How the government plans to get the UK back to work

The government will release a series of papers next week outlining its approach on how to safely and gradually restart the economy.

It invited submissions by Thursday from businesses, trade bodies, unions and other workers representatives on how best to slowly restart the UK economy.

It's thought the proposals will not be split bluntly by sector but by working environment.

But there is no confirmed date yet for when such a restart will occur.


The government wants to involve unions and the Health and Safety executive to endorse the plans and to both get buy-in from workers, and provide a channel for any worker concerns at the new arrangements.

Guidelines for reopening businesses
The principles may not necessarily insist that workers strictly observe a two-metre social distancing rule.

In situations where workers may be required to be closer than two metres, the guidelines may insist on mitigating measures such as wearing protective masks or clothing, or where possible work back-to-back, rather than face-to-face.

Union sources say these are very early principles and would not, on their own, create a satisfactory basis for a return to work. They have said much more detailed technical work will be required.

There are some sectors which the government has acknowledged will be unable to function at any significant level for many weeks and possibly months to come, in particular hospitality and leisure.


"Think of the practical problems of going to the loo, being served at the bar, a plate of food at your table. Also few people would want to come," he said.

"It would mean our revenue would be down by as much as 80%, but our costs would go up, so it's actually more catastrophic to open under socially distant guidelines than it is being closed down."