Sunderland businesses threatened with prosecution if they flout Covid regulations

City businesses have been threatened with prosecution if they are found flouting coronavirus regulations.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Failure to enforce social distancing or carry out cleaning regimes are among the most common issues being found at firms.

And it has prompted Sunderland City Council to team up with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure bosses are sticking to the rules.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Being Covid-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in Sunderland,” said Graeme Miller, leader of the city council.

City businesses have been threatened with prosecution if they are found flouting coronavirus regulations.City businesses have been threatened with prosecution if they are found flouting coronavirus regulations.
City businesses have been threatened with prosecution if they are found flouting coronavirus regulations.

“It’s a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from Covid.

“But where businesses are not managing this or don’t appear to be trying, we will take immediate action.

“This could range from providing specific advice and issuing enforcement notices to stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, it could lead to prosecution.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

All shops, hairdressers, gyms and other venues are expected to be allowed to reopen from April 12, while pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors.

City businesses have been threatened with prosecution if they are found flouting coronavirus regulations.City businesses have been threatened with prosecution if they are found flouting coronavirus regulations.
City businesses have been threatened with prosecution if they are found flouting coronavirus regulations.

Ahead of this Wearside’s environmental health officers and officers from the HSE are expected to begin contacting firms to check they have measures in place to ensure compliance with Covid regulations.

Businesses have also been told they could be subject to spot inspections to monitor whether these are being followed.

A common issue already found by HSE assessor is rules, particularly around cleaning, not being adhered to at peak times.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Cllr Miller said: “We are going to be talking to local businesses as we have done throughout the pandemic, and visiting and inspecting sites across the city to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.

Sunderland Covid Enforcement 2 Source: Sunderland City CouncilSunderland Covid Enforcement 2 Source: Sunderland City Council
Sunderland Covid Enforcement 2 Source: Sunderland City Council

“Being Covid-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in Sunderland.

He added: “All businesses are in scope for spot checks, which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check to ensure they are Covid-secure.

“Making sure businesses have measures in place to manage the risks is important to our communities, as well as supporting the local and national economy.”

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.

Related topics: