The government has issued new guidelines for farm workers as coronavirus restrictions begin easing to make sure workplaces are as safe as possible.

There are specific steps detailed for farm workers, including seasonal labourers, to help protect them from the risk of coronavirus.

The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) has summarised the 31-page document into nine key steps. They are:

1. Assessing the risk

2. Who can work?

3. Implementing social distancing

4. Managing common areas

5. Managing external visitors

6. Provide signage

7. Implement frequent cleaning

8. Use of personal protective equipment and masks coverings

9. Managing goods arriving and leaving the farm

RABDF managing director Matt Knight said: “While cases of coronavirus continue to drop, as an employer, you have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety.

“This means you need to think about the risks they face and do everything reasonably practicable to minimise them, recognising you cannot completely eliminate the risk of coronavirus.

“It is important all employers and employees follow the guidelines to safeguard themselves and their workers.

"This includes protecting contractors such as those coming onto the farm during the silage season and trying to implement social distancing where possible.”

Details on the nine steps can be found on the RABDF website.