Who should be going into work during UK lockdown? - Your questions answered

In his statement on Monday, March 23, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said you should not be leaving the house unless it is for a number of “essential” reasons.

Mr Johnson said one is these reasons is that people can “travel to and from work, but only where this is absolutely necessary and cannot be done from home."

Following the announcement, there has been confusion about what professions can leave the house to go to work.

We look to answer any questions that you may have following the PM’s speech.

Can I still go to work?

Mr Johnson did not put a ban on people leaving the house to go to work.

However, he did say that this work had to be “absolutely necessary” and could not be done from home.

If you are classed as a “key worker” then you are still allowed to work “on site”.

What professions are classed as “key workers”?

Here are some of the professions that the government classes as “key workers” during the coronavirus outbreak:

Frontline health service workers.

All emergency services including the armed forces and prison staff.

Local and national government workers that deliver essential public services.

Workers who are included in food production, distribution, sale and delivery.

Those who provide public transport across the air, water, road and railways.

Postal and waste disposal workers.

What about those working in housing, construction and building maintenance?

Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government tweeted yesterday (March, 23) saying: “If you can work from home, do so.

“If you are working on site, you can continue to do so, but follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing.”

In a press conference on Tuesday, March 24, Health Secretary Matt Hancock backed up the advice, saying: “construction workers can continue to go to work as long as they could remain two metres apart at all times.”

What about takeaways and food deliveries?

Mr Jenrick also tweeted about this, saying: “These can continue.

“Please follow Public Health England guidance on social distancing - including not inviting customers inside to wait.”

He recommended that orders should be taken via phone calls.

What should you do if your employer hasn’t gave any guidelines on if you should come into work?

Government advice is to stay at home if you have been working onsite and your employer hasn’t said whether to come into work or not.

They are also advising that you should contact your employer as soon as you can, to ensure that any confusion is removed.

Can I work from home?

As an employee, you are entitled by law to request flexible working and could be used to ask to work from home where possible.

Given the serious nature of the government’s instructions, most employers should accept your request.