Coronavirus advice for employers and businesses
This page provides guidance for employers and businesses on the coronavirus situation.
Doncaster is on the fourth step of the government's roadmap out of lockdown . Find out what you need to know on our Covid-19 Restrictions FAQ's page.
This means that:
- There is no legal limits on social contact
- Reopening of the remaining closed settings, including nightclubs and enable large events, including theatre performances, above the Step 3 capacity restrictions.
- Larger events can go ahead.
- There will be no legal limit on life events such as weddings.
Business Grants
Check to see if your business can qualify for a Restart grant and apply now:
Further information about COVID-19 and the support available to businesses and self-employed people is also available on the Government website.
Financial support finder tool
You can use the government's Coronavirus business support finder tool to see what financial support is available for you and your business.
Business Doncaster
Local businesses are encouraged to visit the Business Doncaster Website which is being updated with the latest Coronavirus information and frequently asked questions. If you require a further discussion you can phone a Business Doncaster advisor on 01302 735555.
Latest government announcements, sources of information and support for businesses
For the latest information for businesses and venues visit the gov.uk website. Businesses that are able to open should see the latest Guidance for working safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Below is a summary of announcements so far:
- From 19 June Reopening of the remaining closed settings, including nightclubs and enable large events, including theatre performances, above the Step 3 capacity restrictions. Larger events can go ahead. There will be no legal limit on life events such as weddings.
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From the 17 May the following can open: indoor hospitality can reopen for table service for groups of up to 6 people or two household; indoor entertainment and attractions, including cinemas, museums and children's play areas; hotels, hostels and B&Bs; indoor adult group sports and exercise classes can also resume.
- From the 12 April the following can open: non-essential retail; personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons; and public buildings, including libraries and community centres. Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups); as will most outdoor attractions and settings including outdoor hospitality venues, zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas. Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets, where indoor facilities are not shared with other households, can also reopen.
- From January Doncaster is under national restrictions which means non-essential retail must close, along with gyms, leisure centres and personal care facilities. Pubs and restaurants are to remain closed except for takeaways.
- From 2 December Doncaster returns to Tier 3 Very High restrictions which means all retail can open, along with gyms and leisure centres. Pubs and restaurants are to remain closed except for takeaways.
- From 5 November new national restrictions for businesses and venues will come into force closing non-essential retail, indoor and outdoor leisure facilities, entertainment venues and personal care facilities (such as hair, beauty and nail salons etc). Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must also close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services.
- From 18 September, it is mandatory for certain businesses to have a system to collect NHS Test and Trace data, and keep this for 21 days - see Guidelines. The government has also published simplified COVID-19 Secure guidance which you are required to follow and will be enforced.
Workplace Coronavirus Tests
The government is encouraging all businesses to sign up to an employer-led rapid testing scheme, through which they can receive free tests for staff members without symptoms who cannot work from home.
Doncaster Council is encouraging all businesses to register for the scheme.
To register interest in the scheme, visit the gov.uk page: Get workplace coronavirus tests
The registration process will ask for the following:
- Institution name
- Email for main point of contact
- Industry sector: food production
- Company registration number
- Size of company (no. of employees)
Guidelines for Businesses to protect staff and customers
Some businesses have a higher risk of transmitting COVID-19 because visitors spend a longer time in the premises and are more likely to come into close contact with people outside their household or support bubble.
By maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors, businesses can help NHS Test and Trace to identify and notify people who may have been exposed to the virus, allowing them to get the advice and support they need.
To partake in track and trace you must collect:
- the name of the customer or visitor. If there is more than one person, then you can record the name of the ‘lead member’ of the group and the number of people in the group
- a contact phone number for each customer or visitor, or for the lead member of a group of people
- date of visit, arrival time and (where possible) departure time
- if a customer will interact with only one member of staff (e.g. a hairdresser), the name of the assigned staff member should be recorded alongside the name of the customer
Guidance for maintaining records of staff and customer for businesses
The locations which must collect details of their staff and visitors are:
- Hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
- Tourism and leisure, including hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
- Close contact services, including hairdressers
- Facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres (for events), libraries and children’s centres
Create an NHS Test and Trace QR Code which customers can scan using their phones to check in whenever they visit your business. Those businesses who are now required by law to record the details of customers, e.g. restaurants, must display an NHS QR code poster on their premises.
Further Guidance
- NHS Test and Trace workplace guidance
- Guidance for working safely during coronavirus
- Guidance for people who work in or run shops, branches, stores or similar environments.
- Guidance for businesses and other venues on social distancing measures
- Guidance on decontamination for businesses where a possible or confirmed COVID-19 case has spent time while symptomatic.
- Travel guidance for employers - steps employers can take to help provide a safe return to work for employees on the transport network.
- Guidance for food businesses
- Guidance for people who provide close contact services, including hairdressers, beauticians, tattooists, sports and massage therapists, tailors etc.
- Guidance for Community Centres and Village Halls
- Guidance for animal related businesses from the Canine and Feline Sector Group
You can also find Coronavirus advice and guidance for businesses at Doncaster Chamber of Commerce.
Request business advice
Please complete the following form to request advice on complying with COVID-19 restrictions:
Reporting breaches of the guidance
For clarification on the guidance or for concerns about business compliance email Regulation&Enforcement@doncaster.gov.uk or use our form to report businesses breaching the restrictions.
Report a business for breach of covid-19 restrictions
Please eport domestic breaches of the restrictions to South Yorkshire Police:
REPORT A BREACH OF COVID-19 GUIDANCE TO SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICE