Tradesmen tier 2/3

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I've searched and searched online but can't find any concrete info - can non-emergency tradesmen come to the house (distancing and masks used obviously) in tier 2 or 3? Have a bathroom renovation scheduled in two weeks, don't mind if it gets postponed but it would be nice to know!

I believe this was allowed even under the original lockdown (as they can't work from their own home and it wasn't specifically excluded).

The current guidelines in https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-high imply that it's ok, in the section about meeting people at home :

Where a group includes someone covered by an exception (for example, someone who is working), they are not generally counted as part of the gatherings limit. This means, for example, a tradesperson can go into a household without breaching the limit, if they are there for work.

That makes sense (or, doesn't, considering the other restrictions, but who knows anymore!) The tiler is meant to be visiting next week to go through things so hopefully he'll know for sure!

I think it will only be allowed if it is an emergency repair.
We received a letter from our housing association to say that given the new 3 tier lockdown restrictions, this will have an impact on repairs being carried out and they will assess repairs case by case.

@Char2015

I think it will only be allowed if it is an emergency repair. We received a letter from our housing association to say that given the new 3 tier lockdown restrictions, this will have an impact on repairs being carried out and they will assess repairs case by case.

That sounds like your HA thinking about it from the POV of risk to their workers, rather than because the law actually prohibits tradespeople from working.

@ErrolTheDragon

Not their POV - they specifically state they will be following government guidelines. It's the same as lockdown. No repairs takes place unless it's an emergency.

I don't believe you're right about that - but obviously if you can link to a gov.uk website with that stated I'll stand corrected.

The fitters trade bodies seem to think they're still ok to operate but are seeking clarification.

www.bikbbi.org.uk/news/government-confirms-three-tiered-covid-strategy/

[quote Char2015]@ErrolTheDragon

Not their POV - they specifically state they will be following government guidelines. It's the same as lockdown. No repairs takes place unless it's an emergency.[/quote]
Yes but that's guidelines, not law. If you can't work from home you can go to work as long as guidelines are followed. That was the case in the first lockdown but it was swamped under a tide of hysteria.

@BamboozledandBefuddled

That is so incorrect. If this is what people think, no wonder cases are spreading.

If you think that's wrong it's no wonder people's livelihoods are fucked.

I need a surveyor to come and look at a crack / leak in the extension roof. Not massively urgent but now regretting putting it off.

I came on to ask this question. I am in Essex which will enter tier 2 on Saturday. I have carpet fitters booked next week and building work the week after. Still confused after reading this thread! Do we think they will continue? We can easily socially distance from them.

www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-medium

This says that you should work from home if you can otherwise you should go to work. Seem obvious to me that a bathroom fitter cannot work from home so should go to work.

@ErrolTheDragon

I believe this was allowed even under the original lockdown (as they can't work from their own home and it wasn't specifically excluded).

The current guidelines in [[https://www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-high]] imply that it's ok, in the section about meeting people at home :

Where a group includes someone covered by an exception (for example, someone who is working), they are not generally counted as part of the gatherings limit. This means, for example, a tradesperson can go into a household without breaching the limit, if they are there for work.

Yes, this is the same under tier 3 as well.

Companies we use were very proactive in the first lockdown and sent emails telling us the steps they would take, and that they would expect us to take if they needed to enter our house. We put off one particular (non urgent) job as the amount of faff in not using that room would outweigh the benefits.
As long as they can do it safely, trades can continue to work in your home.

Seems to say the same even for the very high areas such as Liverpool. Government do not want people not to work unless their industry is forced to close such as casinos and drinks only bars.

Two large extensions opposite me built all through first lockdown, inc. fitted kitchen. Usual local authority check-ups made. Another nearby that had started before Covid carried on right through lockdown till September.

Link to guidance on working in homes www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes

That links to Tier-specific restrictions www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes

At all tiers, you SHOULD (not must) 'work from home where you can effectively do so'.

There is no restriction, national or local, on working in homes.

@BamboozledandBefuddled

Link to guidance on working in homes www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes

That links to Tier-specific restrictions www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes

At all tiers, you SHOULD (not must) 'work from home where you can effectively do so'.

There is no restriction, national or local, on working in homes.

'work from home where you can effectively do so' but if you can't work from home go and work in someone else's home. Oh my. This is no way related to the work from home message which you keep banging on about - nor is that my point.

What is your point exactly Char2015?

@LangClegsInSpace

What is your point exactly Char2015?

I wondered. I assume it's trying to prove that 'work from home where you can effectively do so' actually means 'Do not go to work if this means entering another person's home'.

I work for a company of gas and electrical engineers. We are in Tier 1 but border and work in Tier 2 & 3 areas.

All our engineers will be operating as usual with safety measures in place.

@LangClegsInSpace

What is your point exactly Char2015?

My point is contractors will have their own risk assessments as to whether to attend or not in accordance with government guidance. Just because the government says work from home if you can, if not then go to work, does not mean it will always apply in the case of repairs. I think people are taking it way too literally without considering the risk assessments conducted by individual contractors. My borough is now saying only emergency repairs can be carried out (which fits with what my HA is saying). It's not the POV of LAs or landlords, its the risk assessments carried out case by case, from contractor to contractor inline with government guidance. It's really not relevant to bring in the point about working from home -if not go to work as that may not be in line with individual risk assessments. I've got 2 repairs booked in - one emergency and one non-emergency. Non-emergency has been postponed to be booked at a further date, as the restrictions do not allow works to be carried out in accordance with level of risk.

OP, to answer your question, the legislation for Tier 2 and 3 says no indoor gatherings, with exceptions. Exception 3a is “for work purposes”.

So yes, non-emergency tradesmen (and also nannies, tutors, cleaners etc) are allowed to come into your house to work. There are guidelines about how to do so safely.

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1104/schedule/1/made

Char - that fact that the people doing the work in your home have decided not to come is not terribly relevant to a question about the new Tier 2 rules, is it?

According to the bathroom fitter in my house right now he can. We're in tier 2.