Government guidance on working from home is changing

The Prime Minister addressed the nation today, outlining further lockdown easing measures.

Boris Johnson made the speech at 10 Downing Street this morning.

From today, anybody can use public transport, although the government is encouraging people to consider alternative means of transport ‘where they’re available’.

Then from August 1st, the advice around working from home will be updated, with employers given more discretion.

Mr Johnson said: “We’re going to give employers more discretion and ask them to make decisions about how their staff can work safely.

“That could mean continuing to work from home which is one way of working safely and which has worked for many employers and employees. Or it could mean making workplaces safe.”

The Prime Minister also added that he hoped we would return to normality by Christmas.

He said: “It is my strong and sincere hope that we will be able to review the outstanding restrictions and allow a more significant return to normality from November at the earliest possibly in time for Christmas.”

In regards to local lockdowns, Mr Johnson said: “From tomorrow, local authorities will have new powers in their areas. They will be able to close specific premises, shut public outdoor spaces and cancel events.

“These powers will enable local authorities to act more quickly in response to outbreaks where speed is paramount.

“Action by local councils will not always be sufficient, so next week we will publish draft regulations on how central government can intervene more effectively at a local level.

“Where justified by the evidence, ministers will be able to close whole sectors or types of premises in an area, introduce local stay-at-home orders, prevent people entering or leaving defined areas, reduce the size of gatherings beyond the national defined rules or restrict transport systems serving local areas.”

Bowling, skating rinks, casino and beauticians can also resume from August 1st, although nightclubs and soft play areas will remain closed for the time being.