Face-to-face research has started to resume after being paused in March. The MRS issued new guidance on face-to-face activities earlier in the summer.

This week, governments across the UK announced new rules on social gatherings of more than six people, in response to rising infection rates.

In an email to members, Jane Frost, chief executive of MRS, said: “In the light of the government’s new instructions on gatherings, MRS continued advice is that face-to-face data collection can only take place on the doorstep, with suitable social distancing measures, and not in people’s homes. 

“Whilst we recognise that some of the lockdown measures have been eased, we believe that the current restriction, of on the doorstep, should remain in place. This position has been reinforced by the evolving situation in the UK, particularly the recent increase in infection rates, the increasing number of local lockdowns and the continued uncertainty of what the autumn and winter may bring.”

MRS will continue to monitor the situation and update members if the advice changes. The guidance can be found on the MRS website.