Dear all,
Some of you may be wondering how the new COVID-19 restrictions will impact you following the recent update from the UK Prime Minister.
The ASCO COVID Task Force has been clear that we will follow local Government advice in terms of restrictions. This means that in Scotland we will follow the Scottish Government's advice and in England we will follow the UK Government's advice.
It would have been easier if the information regarding the restrictions and approach to the pandemic were more aligned so companies with business in Scotland and England had clear guidelines to follow but unfortunately, we are not able to influence this.
Scotland follows the 5 alert levels COVID-19 Scotland’s Strategic Framework while England has a Tiered approach and will enter a full lockdown from Thursday.
What does that mean for ASCO employees in Scotland and England?
- The new guidelines do not impact operational staff. This group should continue to operate as they have been since the start of the pandemic, continuing to follow all of the safety guidance, maintaining social distance, frequent handwashing and wearing face coverings, where and when required.
- All customer visits to our bases and sales visits to customer sites should stop and return to utilising virtual platforms e.g. Team calls. If a site visit is required by a member of staff or by a customer then approval, following a full risk assessment, must be given by the local General Manager.
- Office based staff should all return to working from home if they can. If anyone has requested working from the office due to challenges of working from home then please check with your line manager if this can continue. Managers are required to review the necessity of all workers being on site and reducing all but essential on-site personnel.
- Toolbox Talks and safety talks continue as normal whilst following all of the safety precautions put in place. Health and safety advisors are classified as essential workers and will be expected to continue site visits.
- We do not intend to make use of the furlough scheme following the recent reduction in headcount. However, we will continue to keep this under review depending on customer activity and the length of time that restrictions are kept in place.
All of the measures mentioned above are effective from Thursday 5th November and remain in place until 2nd December, subject to further Government announcements.
Thank you all for your understanding, patience and flexibility as we continue to fight against this health disaster and thank you for continuing to follow the rules, protecting yourselves, your colleagues and your families and friends during this challenging period.
Stay safe,
Peter France