The Government announced at the weekend that national restrictions would be put in place to tackle the rapidly rising COVID-19 case numbers. As you’ll be aware, these restrictions came into force yesterday until the Wednesday 2nd December, and require that we stay at home and avoid meeting people we do not live with (except for a small number of specific/essential purposes), and that a number of businesses must close (including non-essential retail, hospitality venues, leisure and sports facilities etc.). The Government has stated that this will be for a 4 week period to be followed by a return to the regional tiered approach. As we have seen on numerous occasions, the Government’s plans have been changed, and I will write nearer the time when we have more certainty on the Government's next steps after this initial 4 week period.
The support measures which have been announced by Government are welcomed, such as the extension of the Job Retention Scheme (furlough) until March 2021, grants for the self-employed, and the extension of loan schemes such as Bounce Back Loans and the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Despite this support, this period will undoubtedly be difficult for many businesses and individuals, therefore the advice, guidance and support that GC provides will continue to be paramount.
I wanted to take the opportunity to confirm that the national restrictions now in place do not significantly alter our existing approach. We will continue to work virtually and only those activities which cannot be delivered remotely (e.g. activity within our training/skills centres) will continue in the workplace, acknowledging that there will be less demand from some of our customers/clients for delivery in person. Our reception in Lee House will be closed for the next 4 weeks while the national restrictions are in place. If you need to come into Lee House, please remember to bring your ID card to access the building.
You should not come into any of our offices or training centres unless there is a very specific reason for doing so. For anyone that does have a genuine requirement to be in the workplace, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of following social distancing measures for your own protection and that of others, as it has come to my attention that these measures are not always being followed. We all have a responsibility for reducing the spread of infection and for taking care of one another during this time. Please do stop and think about your surroundings and make sure you are keeping a safe distance.