Are window cleaners still allowed to work during Coronavirus (Covid-19)?

[NewGuy]

So many posts so missed it, your link clearly states premises so the link I posted is relevant to our line of business.

Still think it will need a statement tomorrow from the Government to prevent the general public vilifying people that go out to work. Still think that TFL needs to shut down though.

Sorry, I'm getting confused by the various links!  

But this is the most up-to-date guidance on the restrictions imposed tonight.  As you will see, there's nothing in the content say we cannot work legally.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874738/Full_guidance_on_staying_at_home_and_away_from_others.pdf

 

[NewGuy]

Praise the Lord. 

Someone who has some brain cells!

You sir will go far..

?

Ha, well after 20 years in the Civil Service, I'm now window cleaning - so yes hopefully I will go far!  Just not tomorrow ?

 

[Suhrly]

So basically if you can stay 2m away from people at all times while you're at work, you can, technically go. 97% of my business is cash based, which means I can't work with those stipulations. 

 

[Dragbag]

Just to bring some clarity.

Andy Burnham put out a tweet saying that No 10 have confirmed that people CAN work so long as they observe the 2m distance rule.

The government fb page has now put out a video saying you can go to work if you can't work from home. (previously it said key workers but they've now removed it and replaced it hence the confusion).

It is my intention, so long as advice hasn't changed by the morning, to go to work as normal taking extra precautions.  Only accepting BACS payments, and creating tabs for cash/cheque payers until this blows over.  Changing gloves every job and sanitising before and after each job and keeping away from any people until the government advises differently.

Have you got a link to the face book video you mentioned.?

 

[Lparker9983]

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others

this is the genuine guide from the .gov website. It clearly states in black and white that travel to and from work is allowed only if it cannot be done from home. Therefore working is allowed. They haven't said do not work. They have stated you cannot go clothes shopping etc.... All hardware stores are open still for tradesmen. Please read it. 

  We as window cleaners as long as you take precautions like contactless payemtn or bank transfer you aren't putting public at risk if they don't come out to chat. I suggest you print this off and keep a copy in the van. 

the advice is clear as day as travelling toband from work is allowed which means work is allowed which means if you CANNOT work from home then your exempt. 

.Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.

 

[C barrow]

All my customers seem happy for me to carry on money in the porch  bank transfer gloves on suns out Plus I need to put food on the table and need to get out the house can’t be staying in 24/7 with wife and kids we’d end up killing each other

 

[Iron Giant]

Boris did not clearly state all businesses apart form essential services and key workers places of work are to close, what he said was about as clear as muddy water for the likes of us, I saw a guy having a new combi boiler fitted yesterday, if the job wasn't finished yesterday that house ain't going to have heating or hot water

How many garages are part way through jobs with a garage full of cars, MOT's and so on, a key worker may have put their car in a garage yesterday they ain't getting it back according to Boris's very clear/muddy water speech

 

[mike007]

Yes still can go out unless your pole/ladders can reach from home .. as regards money, apply for universal credit if you have to, all dependant on any savings over a certain threshold I believe.. if govt give a percentage of my last tax return back I'd be happy 

Looking online and it says Universal Credit takes about 5 weeks!!!!

 

[Markyboy 50]

I think if companies like Mc Donald’s and costas are closed to stop the spread of the disease we can also close down our non essential businesses for a while. I also think it’s wrong morally to clean windows at this time whilst most people are making the effort. 

 

[Lparker9983]

The Macdonald's and other shops are closed because of gatherings. 

  We work alone and are non risk . Do not work in teams and one worker in a van. Clean all surfaces in van at end of the day.

 

[Markyboy 50]

We are still non essential tho. No getting round that. Just stay indoors 

 

[mike007]

As the title says. I’m not sure whether to turn out or not. I don’t want people looking at me like I’m a money grabbing twerp while they’re indoors self isolating. On the other hand I don’t wanna stay at home and then find out everyone else went to work. What’s everyone doing?

I am staying in as per last nights PM statement....and waiting for news from the Government concerning the Self Employed

 

[brianbadonde]

This is the perfect way to explain why us window cleaners are on lockdown.

Now that is what I we needed to see. That is clear as day and proves I was wrong. Looks like time off then ?

View attachment 19777

 

[Dirty dan]

I wouldn't say its essential work but it's essential to me to have an income.. the more I think about it the more I'm leaning towards staying home.. I wouldn't want customers or neighbours of customers thinking I'm disregarding rules that have been set to protect everyone.. although if I was full of a cold or flu id stay home so from a conscience point of view mine is clear.

I’m thinking the same as you. We technically are allowed to work but customers will think we are taking the pi$$. I’m still 50/50 on it but I’ll probably end up staying at home.

 

[mrtaytay]

Another screenshot from the official government website. Slightly different wording, but the message is still clear though.

Looking at Twitter, most self employed people seem confused as to what to do. Hopefully, we will get clear and concise instructions today

 

[DCS]

Now that is what I we needed to see. That is clear as day and proves I was wrong. Looks like time off then ?

This has been deleted from the gov website and social media and been changed to read. 

Travel too and from work i(f working from home is not possible) 

 

[TWC]

They’ve only gone and changed the video from the one I shared last night. Here’s the new screen grab. 
I’m not working. I think we would be vilified by the public

 

[Scooby410bhp]

I think we're out in the fresh air,don't chat to customers,bacs or a see you next time and I think that's fine.. My opinion but everyone else is different. 

 

[mrtaytay]

The government have made a complete hash of the guidance they have issued, with so much contradictory advice.

However, the main notice on the homepage of their website clearly states that we should only go outside for food, health reasons or essential work

 

[Seels]

Before Boris's speech I sought advice from close friends to get their thoughts on whether I should clean today. The general consensus was I should carry on. So I sent my usual text to customers saying we are cleaning and leave back gate open... etc etc. within 5 minutes of the speech we had 4 cancellations. I did think the speech was ambiguous but interestingly the same friends I sought for advice from messaged me to say the decision had been made clear for me not to clean.

it was with a heavy heart that I have decided to postpone cleans and remain at home for 3 weeks but think it will be longer.

Stay safe.

 

[brianbadonde]

Ah shyte, so confused, not sure if the post about only key workers working is genuine, can’t really go on the strength of a FB post.