Covid-19 spot checks on businesses in North West Leicestershire are continuing despite last week's lockdown easing.

As more businesses re-open, North West Leicestershire District Council is continuing to work with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to carry out spot checks and inspections on local businesses.

The re-opening of the economy means that the opportunity for Covid-19 to spread is increased substantially, so it is critical that businesses should not become complacent.

They still need to have Covid-secure measures in place.

Spot checks and inspections are carried out via calls and visits to all types of businesses to check that measures they have put in place to manage the risk from coronavirus are in line with current guidance.

This includes businesses that have continued to operate throughout the pandemic, those that have recently reopened and those due to open in the coming weeks.

Angela Storey, Director of Transformation and Operational Services at HSE, said: "As we come out of lockdown, we are continuing to work with local authorities to check businesses are COVID-secure and providing guidance and advice where needed.

"Our spot checks and inspections support the cross-government work in helping employers and employees that have worked throughout the pandemic and those returning as lockdown measures ease.

"All workplaces are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check from HSE or an inspection from NWLDC to check they are COVID-secure.

"If you are contacted by the HSE or the district council, please engage with us.

"By checking businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of local communities as well as support the local and national UK economy."

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West District Council, said: "We will be talking to local businesses and visiting and inspecting sites across the district to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.

"All business should have Covid-secure measures in place. It is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus.

"This means making business adjustments to be Covid-secure. We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.

"As changes come throughout the next few months and businesses reopen, our responsibility is to make sure that all measures continue to be taken to keep workers safe as they return to the workplace."

You can ensure your workplace is safe by following the guidance on being Covid-secure.

Further information on spot checks and inspections is available on the HSE website.