I hope you were able to have a good break and some time with loved ones, although I know many will have had to forgo this to a time later this year.
As we welcome the new year we face two countervailing drives; one positive with the welcome news of the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine approval, set alongside the need for additional vigilance as Covid-19 and the new more infectious variant has again raised the number of people infected and placing significant strain on the NHS.
As you will be aware, the majority of England is now under Tier 4 restrictions in a bid to halt the rapidly rising level of Covid-19 infections across the country. Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Warrington and Cheshire have been placed in the tighter Tier 4 Stay at Home restrictions, whilst Liverpool City Region, Sheffield City Region and West Yorkshire are in Tier 3 Very High Alert Level. You can read more about the Tier 3 restrictions here and Tier 4 restrictions here.
Whilst we await the next iteration of the Government’s response we have to make our own judgements as to what additional precautions we can reasonably take in the current circumstances. We know that the risk of transmission can be substantially reduced if Covid-19 secure guidelines are followed closely and I’m setting out below some key messages and alterations to our current work practices, which will remain in place until further notice:
- Everyone employed by the Growth Company who can work effectively from home should do so.
- All internal face-to-face meetings are to be cancelled, and anyone who was planning on using our meeting facilities should revert to remote working with immediate effect.
- All non-essential face-to-face client visits will cease (if you believe this is required please speak to your line manager).
- Where we have allowed (the very few) colleagues to come into the office, the wearing of face masks will be mandatory and these will be provided. Also these colleagues are asked to utilise the maximum space available to them rather than adopt the minimum space standard of 2m.
- You are reminded that if you are required to come into the workplace you will need to sign in and register at the front desk and must read our Covid-secure guidelines first. You should also familiarise yourself with the latest transport guidance. You can read the guidance for Tier 3 here and Tier 4 here.
Changes to our Educational Provision
In line with the latest Government rules we must revert to remote delivery of our educational services for secondary age and older group. We are adhering to national Department for Education guidelines and the vast majority of our learning will be delivered remotely until further notice. However, it is mandatory to be open for vulnerable learners so our training centres will remain open for them. We have communicated with colleagues, learners and employers affected and will keep everyone updated on when we foresee our centres being re-opened in line with Government updates. Your line manager will be in touch with more information if you are directly impacted, and I would urge you to speak to them if you have any concerns.
The non-return of schools – impact on colleagues
The Government has confirmed that the majority of primary school children will return to school this week, while secondary schools and colleges will continue to provide remote education for exam years and face-to face education for vulnerable and critical worker children. However, we know that some decisions are being taken locally which may impact you. If you have been advised by your child’s school that they will not be returning this week, please speak to your line manager about ways in which you can be supported.
I trust you appreciate the logic for making these prompt changes to our working practices which as always seek to strike the right balance between your and client safety, commissioner requirements and viability of the organisation. Please also remember to make use of the support that is available to you and if you have any concerns reach out to your line manager.
Stay safe and well.