Is this really legal???

[umpteennamechanges]

I had a thread last month about the same thing but now we're in a March style lockdown I'm even more

My DH is doing a business coaching course, they meet once a month when 20+ people come from all over the UK for a day together in a room with the business coach. It's hosted in London in the Hilton.

Last month I was very unhappy about it since London was in Tier 4 and it seemed totally irresponsible.

I really complained about it to DH who very reluctantly decided not to go (he sulked for a few hours). I'm not CEV but am in the 'more vulnerable' get a free flu jab group. We have a 66 year old lodger and we were meeting his parents in their 70s for Xmas the following week.

Anyway...we've gone into lockdown now, the case numbers are crazy, the new variant is spreading like wildfire. It didn't even cross my mind that it would go ahead in person this month.

DH has just informed me that it is going ahead next week.

That the Hilton have advised that it's perfectly legal to have a business meeting with 20+ people coming on public transport from all over the UK.

This seems fucking crazy.

I can't see that it's on the list of exceptions on the Govt website?

Can anyone find how this is supposedly legal?

Because I haven't reported anything but if this isn't legal I'm going to report it TBH.

Well...the Hilton have called me to discuss my concerns.

I'm busy with work until after 4pm so they're calling back then.

Will also re-read the Govt guidelines before then.

Will update later!

DH has now agreed not to go so at least my personal worries have gone away though I do feel sorry for him as it means he's the one missing out on the day and the content when he's the one doing the right thing.

@Xenia

The law says you can work out of the house so really there is often a big divide between guidance which is not legally binding and the law. As the state is not choosing to compensate people for lost income for most of these kinds of jobs people have no choice if they want to feed their children but to keep on working. My son has worked right through since March. He drives a food delivery van. He cannot do that from home.

Given that we have both been massively impacted by the pandemic I'm fully aware of the financial implications.

However...

The business coach has already been paid (handsomely) and can host it all online without losing any income

The Hilton can furlough their staff, as they should be in line with the Government's own requirements

The Hilton are also not exactly the 'small independent business' are they? Why should they be finding loopholes to earn money as a massive international business when the rest of us have had to close down?

Shit has kicked off now.

The Hilton have advised the coach and he has posted a pissed off video on Facebook asking people to divulge who raised it with them.

So I've messaged to say that I have and that I think he's incredible irresponsible.

Good for you, OP.

My message

"Hi COVID Coach,

DH has just seen your latest video to the Mastermind group.

It is me that contacted the Hilton, not just about this particular session but about them hosting any non-essential meetings and training.

It’s something I feel incredibly strongly about and the Hilton is speaking to me further later.

Of course, if after this they still feel it’s legal, moral and fully in the interests of public health then I’m sure they will continue.

As an aside I contacted the Hilton, DH was not and is not involved.

That being said DH won’t be attending as per the same reasons as December.

Personally (and again, this is not DH’s feelings) I think it’s incredibly irresponsible to be holding such an event at this time.

Umpteen"

I thought about sending a link to this thread to show it's not just me being a pandemic pearl clutcher but then I remembered I'd called him a meathead

I’m surprised the Hilton are prepared to take the risk. Wouldn’t be great for their reputation if there was an increase in cases traced to this event.

Well done for owning it OP!

The business coach is very arrogant to assume he should go ahead. Its very god complex-like. I don't really see how this can be within the latest secondary legislation as it can be done online and therefore isn't within the definition of working from home unless it is essential not to.

I'd also be surprised that the Hilton's insurance allows it. Imagine if several people contacted Covid as a result of the meeting, it was traced to it, and they died or suffered life limiting effects, and then sued for their losses. Would the insurers of the Hilton and/or the business coach pay out if the activity was deemed not to fall within one of the permitted excuses for being outwith the home?

Some business coach who cannot teach assessment of business risk, complying with legislation, and basic insurance issues!

He just called and had a massive go at me.

Am seething.

@Xenia

It is lawful and if people stop doing this mind of thing we will not have the tax revenue to pay nurses and many people might die as a result. So these people are just as much heroes as nurses really when you get down to it. Without those working and generating taxes in since March 2020 the country would be even more on its knees.

Full of shite as always.

The coach has already been paid, he can still pay the Hilton and it can be done over zoom.

Good on you for telling the coach it was you a d why.

Some business coach who cannot teach assessment of business risk, complying with legislation, and basic insurance issues!

This ^

He's also said he now refuses to work with my husband again.

So DH is now very upset.

You stick to your guns!

Honestly everyone should be ashamed of themselves.

Yes, it’s legal. What is even worse is that up until now, whilst restaurants were open, it was legal to have a “business meeting” in a restaurant with 6+ people, indoors. You can work that one out for yourself. Business meeting my arse!

Has he got a Twitter page?

Id be making this public.

@umpteennamechanges

He's also said he now refuses to work with my husband again.

So DH is now very upset.

Omg he sounds an utter dickhead. Does it matter if he doesn't work with your dh if the business course is ending anyway?

@umpteennamechanges

He just called and had a massive go at me.

Am seething.

The coach?

You were right. - he is a meathead (at best).

What do you think DH will say when you tell him?

He’s an utter twat isn’t he?
I can just imagine him and his (probably steroid induced) Alpha Male outrage at being challenged

He sounds very professional, someone every business person should be taking advice and seeking coaching from .

@umpteennamechanges

He's also said he now refuses to work with my husband again.

So DH is now very upset.

X posted with you.

I thought this might be the fall out.

It's a shame your DH can't stop idolising this idiot. I hope he at least grudgingly admits you were right, but I'd expect the sulks fir a while.

Still damage is done now... might as well post on the coaches FB /Twitter etc

@umpteennamechanges

He just called and had a massive go at me.

Am seething.

And he is a business coach? This really isn't a great way to run a business. He really cannot assess risk and plan accordingly so as to avoid problems occurring, can he? What kind of business does he teach? Is this about high pressured sales techniques, or is there any kind of formal subject learning involved?

I hope he's going to refund your DH for the 1/6th of the course he's now refusing to supply. What a petulant arse!

@umpteennamechanges

He's also said he now refuses to work with my husband again.

So DH is now very upset.

He sounds awful. What were his justifications for continuing to hold the course in the middle of an out-of-control pandemic that is shortly going to lead to a hospital bed crisis?