Fiction: Lockdown is good for the nation’s health and follows an impact assessment. Law: From 5th November 2020 England dispenses with tiers and moves on with The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020. The regulations as made will cease to have effect after 28 days. By this stage, the various regulations settled […]
The law of Lockdown 2.0 (from Nov 5th) Read More »
Fiction: New lockdown laws have been put in place in NW England. Law: Leaving aside the issue of face covering, nothing has actually changed since ‘independence day’ on 4th July. At that point the government revoked the lockdown restrictions almost in entirety. They left a reducing list of businesses required to stay closed and, otherwise,
Lockdown ‘law’ in NW England is a fiction Read More »
Fiction: Employees have to wear a mask if their employer tells them to. Law: Wearing of face covering is not required by law, nor even government guidance, in ordinary situations such as supermarkets, shops and offices. It is not just employees with disabilities who have special legal protection. Any employee who objects can give themselves
Time to blow the whistle on shops Read More »
The answer to this question is now here: Time to blow the whistle on shops Warning: Law and circumstances can change very quickly. Please note the date of publication of any blog post and check for any updates on the issues addressed. In any event, we do not condone or encourage breaching the law and
Do employees have to wear masks? Read More »
Fiction: Businesses don’t have a choice about imposing social distancing and other Coronavirus measures. Law: Subject to consideration of health and safety risk assessments as mentioned below, businesses can choose to impose some, all possible or no social distancing measures at all. They can offer dual service provision, directing those worried about Coronavirus to the
Lower prices and no queues here Read More »
Fiction: Lockdown relaxations you read in news and social media apply to England and Wales. Law: Wales is very significantly different from England. Unreported by the media, quietly at 6:00 p.m. on Friday 10th July the Wales Assembly Government revoked its lockdown restrictions almost in entirety and replaced them with a “No. 2” set by
Fiction: Health and safety obligations require social distancing measures to be imposed in the workplace and businesses generally. Law: Guidance is generally unenforceable but, as a matter of legal obligation, employers and controllers of premises are required to undertake evidence-based health and safety risk assessments. If there is no evidence of a significant danger, no
Risk assessments: an important chink in the lockdown armour Read More »
Fiction: Consumers have to bear the cost of lockdown equally. Law: Businesses can charge higher prices to consumers who want social distancing and other Covid ‘safety’ measures. Equally, they can offer lower prices and ‘fast pass’ queues or opening hours for those who do not. This is the common law position in England and Wales.
Fast passes and discounts for the brave? Read More »
Fiction: It’s not confusing at to have separate legislation for Wales. (Okay, only those who promote devolution think this.) Law: Anyone looking at law in Wales has to consider UK legislation. Anyone looking at UK/English legislation has to look at Wales legislation if they if they may be travelling to or dealing with someone in
Devolution confusion Read More »
