Cheshire East Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure businesses are 'Covid-secure' ahead of reopening next month.

The council says it will continue to offer advice and guidance but would take "immediate action" against firms that are not following the public health measures.

The council and the HSE are also working alongside public health colleagues to support the understanding of any patterns in confirmed coronavirus cases in the area.

Being Covid-secure means that businesses need to put adjustments in place to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: said: "We are talking to local businesses and visiting and inspecting sites all over the borough to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity.

"Becoming Covid-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in Cheshire East. 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 become Covid-secure. We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community."

The council says the HSE and local authority inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of sectors that include: failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing, and failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime, particularly at busy times of the day.

Councillor Warren added: "All businesses are in scope for spot checks, which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check to ensure they are Covid-secure.

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