Perhaps inevitably, the UK government’s tentative plan to get the economy back on its feet has raised more questions than it has answered. Indeed, whilst implementing lock down was difficult enough, the challenge of easing it - and reopening different parts of society at different times - is on another level of plate-spinning complexity.
Of particular note is Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s advice that from Wednesday 13th May those unable to work remotely should return to work if safe to do so.
Despite published government guidance on this, and a requirement for employers to carry out risk assessments before reopening, many employees are understandably concerned about the level of risk they will be exposed to. Particularly those who rely on public transport to get to work.
With manufacturing one of the key sectors singled out in the PM’s recovery plan, engineers are amongst those most likely to be affected by this first phase of lockdown easing. This prompted us to ask those of you working in the UK manufacturing and engineering sectors what the government’s announcement meant to you.
Did you return to work after a lay-off or period of furlough? If so, were you confident that your employer put in adequate measures to make your workplace “Covid-Secure”? Does the current economic situation mean that there’s still currently no demand for your skills? Or perhaps, like many in the manufacturing sector, you’ve been working all the way through the current crisis – either remotely, or travelling into your normal workplace.
As always, we also welcome your comments on this issue below the line. Please note that all comments are moderated.
Glasgow trial explores AR cues for autonomous road safety
They've ploughed into a few vulnerable road users in the past. Making that less likely will make it spectacularly easy to stop the traffic for...