Shops to reopen, but not schools

By Tim Le Couilliard, Newgate Public Affairs

Arguably the big news of the day came earlier than the news conference, with Education Secretary Gavin Williamson delivering a statement to the House this afternoon confirming that plans for primary schools in England to return before the end of summer term have been dropped. Exams will still go-ahead next year, and it is still the case that from 5^th June, pupils in Years 10 and 12 will get some face-to-face contact (with class sizes of fewer than 15). The postponement of the return to school has been welcomed by Labour but described as “badly handled” by Shadow Education Secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey, and will no doubt come as a concern for many families. 

Whilst reopening schools is on pause, keen to focus on plans being made to reopen the economy, Business Secretary Alok Sharma, who recently tested negative for Covid-19, despite showing symptoms, delivered the Downing Street briefing. “Phased and careful” plans to reopen shops are possible as the r-rate is now “under control” and the government’s five checks continue to be met. 

Retail outlets are allowed to open from the 15^th June (next Monday), so long as they comply with the Covid-19 guidelines published on the government website, which Sharma states, were published sufficiently long ago that businesses have had enough time to prepare. The plans will allow high streets across the country to “spring back to life”, provided that customers abide by the “new normal” of social distancing. 

Shops should reopen as soon as they abide by the guidelines and complete their Covid-19-specific risk assessment. This will include a visible notice for businesses to display in their shop windows. Sharma did warn that should businesses open without putting in place “responsible steps”, then the government could take a range of actions including issuing enforcement notices, with checks being carried out by Local Authorities and the Health and Safety Executive. 

To those businesses that will remain closed, such as restaurants, pubs and hairdressers, Sharma promised that the government will, as soon as possible, publish guidance and support for them to open as safely as possible. He would not say when this would be, but the previous speculation that pubs and restaurants would open on the 22^nd June will be too soon as the next update will be on the 4^th July, at the earliest (sadly).