@Letsgetgoing123
It makes me wonder what’s the point of giving “guidance” when people just pick through it working out what they can still get away with.
Not saying it’s right or wrong, but just feels a waste of time.
Because the legislation is fairly impenetrable for most people - good guidance puts the law into straightforward language.
Because there is an interplay between the regs and the guidance. For example in this legislation, organisers of events are required to take into account 'any guidance issued by the government which is relevant to the gathering' as part of their risk assessment and mitigation. There isn't a legal requirement to follow it to the letter but if they end up in court they'll be required to show they have taken it into account (i.e. give a good reason why they didn't follow it).
Because most people do actually want an end to this shitshow and are crying out for decent, evidence-based guidance to help them do their bit, over and above what the law says.
Because we are messy human beings with complicated lives and not every situation we find ourselves in can be legislated for. Good guidance can help us make decisions in difficult circumstances that the law has not yet considered.
The question should not be, 'what’s the point of giving “guidance”?', it should be, 'Is the guidance good enough?' - is it straightforward and accessible? Is it detailed enough? Is it evidence based and does it adequately explain why the recommendations are believed to help? Does it give alternative recommendations if you are unable to follow best practice? Does it clearly state its aim and is it honest about the extent of the law?
For people in messy, often harrowing, human situations where they have to make complex personal risk assessments, not getting prosecuted is right up there with not getting covid.
There will always be pisstakers looking for loopholes but this is not about them. They're best ignored - most of them are doing it for attention.
Nevertheless, we all have a right to know exactly what the law says because we are all legally required to comply. Even the pisstakers.