New Welsh 2m Law “simply says to employers that they must put the needs of a workforce first, that their health and their wellbeing must be top of the agenda”

Guidance for employers is being firmed up into law in Wales, to ensure the safety of workers.

At yesterday’s briefing the First Minister was asked about the concerns of workers not feeling safe at work as they were unable to adhere to the two meter rule.

The First Minister said, “We are going to put into law, the two meter requirement in the workplace, requiring employers to take all reasonable actions to comply with that two meter rule.”

“It has been advised up until now and now it’s going to be part of the regulations. We will publish fresh guidance alongside the regulations and the regulations that we will pass today will come into force on Monday evening or Tuesday morning. It is simply saying to employers that they must put the needs of a workforce first, that their health and their well being must be top of the agenda and the two meter rule is there to protect that.

“If they take all reasonable actions and they comply with the guidance we are giving their businesses can continue. This is not about stopping businesses from operating. It is about business operating in a way that is safe for their employees.

“We’ve heard the messages that are coming from some people saying that they are fearful of the way that their health is being compromised in the workplace. It doesn’t have to be that way. The bulk of Welsh employers are doing heroic things to protect the health of their employees. We need every employer to be in that position.”

Later the detail was revealed, and confirmed that the new law to protect workers during the coronavirus outbreak will come into force on Tuesday morning.

The regulations will mean the 2m social distancing rule will apply to any workplace, including homes, where work and repairs are being undertaken and outdoor spaces. The new rules apply to those workplaces not already covered by the original stay-at-home rules introduced almost two weeks ago.

All businesses will have to take all reasonable measures to ensure the 2m rule is maintained between people on their premises whenever work is being carried out. Further guidance will be issued to explain what can reasonably be expected of employers and businesses.

The rules about who can attend a funeral are being relaxed but the 2m rule will mean there will be a maximum limit on the number of people who can attend.

Detailed guidance will be published when the new regulations come into force next week. But many organisations and representative bodies have already published advice about how social distancing can be observed in different environments, including construction and manufacturing.