Reopening Offices:
Manchester Business Guidance

Updated 1 July

As Manchester reopens across sectors, public health and social distancing measures are in place across the city centre to protect and support businesses, workers, and visitors.

CityCo and Manchester BID continue to support to our membership networks and the wider business community. We are working in liaison with Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester, Greater Manchester Police, The Growth Company, Marketing Manchester, Manchester’s homelessness charity network Street Support, and other statutory and professional bodies to help ensure a safe return to business.

Offices

Current Status

• Some offices in Manchester city centre are now opening with a managed capacity
• Many office buildings are seeking to open fully around September

Recommended Ops Checklist

• Produce a Risk Assessment
• Update Health & Safety policies
• Prepare workspaces to support social distancing e.g. use of tape, vinyls, signage, screens, sanitising stations
• Focus on cleansing regimes
• Consider safety of Entry & Exit, e.g. queue management in and outside
• Consider ‘contactless’ entry and where not, ensure sanitisation is provided
• Consider HVAC and lift systems
• Consider fire evacuation plans for social distancing and dispersal to avoid crowding
• Consider changing use of shared spaces and common areas
• Consider encouraging staff off-peak travel and flexible working
• Consider long term ‘working from home’ support
• Consider Cyber Security of working from home staff
• Be transparent: train and engage staff with new protocols

Useful Links

• GOV.UK Offices – working safely during coronavirus
• GOV. UK – cleaning of non-healthcare settings
• GOV, UK – ‘We confirm we have complied with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19’ – Poster
• CPNI – covid-19 workplace actions

Partner Reopening Guides

• Bruntwood.co.uk/helping-you-get-back-to-the-office.pdf

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