Can I offer tree cutters a cup of tea or not these days???

[Sami544]

Have a few guys chopping trees back today.
What are the rules or advice about tea these days. We are in the south.

Also if they ask can I let them in to use the toilet?

Any advice as feeling a bit confused here.

I think you can offer them tea hey are probably used to not going to customers toilets but if you are allowed people in your house then you can let them go if. They ask.

Ofgs - has everyone really lost the ability to Risk Assess? What do you think you will catch from giving thema cup of tea - or them get anything from you? Collect the cup afterwards, and wash your hands. Wash the cups.

If they use the toilet, wipe down the handles/flush if you like, I tend to use the handles/flush and then wash my hands afterwards anyway.

The risk of catching anything from a surface is minuscule - even more so if you wash your hands afterwards.

I offered our gas man a cup of coffee while he was servicing our boiler, but he said because of his risk assessment he wasn't allowed to accept.

I get where you're coming from. It's like the etiquette is no longer obvious. I still can't make up my mind if I should hold doors open for people. It becomes less than two metres, but dropping a door on someone's face seems a bit more antisocial!

I had tree men in the other week. They both accepted a cup of tea happily. Seemed really chuffed that someone had actually offered them one these days. If you’re not sure just go out & ask them.

We had to plumbers in and they had tea, coffee and cake. I would certainly offer than its up to them if they accept

There are still ways to be social.

Last week I told the someone that "to service my boiler you can go in the back way".

It seemed to cheer him up

Yes I’d let some have a wee and offer a drink, I’m not a monster!

I had the drive re done last week, Of course I let the poor men have a wee. I just sent Changed the hand towel and gave the sink a quick clean when they’d left.

I offered a drink but they have juice with them and didn’t want a hot drink

thanks all , just wanted to check and they happily said yes to cup of tea. All is well.

You can offer if you're happy to, up to them if they accept. Obviously be careful and wash your hands if you need to collect them afterwards.

I run a garden maintenance business. Everyone still offers me tea and I still gladly take it.

Speaking on behalf of all tradesmen and women the world over. ALWAYS offer a cuppa. They can always say no of they don't want but it's nice to be asked. One offer in the morning, one in the afternoon is plenty. One with their lunch of you notice them sat eating without one.
The offer of a toilet is much appreciated, I work outdoors and it's really nice when a customer offers it's lovely. They will wee somewhere regardless!

Ive got a plasterer here today, Ive offered him tea, he's accepted. Personally I would ask, they can always politely decline.

We kept the plumber supplied with numerous cups of tea last week (he was working in the bathroom so no issue using the loo!).
I'd always offer - they can say no if they want.

You could always buy disposable cups if it is something that really worries you.

We do give our gardener and window cleaner coffee but we have designated mugs for them and they get put in a hot dish washer afterwards. Just make sure to have clean hands and put it on the table outside rather than hand it to them. Biscuits/cakes we buy wrapped for visitors now rather than offering them anything home made.

And the guest loo is just off the garden anyway and we don't have enough guests to make it a used room very much at all!