Businesses have accused the government of “mixed messages” over guidance for workplaces and public spaces after 19 July.
Despite maintaining that wearing a mask will no longer be a legal requirement, the government said that it “expected” them to be worn at work and in shops, and that table service should remain in bars.
The guidance issued by ministers yesterday was stronger than expected by businesses, which said they were being left in legal limbo. They have five days to decide how to implement the rules, which were described as “mixed messages” and a “real mess”.
Businesses were also told that even though they are no longer legally required to tell customers to “check in” or collect contact details, continuing to do so is among the most important things they can do to curb Covid.
Roger Barker, policy director at the Institute of Directors, said: “Like everybody else, businesses across the country having been awaiting ‘freedom day’ with bated breath, but instead we have had a series of mixed messages and patchwork requirements from government that have dampened that enthusiasm.”
The Times (£)
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