Covering up in CSPs
Following recent communications that all colleagues who work in our Customer Service Points (CSPs) are required to wear a face covering, updated guidance has been made available by the UK Government.
In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where adequate protective screens are in place between colleagues and members of the public in our CSPs, there is no requirement for colleagues to wear a face covering.
The below updated guidance is available:
There is currently no updated guidance for colleagues in Wales, so those working in a CSP in Wales must continue to wear a face covering at all times. Any future changes to guidance will be communicated.
In the context of the pandemic, a face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth, such as a mask. These remain available to all colleagues. A personal scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering would qualify as a face covering, but these must securely fit around the side of the face.
Face coverings are largely intended to protect others, not the wearer, against the spread of infection because they cover the nose and mouth. Guidance on wearing a face covering is available here.
Face visors have also been made available for colleagues who wish to wear them as an additional control in other non-mandatory workplace settings. Wearing a visor on its own is not permitted as they are not classified as face coverings. The visors can be ordered through the uniform online ordering portal and come in packs of 12.
Visors should be wiped clean with a sanitiser wipe or soap and water before and after use. All wipes should be disposed of in line with existing guidelines. Visors should be replaced if visibility becomes obscured or steaming up increases due to wear or cleaning. Visors should be named and not shared between colleagues.
