The Welsh Government has clarified how meat processors are to interpret new law which require them and other businesses to take “all reasonable measures” to ensure that a distance of 2 meters is maintained between individuals on the business premises. The situation was addressed in plenary after Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, highlighted the fact that butchers and meat processors need detail as to what reasonable measures might be.
Regulation 6A came in to force this week, and requires the person responsible for work being carried out at any place (when such work is being carried out during the emergency period and so long as the premises are not the premises of a business or service listed in Schedule 1) to take all reasonable measures to ensure that a distance of 2 metres is maintained between persons on the premises (unless the persons are members of the same household or are a carer and the person being cared for).
After the virtual plenary session, Janet said:
“I welcome the introduction of the new regulations as they should help keep our essential workers safe from COVID-19.
“Social distancing is essential at this time, so I am pleased that the health of employees and employers have been considered this week.
“However, there is a big hole in the new regulations as they ask businesses to ‘take all reasonable measures’.
“As I know having spoken to butchers and meat processors this week, it would be impossible for them to operate certain production lines and provide a two meter gap, so was it the Welsh Government’s wish for them to close?
“Fearing that some food production could grind to a halt, I was pleased to seek clarity from the Minister as to how the regulations should be interpreted.
“From her response it seems that she accepts that there are some business areas which cannot be made any bigger, which leaves me understanding that our meat processors need to make a reasonable effort to provide the two meter gap, but if impossible, do all they can in terms of personal protective equipment.
“We need food to live, and we should be buying local where possible, so I don’t want to see local butchers having to scale down their businesses at this or any other time”.
ENDS
Notes:
Question by Janet Finch-Saunders AM:
In light of the new Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations that came into force yesterday, will you clarify what the Welsh Government regards as reasonable measures to be undertaken by butchers attempting to meet the need to ensure that a distance of 2 metres is maintained between persons on their premises?
Response from Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs:
Before I move to the next question, Llywydd, I just realised I didn't answer Janet Finch-Saunders around the 2m rule, and clearly, for food businesses—certainly, meat processors raised their concerns with me last week, which I made representations about. But I'm sure you will appreciate all workplaces have a role in stopping the spread of coronavirus, and they are taking a proportionate approach. We would hope that all such places were taking a proportionate approach, and I know many businesses have halved—not halved the number of workers, but made sure that the space is bigger. In some areas, you can't do it. So, for instance, a dentist could never be 2m away from a patient, and I think that's a very good example of a reasonable measure.
