Covid spot checks are to be carried out in Ashby and North West Leicestershire to make sure business premises are following the current government guidelines.

And they could face prosecution if they do not comply.

North West Leicestershire District Council has joined forces with the Health and Safety Executive to carry out the inspections.

The checks will be carried out to provide businesses with advice and guidance to help tackle the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) and protect workers, customers and visitors.

In the event of businesses not following guidelines, the district council says immediate action will be taken which could include providing advice, issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, they could face prosecution.

To ensure premises are Covid-secure, the council adds businesses need to put adjustments in place to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus.

For further information on how to manage the risk of coronavirus in different sectors, businesses are advised to read the Government guidance.

The council says it will also work with the Health and Safety Executive to support the understanding of any patterns in confirmed coronavirus cases in North West Leicestershire.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for community services at North West Leicestershire District Council said: "We are talking to local businesses and inspecting sites in and around North West Leicestershire to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.

"Being Covid-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in the district - it is a legal duty to protect workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus.

"We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community."

HSE and local authority inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of sectors that include failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing, and failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime particularly at busy times of the day.

Councillor Woodman 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. By making sure that businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of the local community as well as support the local and national UK economy."

For the latest information and safer business guidance, see www.gov.uk.