that car dealerships will want to follow includes:
- Providing additional parking so staff avoid car sharing
- Increasing entry points to reduce pinch points on entry – having one to enter and one to exit where possible
- Handwashing or sanitisation at each entry and exit
- Alternatives to touch based devices
- Storage for staff clothes and bags
- Washing uniforms on site rather than at home
- One way routes around buildings
- Regulating stairs, lifts and corridors
- Staggering break times
- Protective screens for reception areas
In retail environments – like car dealerships – the draft advice includes:
- Defining the number of customers allowed in at one time to ensure 2m spacing can be followed
- Reducing pinch points
- Encouraging customers to visit the showroom alone
- Put in place queuing outside
- Provide clear guidance on the rules upon arrival
- Making someone in charge of social distancing to ensure rules are followed
- Staggered collection times for customers collecting cars
- Setting these up in a no contact manner
And for those who work in vehicles the relevant advice that is likely to be given includes:
- Reducing the number of people at depots or distribution centres
- Loading on to vehicles without interacting with driver
- Avoiding two-person deliveries
- Minimising contact when exchanging documentation
- Physical screening in vehicles where safe
- Making sure vehicles are well ventilated
- Regular cleaning of vehicles
- Non contact deliveries
- maximising electronic paperwork
Car dealers with more than five staff will have to produce a written risk assessment.
There is no guidance yet as to whether face masks or other PPE will be needed, but it is believed guidance on this will follow.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has said ministers are working with companies and unions to ensure firms can safely get back to work.
A government spokesman said: ‘The business secretary continues to work with businesses, union leaders and the science and medical community so we can ensure workplaces are safe for those who will go back to work once the measures are relaxed and give people the confidence to return to work.’
Car dealers are calling for clarity on issues such as PPE and whether firms can be held liable even if they fulfil their obligations to protect employees from coronavirus.
In a video message on Twitter today, the prime minister said it was important to meet the five tests set by the government before restrictions are eased.
‘We will only be able to move on to the second phase of this conflict if our five tests have been met,’ he said.
‘The worst thing we could do now is ease up too soon and allow a second peak of coronavirus.’
Guide: What PPE might your dealership need to reopen?
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