The government has told shoppers they are expected to wear masks even after the legal requirement ends on 'Freedom Day'.
New guidance has been published on workplace safety for when most restrictions end on Monday (July 19).
But the document has been described as a 'real mess' by union leaders who say the government has not consulted with them.
The guidance says the government 'expects and recommends' masks be worn by workers and customers in crowded, enclosed spaces as the work from home order ends.
Table service is recommended to continue in bars, while pubs, restaurants and nightclubs are encouraged to check vaccine and testing status as a condition of entry through the NHS Covid Pass.
This comes after Andy Burnham announced yesterday that masks will remain compulsory on Metrolink trams and in Manchester Airport after the law ends.
"We are still in a pandemic and we need to think in terms of collective safety rather than individual freedom or personal responsibility," Mr Burnham said.
Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan also said mask-use would be enforced on the capital’s public transport as a 'condition of carriage' and metro mayors for West Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region, North of Tyne, West of England and South Yorkshire said they would require or encourage the use of masks on their transport networks where their powers allowed it.
Boris Johnson previously suggested so-called vaccine passports would only be recommended in 'nightclubs and other venues with large crowds'.
Both unions and employers criticised the guidance for Step 4 of the Prime Minister’s plan to end the lockdown, with the TUC calling it a 'recipe for chaos and rising infections'.
Paddy Lillis, the general secretary of the shop union Usdaw, said: “We are very disappointed that the Government has not consulted broadly with unions and employers on this guidance.
“So what they have now published, just a few days before it comes into force, provides no assurances for staff or employers. It is a real mess.
“Protection for retail workers through wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing in busy public areas like shops should be backed up by the law.”
Dr Roger Barker, policy director at the Institute of Directors, said bosses are 'understandably confused' as he criticised 'a series of mixed messages and patchwork requirements'.
“Return to work or continue to stay at home. Throw away your masks or continue to wear them. Today’s long-awaited guidance from Government has done little to dispel that confusion,” he said.
Sainsbury's said it would encourage customers to continue wearing masks in its shops, with the workplace guidance on masks stating it does not just apply to staff.
“Face coverings are no longer required by law,” it adds.
“However, the Government expects and recommends that people continue to wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces.”
The guidance also applies to offices, factories, construction sites and close contact services such as hairdressers.
Masks are to remain mandatory in Scotland and Wales.
