News reports located on this page = 3.

MP's call for non-essential businesses to close gets cross party support

BILL Esterson MP has written a letter, which has been signed by over 120 MPs cross party, to the Business Secretary to ask for clear advice to be given to non-essential workplaces such as construction sites, warehouses, manufacturers and call centres to help to halt the spread of Coronavirus.

Mr Esterson told Business Secretary Alok Sharma that many workplaces had stayed open even if their work was not essential and questioned how they could ensure staff were able to stay two metres apart. This followed pictures of workers in call centres and on construction sites crowded together and sharing tables in canteens and cafes.

Mr Esterson and his colleagues also pointed out that the more non-essential staff that travelled to work, the more crowded public transport would be for those whose roles were essential. Non essential workers risked passing the virus on to health staff and other essential workers such as supermarket staff.

Bill Esterson said dozens of constituents had contacted him "in bits" over having to choose between going to work and the health of them and their families. Over 130 MPs signed the letter, saying they were hearing similar stories in their areas.

Mr Esterson wrote:- "Unfortunately, while some workers are able to work from home, many are not and we have all been contacted by constituents who have been told they have to go to work or lose pay and whose businesses continue to operate. These include construction sites, call centres, distribution centres and factories. Some of these are essential. Many are not. This is forcing non essential workers to travel on public transport unable to stay two metres away from other people, including essential workers. Meanwhile, at work people are closer than 2 metres to their colleagues sometimes with inadequate hand washing facilities."

Senior MPs such as:- Brexit Committee Chair Hilary Benn, Shadow Communities Secretary Andrew Gwynne, and former Cabinet minister Harriet Harman have all signed the letter.

While pubs, restaurants, gyms, hairdressers and shops selling non-essential items were closed last week, and the public were urged to stay home to stop the spread of the virus, there was ambiguity regarding whether workers should be leaving the house to go to workplaces that were not essential.

Mr Esterson said:- "I have had dozens of constituents call my office in bits at the thought of being forced to go to work, risk catching the virus and passing it onto their families, or lose their jobs. Some have been told they cannot have sick pay if they have not been diagnosed with the virus. It is leading to huge amounts of worry and stress for constituents, especially those with underlying health conditions or who live with other people who are vulnerable. It's time for clear guidance from the Prime Minister and the Business Secretary that unless the work that is being done is vital to keep the country functioning at this time, the workplace should be closed and the businesses encouraged to access the Government schemes that have been made available to ensure workers get paid."

This is the letter in full that was sent:-

"We recognise that businesses are under huge pressure given the current crisis and we welcome the guidance given by the Government that everyone should stay at home to save lives. This advice has been confirmed by the Prime Minister a number of times. The package of measures for employed and self employed is very important support for workers and builds upon the health advice which exists to protect everyone.

Unfortunately, while some workers are able to work from home, many are not and we have all been contacted by constituents who have been told they have to go to work or lose pay and whose businesses continue to operate. These include construction sites, call centres, distribution centres and factories. Some of these are essential. Many are not. This is forcing non essential workers to travel on public transport unable to stay 2 metres away from other people, including essential workers. Meanwhile, at work people are closer than 2 metres to their colleagues sometimes with inadequate hand washing facilities.

The BEIS website lists businesses that must close, but also says that other businesses are not required to close, indeed it says it is important for businesses to carry on. The Government tells workers who have concerns to speak to their employer but many staff fear that they will be victimised if they complain not least as trade unions are often not recognised by many employers.

You and your colleagues have made clear that the instruction from Government is to Stay At Home and Stay Safe. The Cabinet Office says the only exception should be defined activities in order to protect the NHS and save lives. We believe that this is the correct instruction.

The BEIS website is contradicting the advice being given by Government ministers. The closure of the Hospitality sector and Schools was in order to reduce the spread of infection. Allowing non essential workplaces to stay open is inevitably adding to the risk that many more people will be infected than necessary. We are therefore calling on you to clarify the guidance to businesses in the interests of putting health first, giving the greatest support to our health staff and protecting workers and all those who they might be in contact with."

