BUSINESSES and event organisers in the Stroud district are invited to free-of-charge seminars designed to help them stay Covid-safe during the winter months.

During the winter months Covid-19 infections are likely to increase as people spend more time indoors, windows are closed to keep out the cold and ventilation rates are reduced.

Businesses continue to have a legal obligation to carry out a health and safety risk assessment and do what they reasonably can to protect employees and visitors from the risk of infection at work.

Risk assessments must now identify how the current government Working Safely guidance can be implemented which will include the risk of Covid-19 spreading in the workplace.

To help businesses plan for the winter Stroud District Council is running a series of half-day seminars throughout the district during November and December.

The course will cover topics including;

Conducting Covid-19 risk assessments

Risk control measures for winter working

The role of vaccination, testing & Covid passes

The likelihood of Covid-19 transmission

The Government’s Plan B – what it means for businesses, event organisers and members of the public

Stroud District Council’s Leader Cllr Doina Cornell said: “One of Stroud District Council’s priorities is to support our businesses and the local economy from the impacts of Covid-19.

“These seminars will help business owners and managers to keep themselves, their employees and customers safe.”

Up to two places per business can be booked at one of the following:

Tuesday 16 November 10 am - 1pm Stroud District Council Offices, Ebley Mill, Stroud.

Wednesday 17 November 6 pm-9 pm Egypt Mill, Nailsworth.

Tuesday 23 November 10 am - 1pm Bowden Hall Hotel, Upton St Leonards.

Thursday 2 December 10 am - 1pm The Egypt Mill, Nailsworth.

Please do not just turn up for these events, places must be booked to ensure that we can provide an adequately spaced and safe environment for attendees.

The government Working Safely guidance can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19