New Lockdown Restrictions: What Do They Mean? And How To Stay Proactive Whilst Furloughed

Boris Johnson is set to address the nation today, introducing a new traffic light system which could see thousands of bars and restaurants shut if the infection rates continue to rise. 

The proposed plan, which is made up of a three-tier system, will see restrictions tighten based on the infection rates for certain areas. 

If your area is in Tier One, it means there is fewer than 100 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of the population. As the ‘baseline tier’ it will mean areas will maintain current social restrictions, this means pubs and restaurants will continue having a 10pm curfew, people will only be able to socialise in groups of six or less and current social distancing restrictions will remain. 

Areas in Tier Two will mean there are above 100 cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 of the population. This will see restrictions tighten, with social contact in homes and gardens banned. Whilst visits to care homes will be limited. 

Areas who come under Tier Three will endure the toughest restriction, which are triggered when there are significantly higher rates of infection. Residents will have to endure similar measures to the UK’s previous lockdown in March. Households would be forced to isolate, and social contact with anyone outside your bubble would be banned. It has also been suggested that pubs, bars, restaurants and leisure businesses would also be forced to shut. 

So where does this leave the UK job market? Well, it raises the prospect of thousands more people put on furlough or even made unemployed if the hospitality industry does take a hit. This could come at a stressful time for many workers, as they will be forced to live on 2/3’s of their usual wage in the lead up to Christmas. 

While the prospect of another lockdown is difficult pill to swallow, it doesn’t mean your journey up the career ladder has to stop there. Now could be the perfect opportunity to develop a plan for your future. Obviously, setting goals for the future can be tough, especially when it seems like coronavirus will never leave. However, identifying your future goals can not only be a great way to visualise your targets, but it can also help you to focus on what you’re putting your energy into. 

Still want to develop and upskill? Look up professionals in your industry that you want to emulate, what have they got on their CV that you haven’t? What are they doing differently to other people? What are they doing that you could do better? By creating a visual plan you’re setting yourself up for the future which will give you the upper hand in the job market against future competitors. 

Which is why now could be the best opportunity for you to take up an online qualification. Not only are the qualifications FREE, but they’re a brilliant way to upskill for an industry you’re looking to enter.  

The AIM Group’s offers an array of FREE level 2 Qualifications ranging from mental health to digital skills, they’re a great way to stand out to potential employers and show that you’re willing to go the extra mile.