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9 Jul 2025

A recent BBC Breakfast segment has sparked backlash from the cycling community over its portrayal of e-bikes, with critics accusing the broadcaster of conflating legal e-bikes with illegal,...

8 Jul 2025

More than 30 locations across Scotland have seen a major rise in the number of people cycling, according to newly released data.

7 Jul 2025

Sixteen illegally upgraded e-bikes capable of speeds up to 40mph have been seized and disposed of in a joint enforcement operation in Birmingham city centre.

7 Jul 2025

Bristol-based Cytech training provider and ACT member Life Cycle has launched its award-winning Bikes Beyond Bars programme at HMP Bullingdon, expanding a project that has already impacted lives...

4 Jul 2025

New data from Strava reveals a major surge in cycling across the UK, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge.

3 Jul 2025

Shimano has launched an urgent investigation into what it describes as a “critical” shortage of skilled bike mechanics across Europe, warning that the situation threatens to...

2 Jul 2025

MPs have called on Amazon and eBay to tighten controls after e-bikes and chargers flagged as serious fire risks were found for sale on their platforms.

25 Jun 2025

The E-Bike Positive campaign has seen major success in the first half of 2025, with its message reaching nearly 8 million people across the UK through high-profile media coverage and growing...

20 Jun 2025

The House of Commons Business and Trade Committee has asked the ACT, and its parent company Bira, to help them reach out to small business retailers across the country, for their quick input on...

20 Jun 2025

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.
 

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Working safely during COVID-19 in shops and branches

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Retail The government has recently issued new guidance to help businesses in the UK to get back up and running and workplaces operating as safely as possible. The guidance is broken down according to type of workplace rather than sector, with eight sets of guidelines in total, so it is important that businesses understand that they may need to look at several publications according to their particular circumstances.

IRC member ACS has summarised the specific guidance for shops on working safely. The full Government guidance on working safely during COVID-19 in shops and branches can be found here.

Thinking About Risk

  • All employers should carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment. You could use the Health and Safety Executive Shop Risk Assessment Tool.
  • As part of your assessment, consider whether any employees are especially vulnerable to Covid-19.
  • Share the results of your risk assessment with employees. Display this notice in shops to demonstrate compliance.

Who should go to work?

 

Social Distancing at Work

  • Follow social distancing guidelines to keep 2 metres about wherever possible.
  • Where social distancing guidelines cannot always be met, take mitigating actions where possible. For example, increasing handwashing and installing screens at tills.
  • You could also; introduce floor markings and signage, minimise contacts around transactions and use outside spaces for employee breaks to promote social distancing.

 

Managing Your Customers, Visitors and Contractors

  • To minimise contact you could limit the number of customers in store and implement queue management or one-way flow systems.
  • In-store cafes should continue to be closed unless selling food for consumption off the premises.
  • You should provide clear signage and guidance on social distancing and hygiene policies on arrival.

Cleaning the Workplace

  • Ensure air conditioning systems do not reduce ventilation levels during lower occupancy periods.
  • Frequently clean objects and surfaces that are touched regularly and workspaces at the end of shifts.
  • Provide hand sanitiser and regular reminders and signage to maintain hygiene standards.

 

PPE and Face Coverings

  • Do not encourage the precautionary use of PPE, which is extremely limited for providing additional protection.
  • Face coverings (not face masks) can be marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure for infected individuals who are asymptomatic.
  • Employees cannot be required to wear face coverings. If used, face coverings should be washed daily.

 

Workforce Management

  • Create distinct groups of workers to minimise the number of contacts each colleague has.
  • Minimise person-to-person contact during deliveries and minimise contact during exchange of documentation.
  • Clearly communicate changes in workplace policies and procedures, avoiding face-to-face interactions where possible.

Inbound and Outbound Goods

  • Consider whether the frequency of deliveries can be reduced by ordering in larger quantities less often.
  • Where possible, have a single colleague load or unload vehicles or using consistent pairs of colleagues where required.
  • Encourage drivers to stay in vehicles during the exchange of goods.

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