
The MRS have published Guidance Steps to ISO 20252
https://www.mrs.org.uk/resources/mrs-guidance-steps-to-iso-20252
The MRS have published Guidance Steps to ISO 20252
https://www.mrs.org.uk/resources/mrs-guidance-steps-to-iso-20252
In challenging times like the current ones, it is good to know that there is a helping hand to provide support where needed. The Market Research Business Association (MRBA) works to provide financial assistance and advice to individual colleagues in the UK who are in need. The MRBA provides help in a respectful, sensitive, and confidential manner.
The IQCS and many IQCS member companies are proud sponsors of the MRBA. Their mission is to provide financial relief, assistance and support to people from our industry, and to their dependents where appropriate, who are experiencing financial distress so they can get their lives back on track.
If you know someone working in market research who would benefit from getting in touch with the MRBA, please pass on their web site details. https://mrba.org.uk/
Here is an update on MRS’ guidance on social distancing, facial coverings and vaccinations following the various government announcements about arrangements after 19 July 2021.
The MRS Standards Team are currently reviewing all the guidance to update it with the new requirements. However, to help you prepare for the changes, the Standards team have prepared a summary of the current MRS position:
Social distancing and facial coverings
Whilst facial coverings are no longer required by law in England, the UK Government ‘expects and recommends’ that people continue to wear face coverings in enclosed and crowded spaces. The Scottish, Welsh and Irish Governments continue to require the use of facial coverings as do some public transport networks such as Transport for London.
Pre-data collection
Recruitment
During Data Collection
Data Collection in Viewing Facilities
Covid-19 Vaccinations
The Covid-19 vaccination and employment issue is complex. In the UK having a Covid-19 vaccination is not mandatory. An employer may make it a condition of employment to require someone who is not vaccinated to declare they have not been Covid-19 vaccinated and to provide a reason. However, to exclude or treat an individual differently on the criteria of whether or not they have had a Covid-19 vaccine could be defined as discriminating against such individuals.
There are a number of reasons why individuals may not be vaccinated including access to the vaccines, philosophical beliefs, religious beliefs, health and medical conditions including pregnancy and allergies to vaccine ingredients.
In the UK the Equality Act lists a number of protected characteristics and this includes religious or ethical beliefs, disabilities (which can include allergic issues) and also those who are pregnant. Depending on the reason for not taking the vaccine could determine whether such legislation could apply.
There are also a number of issues to consider with regards to mandatory vaccination. Employers cannot forcibly vaccinate employees or potential employees unless they work in a sector (such as care homes) where a legal requirement has been introduced. Conversely, employers do have responsibilities to protect workers and employees.
A number of organisations have produced employer guidance on vaccinations and we recommend these are reviewed if and when organisations are determining their corporate approach to vaccines:
In-home data collection
The Standards team are also working on guidance for the resumption of in-home face-to-face data collection. The current plan is for in-home to resume from September assuming that the UK Government continues with its revised timetable for easing restrictions. This approach ensures that we have extra time to see how the post-easing of restrictions performs before committing to a full roll-out of in-home face-to-face data collection.
If you have any queries about the MRS Code or any of the MRS’ Covid-19 guidance please contact the MRS Standards Team via the MRS Codeline service.