UCLan to postpone summer 2020 graduation ceremonies

THE University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has today announced the postponement of its July 2020 graduation ceremonies due to the continuing spread and impact of Covid-19 Coronavirus. The ceremonies have been rescheduled for December 2020, when winter graduation will be extended into a 2 week celebration.  Additional high profile and popular community events, including:- the graduate fashion show and the Lancashire Science Festival, have been deferred for a year.  The University has pledged that, subject to the lifting of Government restrictions, both events will return in the summer of 2021.

Commenting on the decision Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said:- "These large scale events represent the culmination of everything our students have achieved and in the case of the Lancashire Science Festival we also welcome many thousands of visitors from across our local community. Therefore, postponing these events was not an easy decision nor was it taken lightly. Any disappointment is entirely understandable, but we have done it to protect the safety and wellbeing of our graduates, guests, staff and indeed the whole of our stakeholder community. Our hope is that by announcing this news as early as possible, those who need to change travel or accommodation plans will still have time to do so."

Final year students will be informed of the revised December 2020 graduation dates once they have been confirmed in the near future. The University is now focusing on the processes required to ensure all its students formally graduate on time in July and while this will not be at a ceremony, results will be published as normal.

NICEIC advises parents to switch on to electrical safety week

DURING Family Safety Week, NICEIC, the UK's leading electrical safety authority, is reminding consumers of the importance of having adequate measures in place to ensure electrical safety in the home.

As the way we use our homes has continued to evolve in line with the digital landscape, the average UK home now uses more electrical appliances than ever before. According to recent estimates 57% of the nation's households now has a smart device to control:- lights, security, kettle, vacuum cleaner or other device. Equally, while traditional soft toys, games and books were once the mainstay of childhood, today's kids now rather play with tec and earlier than ever, with 90% of 2 year olds now using smart phones and tablets.

With this, brings greater safety implications which parents need to be aware of; an issue which NICEIC is keen to raise during Family Safety Week.

Running until 4 April 2020, the important annual week long campaign from family safety charity RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) has been designed to highlight the simple measures families can take to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe from serious accidental injury.

Darren Staniforth, NICEIC's Group Senior Technical Presenter, said:- "There is no escaping the impact that technology continues to have on the UK home: from the integration of smart media through to the introduction of 'electric toys,' it would seem that it's no longer just adults, but children who are using more electrical appliances than ever. With this does, however, come increased safety concern. We must remember, after all the electrics are incredibly powerful and potential dangerous, and must be handled correctly, especially considering the increased use of electrical devices by children. In terms of best practice, it goes without saying that any electrical work in the home should be conducted by a qualified, certified professional, such as those listed with the NICEIC, in order to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Also, under no circumstances, even if it appears to be a simple job, should parents attempt to carry out their own electrical DIY; doing so can lead to vast safety risks, leaving their families exposed to all sorts of hazards. In terms of the everyday, it's about operating basic due diligence; for example, keeping electrical cords out of reach, keeping appliances off when not in use and never leaving a child unattended when using a device still connected to the mains. Also, obviously water and electrics don't mix; so all drinks should be kept firmly out of reach of electrical appliances, and children should be dried thoroughly after bath time before using anything electrical."

According to NICEIC each year around 12,500 house fires, 750 serious injuries and 10 deaths are caused by unsafe electrics in the home.

Darren adds:- "There are many benefits to the increased use of technology in the home; helping us to live more efficiently, comfortably and, in terms of children, often aiding in their education. However, it is incredibly important that we don't forget that electricity is very dangerous and should be managed carefully and correctly as it becomes more and more widely used in the UK home. Failing to do so could not only compromise the safety and wellbeing of your family, but also be in breach of the Part P of the Building Regulations."

You can search for a registered electrician in your area by visiting:- NICEIC.Com.