Latest News from BPCA

23 March 2020

Can I go to work? Guidance for pest management professionals

Last night (23 March 2020), the Government announced further measures to stop the spread of Covid 19. 

Can i go to work pest management covid 19 BPCA

The announcement means that UK Citizens can only leave home for one of the following four reasons:

  • “Shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
  • One form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle - alone or with members of your household.
  • Any medical need, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person.
  • Travelling to and from work, but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home (Our emphasis)”.

Source: gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others

The guidance is very clear that you can continue to go to work if you cannot do your work from home. Most professional pest management cannot be done from home.

The guidance does NOT state that only key workers can travel to work. 

To be clear, at present pest management professionals can go to work during the Government’s partial lockdown. 

Update: Key worker status confirmed by UK government (13 April 2020).

Following extensive lobbying by BPCA and CEPA, pest management has been confirmed as an essential sector during the Covid-19 pandemic by George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

According to Defra, pest management is covered in the key worker list under the "food and necessary goods" section, specifically concerning hygiene.

But should you go to work?

This is a business decision that only you and your client can make on a case-by-case basis. BPCA cannot make this decision for you. 

We have developed a thought tree, to help you decide if you should go on a job.

See the BPCA guidance Should I keep trading/go out on a job?

Still not sure if you should go to work?

If you’re a BPCA member, contact our Technical team for support.

technical@bpca.org.uk  

This article is not a replacement for the guidance given by medical professionals nor official advice provided by the UK Government on Covid-19. You must always follow the latest Government advice on Covid 19. 

Source: Online

Highlights View all news

29 September 2025

Latest news

BPCA to launch pest careers hub: your help needed

BPCA is preparing to launch a brand-new online hub to showcase careers in pest management – and members are being asked to get involved.

Read more

01 September 2025

Latest news

Policy Watch: New rules on wages, contracts and vehicles explained

Rosina Robson, Chief Executive of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), outlines key policy changes on the horizon that could affect pest management companies and technicians.

Read more

27 August 2025

Latest news

BPCA challenges failings in glue trap legislation 

BPCA has stepped up its campaign to fix the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 after new undercover footage showed retailers still selling and advising on the illegal use of glue traps. 

Read more
Latest View all news

02 October 2025

Latest news

BPCA completes HSE consultation on anticoagulant rodenticides

BPCA has submitted a detailed response to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) consultation on the future of anticoagulant rodenticides (AVKs), ensuring the voice of professional pest management is fully represented.

Read more

29 September 2025

Latest news

New Codes of Best Practice for working animals in pest management published

BPCA has released two new Codes of Best Practice (CoBPs): 'Birds of Prey in Pest Management' and 'Working Dogs in Pest Management'.

Read more

29 September 2025

Latest news

BPCA wins national recognition for inclusion work

BPCA EDI Committee has been recognised at the Memcom Awards 2025, receiving a Highly Commended award for Best Inclusion Initiative.

Read more