The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has cautiously welcomed the UK governments’ unveiling of its roadmap to recovery last week, and has set out a regional summary of best case scenarios for companies in the glass and glazing industry. The federation noted key dates that the industry can look forward to – the headliner for England being 12 April, when non-essential retail may reopen, including showrooms and concession outlets – but stressed that “there is still a long way to go to full recovery”.
John Agnew, GGF’s managing director, said: “We are pleased to see the government’s roadmap to recovery and hopeful that it all goes to plan, however there is still a long way to go to full recovery. Companies should continue to act responsibly, follow the safe guidance and take all necessary precautions.
“The GGF is continuing weekly discussions with government on the issues affecting our industry, including the resumption of canvassing and reopening showrooms. We hope these activities can resume soon for our sector but only if it is deemed safe to do so. In the meantime, I urge all .embers and all companies in the industry to proceed with caution and continue to follow the GGF and government guidance.”
According to the GGF, the four tests by which the UK government is measuring the Covid-19 situation shows how precarious the roadmap to recovery is. Using the government’s information, the GGF has put together a summary of best case scenarios for companies in the glass and glazing industry across the UK’s four nations and the Republic of Ireland (see below).
England
8 March
• Meeting outdoors is allowed again, in the context of social and families meeting – not work. The GGF will seek clarification about meeting outdoors, as this could include safe canvassing.
• Non-essential retail (including showrooms and concessions stores) to remain closed.
• Working in people’s houses can continue but safe guidance must be followed.
• Working on construction sites and manufacturing can continue but must follow safe guidance.
29 March
• The stay-at-home legal requirement is replaced by guidance. Restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can.
12 April
If all four tests have proven satisfactory to government,
• All retail should be allowed to reopen. This includes showrooms, concession stores, garden centres etc.
• Canvassing, if not resumed beforehand, should be safe to resume.
• Most legal restrictions on meeting others outdoors will be lifted – although gatherings of over 30 people will remain illegal.
21 June
If all four tests have proven satisfactory to government,
• Legal limits on social contact will be lifted. Some guidance will remain.
Scotland
Subject to satisfactory conditions regarding the pandemic:
12 April
• Essential retailers list will be expanded slightly. Non-essential retail click and collect can resume. No details on whether non-essential retail (including showrooms and garden centres, concession stores) will reopen.
3 May
• Non-essential work in the home may be allowed
• A conditional move beyond the strengthened level four will be considered.
The best case scenario is that at some point in March, Scotland may announce a move into the variable levels system. However, this would need to coincide with the World Health Organisation test being satisfied after the easing of the “strengthened level four”.
Wales
• Lockdown continues, with two six-week reviews, from 23 February. These reviews will determine whether the non-essential retail can re-open – though click and collect for non-essential goods can continue.
• Working in people’s homes is allowed as long as the safe guidance is followed.
• Working in factories and on construction sites can continue but site operating safety procedures and social distancing must be followed.
Northern Ireland
• The Northern Ireland Executive has extended the lockdown until 1 April. From that date, non-essential click and collect can resume. No further information on the easing of the lockdown has been released.
Republic of Ireland
• The Republic of Ireland government has extended the lockdown until 5 April. By this date, the government will have made a decision on when to reopen construction and other industries.
