With the second lockdown period in England ending on the 2nd December, it is to be replaced by a revised 3 Tier system. And as the lockdown eases, 99% of the population will be placed in either Tier 2 or Tier 3.
As a business, employer or employee it is therefore important to be aware of the rules in the Tiers and particularly rules around travel for work purposes. For example, can you travel from Tier 3 to Tier 2 for work?
What are the rules relating to travelling for work in each of the 3 Tiers?
Tier 1 rules
Rules relating to travelling for work for those in Tier 1 (medium alert) include:
- People are encouraged to work from home where possible
- Where this is not possible, you can continue to travel to your workplace
- For those that need to travel for work, you should walk or cycle to work where possible. If not possible use a car or public transport. If you need to use public transport plan ahead to avoid the busiest times and routes
- It is advised to avoid travel to Tier 3 (very high alert) areas other than when necessary e.g., for work
- It is also advised to avoid overnight stays in Tier 3 areas
- If you do need to travel to a Tier 3 area, you must follow the Tier 3 rules on social contact
For full detail on the rules relating to tier one areas refer to government guidance.
Tier 2 rules
Rules relating to travelling for work for those in Tier 2 (high alert) include:
- Everyone who can work from home should
- Where people cannot work from home, they can continue to travel to their place of work
- Whilst you can continue to travel for work purposes, the number of journeys made should be reduced where possible
- For those that need to travel for work, you should walk or cycle to work where possible. If not possible use a car or public transport. If you need to use public transport plan ahead to avoid busiest times and routes
- You can travel to a Tier 1 area but must follow Tier 2 rules if you do so
- It is advised to avoid travel to Tier 3 (very high alert) areas other than when necessary e.g., for work
- It is also advised to avoid overnight stays in Tier 3 areas
- If you do need to travel to a Tier 3 area, you must follow the Tier 3 area rules on social contact
Full details of Tier 2 rules can be found on the gov.uk website
Tier 3 rules
Rules for those who live in a Tier 3 (very high alert) area regarding travelling for work include:
- Everyone who can work from home should
- People who cannot work from home can continue to travel to their workplace
- You can continue to travel within your area for work
- But you should avoid travelling outside your area other than when necessary. Necessary journeys include those made for work purposes
- Reduce your number of journeys
- If you live in a Tier 3 area you must continue to follow Tier 3 rules when you travel to a Tier 2 or Tier 1 area
Refer to the gov.uk site for a full overview of Tier 3 rules
Can you travel from Tier 3 to Tier 2 for work?
Yes. According to the current government guidance you can travel from a Tier 3 area to a Tier 2 area for work. Key guidance in all 3 of the new Tiers states people should work from home if they can. Work related journeys should only be made when necessary and when it is not possible to work from home.
What must you take into account when travelling between different Tiers for work?
If you plan to travel from a Tier 3 to a Tier 2 area due to work, then do keep in mind
- If you can work from home, you should
- Try to reduce the number of journeys you make where possible
- Check the local restriction Tier which applies at your destination before you travel
- If you live in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area and travel to a Tier 3 area you must follow Tier 3 rules relating to social contact
- If you live in a Tier 3 area and travel to either a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area for work, you must continue to follow Tier 3 rules
- For those who live in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 area, where possible avoid overnight stays in a Tier 3 area
Follow the safer travel guidance if you are planning to travel from a Tier 3 to Tier 2 area for work and for all other journeys you make
At Anthony Jones we appreciate the impact that the Coronavirus is having on businesses of all sizes and are working hard to support businesses at this time. From regularly updating our blog with timely information, to keeping our teams available and contactable in the usual ways. If you have any questions about your insurance, then do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
