I’ve not written for a few weeks and in that time we have seen the introduction of additional lockdown measures in response to a rise in coronavirus infection rates in local hotspots across the UK; and on Monday, the Government’s Chief Scientific Officer and Chief Medical Officer issued a stark warning as we reach a national tipping point in trying to halt a second wave of the virus.
The clear message was to reduce our individual risk through hands, face, space precautions; restrict the virus by isolating and contact tracing; and to break unnecessary links between households i.e. through social contacts and workplace settings.
This was a shift in approach, from the gradual easing of lockdown measures to a tightening of restrictions culminated yesterday in the Government announcing a set of additional measures. This included advice to office workers to work from home if they can; penalties for not wearing face coverings; and restrictions on the hospitality industry. The measures can be read in full here. The PM also talked about the possibility that they could remain in place for the next six months (although under constant review) and indeed these may even have to go further unless the infection rate trend reduces.
Clearly, this continues to be a time of great uncertainty, worry and frustration for many of us not least because the picture is often complicated and confusing making it difficult to feel confident in the measures being implemented and to follow them effectively.
However, our role, as it has been throughout the pandemic, is to work through the situation in the best way that we can, providing both you and our clients with consistency where there is upheaval, and clarity where there is confusion.
With that in mind, I want to confirm GC’s approach in response to the latest Government advice. We will with immediate effect revert to virtual working in all circumstances, where possible, with the following additional guidance and exceptions:
- We will continue to deliver via the workplace only those activities which cannot be delivered remotely. Therefore, if you are working at one of our sites delivering training, Education and Skills services you can continue to do so safely within the existing Covid-secure workplace guidelines we have in place.
- All other activities which can be delivered remotely should continue to be, including all staff meetings. Therefore, we are removing the team meeting facility that was recently introduced and you should revert to virtual meetings.
- You should NOT come into the workplace (except those covered by first bullet) unless you have a very specific reason, which should be approved by HR.
- Throughout August and September, we asked you to book a slot if you needed to collect belongings from your locker in Churchgate and Lee House. You are still able to do so for the rest of September by booking a slot. Before going to your locker please get your temperature checked at reception and once you've cleared your locker out you should leave your key with reception.
- Should you want to visit client sites, you can continue to do so ONLY if the client requests it and on the basis that you have confirmed they are operating a Covid-secure workplace and are comfortable to do so. However, we would still recommend that you move to a virtual setting where possible. Clearly, you should not visit a client site if you or your client are displaying any Covid-19 symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate.
By restricting our non-essential office use, which applies to the vast majority of the business, we will be maximising the impact of our existing Covid-secure workplace guidelines for those who do need to be on site i.e. by limiting workplace contacts and ensuring greater social distancing can be observed. At this point, I would like to reiterate the guidance we have put in place to protect you, your colleagues and our clients.
Finally, although the NHS lists the main symptoms (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change in your sense of smell and taste) it’s worth remembering there are a wide range of symptoms (including a fever or chills, fatigue, headache, sore throat, runny nose, vomiting and diarrhoea) that Covid-19 may cause. You may experience any of these symptoms. So, if you are feeling unwell and you think there is a chance it could be due to coronavirus please contact your manager straight away and do not come into the office.
If you have tested positive for coronavirus or have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and are awaiting a test you must self-isolate and under no circumstances should you come into the office. Here is the latest information on what you need to do to self-isolate.
We understand that the need for some staff to self-isolate over the coming months could create operational challenges for us. We are putting plans in place to mitigate those impacts and to ensure any colleagues who need to self-isolate are supported to do so. We will be issuing further guidance on this shortly.
While it is important that we continue to deliver our services where we can do so safely, your safety and wellbeing remain our top priority. Please share any worries or concerns you may have with your line manager. Remember to take some time to check in with yourself and colleague’s health and wellbeing, ask twice and remember it’s okay not to be okay. Health and wellbeing support and information is available on the Coronavirus staff hub. Please take good care of yourselves.