Coronavirus Kent: All you need to know about whether tradespeople can still work in your home
11:41, 02 May 2020
updated: 11:46, 02 May 2020
Here's everything you need to know if you're planning on having tradespeople work on your house during the coronavirus lockdown.
It comes as questions are raised about whether it's safe, or allowed, to have workers in your home during the pandemic.
OFTEC, the trade organisation for the heating and cooking industries, has shed some light on common questions asked by homeowners to comply with government advice.
Can work continue in my home?
Repair and maintenance work can be carried out by a tradesperson providing no one in your, or the tradesperson’s, family are showing any Covid-19 symptoms.
However, two metre social distancing rules must be followed and regular handwashing is recommended.
It may also be worth postponing non-essential work.
"There is a lot of confusion about tradespeople working in homes."
Are there circumstances when work must not be carried out in my home?
Work should not be carried out in households where occupants are self-isolating or being ‘shielded’.
If there is an urgent need to address a direct risk to those living in the property, such as emergency plumbing or repair work, this can go ahead if the tradesperson is willing. Additional precautions should be put in place.
If it is safe to carry out work in my home, what should I expect?
Many tradespeople have introduced additional precautionary measures and it is important to follow these carefully.
These may include: Asking you to stay in a separate room whilst the work is completed, requesting doors and windows are open to increase ventilation, adapting payment methods e.g. no paper invoices or cash payments, wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), regularly washing their hands and bringing their own towel or declining refreshments
Can I still have heating oil delivered?
Yes. There are 135,000 households across Scotland who rely on oil for heating.
Delivery times may be slightly longer than normal so regularly check your oil level to ensure you don’t run out.
Some delivery firms are prioritising vulnerable households so ask your provider if you fall into this category.
OFTEC spokesman Malcolm Farrow said: "There is a lot of confusion about tradespeople working in homes.
"The government advice is regularly being updated so ensure you check their website for the latest information.
"Most tradespeople are also introducing new safety measures as a precaution for both your and their benefit so don’t take it personally if they change the way they work.
"If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to raise them with the tradesperson.
"Remember, always ask to see an ID badge to check their credentials.".
