How Government guidelines are getting UK firms back to business safely

Covid-19 secure guidelines are helping businesses take important steps on the journey back to work. Meet two British firms making the transition safely by following Governmental advice

As the restrictions of lockdown have begun to ease, many more of us are returning to the workplace. To help companies get back up and running as safely as possible, the Government has put together Covid-19 secure guidelines.

If you and your staff can’t work from home and do need to return to the workplace to do your job, employers have been introducing a range of measures to reduce the risk of infection.

Government guidelines

These include cleaning, hand washing and an increase in hygiene procedures, with hand sanitisers around the workplace. Workspaces are cleaned and disinfected more regularly, with emphasis on regularly touched surfaces.

Social distancing guidelines (2m) should also be maintained wherever possible and signage acts as a useful reminder.

It’s also recommended that workers don’t share workstations and visitors should be seen by appointment only.

What's more, the Government recommends that companies adapt staggered arrival and departure times, and employees avoid public transport if possible (see above).

Meet two UK businesses who’ve started their journey back to work, adopting the Government’s Covid-19 guidelines…

Hampton Printing, Bristol

Mike Malpas, account director Hampton Printing

Mike Malpas lives and breathes print. An account director at family-run Hampton Printing near Bristol, his day-to-day job involves high-end print clients. Not only is he usually on the road meeting people, he spends time on the shop floor and manages a team – and wanted to get back to work quickly.

“Our clients still need things printed and this can’t be done from home,” he explains. His company is currently working with the NHS to deliver potentially life-saving materials, as well as Rolls-Royce, among others.

Hampton Printing’s 32,000 square foot space is already a clean, dust-free environment, but the entire workspace had to be altered to ensure it is Covid-19-ready and safe for staff returning to work. Out of its 56 staff, 20 have now returned to work, including Malpas.

Reduced staff numbers help social distancing and, in every area of the business, there is hand sanitation, and signage about social distancing rules. Doors are also kept open so nobody touches the handles.

Hampton Printing also sanitises any paper that is delivered, then leaves it for six hours before printing to maintain high hygiene standards. The company has also retained two full-time cleaners who clean every single work surface on a daily basis.

“These measures make us all feel safe,” Malpas explains. “It feels great to be back at work and getting into a routine again.”

CHH Conex, Birmingham

Tim Hughes, managing director CHH Conex

During the Covid-19 crisis, Birmingham-based manufacturing and distribution business CHH Conex, main image, has remained open, with core staff servicing key utility and telecoms engineers. The workforce’s health and wellbeing have been a priority, however – from shielding vulnerable employees to checking in with furloughed workers.

“Financially, it would have been cheaper for the business to have furloughed and closed down entirely,” admits Tim Hughes, managing director CHH Conex. “However, we needed to keep our customers serviced. It’s not just a question of what maximises the number of pounds in your pocket – it’s what’s best for the greater good.”

Half of the team were furloughed. Those who remained have been kept safe through strict adherence to Government safety guidelines. “We emphasised and maximised hand washing and social distancing,” explains Hughes. “We put in extra hand washing materials, sanitisers and self-cleaning materials.”

Procuring and distributing PPE to its engineers was already in CHH Conex’s remit, but it’s something that has intensified. “We’ve had a real increase in demand for face masks, hand sanitisers, antibacterial wipes and sprays. Without the proper PPE, their [customers’] engineers can’t go out and do their bit,” says Hughes.

Stressing the importance of a collaborative effort, CHH Conex advises all employers to be clear and transparent with their workforces: “They’re going to be the ones who will drive business forward. Above all else, involve your team at all levels and they are part of the solution.”

For further guidance, go to Gov.uk/workingsafely​