The safety of our clients and staff is of paramount importance to us at Hughes Solicitors, which is why we are introducing the wearing of face coverings at our offices, in line with new Government guidelines.
The law is expanding the number of places that members of the public will be required to wear face coverings to include premises providing professional, legal, or financial services.
Click here to read the new Government guidelines on face coverings.
We ask that clients bring their own face coverings where possible when attending meetings at our offices, but the Hughes team will be happy to provide you with one if you forget.
Exemptions from wearing a face covering
The law does provide for some situations and exemptions where people do not have to wear a face covering. This includes (but is not limited to):
- young children under the age of 11;
- those who are not able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability;
- if putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress;
- if you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate;
- to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others;
- to avoid injury, or to escape a risk of harm, and you do not have a face covering with you;
- to eat or drink if reasonably necessary;
- in order to take medication; or
- if a police officer or other official requests you remove your face covering.
There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering when asked, such as for identification purposes.
Our response to the Covid-19 pandemic
We would like to reassure our clients and contacts that we are still hard at work providing legal advice and handling your instructions.
Face coverings are not currently required to be worn by staff, but they will continue to follow guidance.
If you have any queries or concerns, please contact us on 01782 577000.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.