In the light of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the Government has published some National Mourning Guidance, which can be accessed here.
Reacting to the information, Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), (pictured) said the key part was this: “There is no obligation on organisations to suspend business during the National Mourning period.
“Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses.
“Public services will continue as usual, although there may be some changes to service availability. Further guidance on any potential considerations relating to the day of the State Funeral will be issued if needed.”.
At this stage, said the BRC, there are no further details, such as whether the State Funeral will be a public holiday (planning assumption is that it will not be), the date of the funeral (possibly Sunday September 18 or Monday September 19), or locations that will be affected. Further details will be announced by the Royal Household.Following the death of the Queen, the BRC issued a list of considerations for its members.
Regarding employees, the information said:
- Update employees with information from Government and the company’s approach to the period of mourning and funeral.
- Consider the wishes of colleagues to attend memorial services during work hours. Veterans or Reservists in your business may wish to take part in events and decisions will need to be made relating to leave for this purpose.
- Consider opening a book of condolence for employees at key sites.
- Employees may wish to wear badges, armbands etc as a sign of mourning so businesses should have considered their position on this in advance.
- Consider needs of colleagues who do not wish, for whatever reason, to participate in national mourning.
Considerations for stores to take into account are:
- Union flags and national flags lowered to half-mast, and all other flags removed.
- Turn off music / switch to appropriate playlist.• Pause in-store promotions / product demonstrations that could be deemed not in keeping with the national mood.
- Adhere to national minute’s silence (as expected to be announced by Government on the day).
