As UK Eases COVID Rules, Businesses Concerned About Legal Liability

Businesses have been been clamoring for the government to finally reopen the UK economy. Now that face masks and social distancing will be all but dropped, they have a new set of worries.

Industry groups, big and small, largely welcomed UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s much-anticipated plan to ease COVID-19 restrictions on July 19. But there was also a healthy dollop of skepticism. Yes, it’s good news for many pubs and night clubs — but there is also the issue of liability surrounding infections in the workplace.

The reality on the ground is that the premier’s approach of learning to live with the virus, risks putting him in conflict with both businesses, who want clearly-defined rules, and big-city mayors, who see a duty to protect workers and consumers in a services-driven economy.

The danger is that a lack of rules will lead to a free-for-all attitude with virus cases rising. Tony Danker, director-general of the Confederation of…

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