ACAS have advised the below points around how employers should consider some simple steps to help protect the health and safety of everyone during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

It's good practice for employers to:

• keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace
• make sure everyone's contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date
• consider extra precautions for staff who might be more vulnerable, for example if someone is pregnant, aged 70 or over, or has a long-term health condition
• make sure managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on any relevant processes, for example sickness reporting and sick pay, and procedures in case someone in the workplace shows symptoms of the virus
• make sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap, and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly
• provide hand sanitiser and tissues for staff, and encourage them to use them

Red Box are taking the outbreak very seriously and will be remotely working wherever possible. We are arranging alternatives to avoid close contact during our tender management projects and will be looking to ensure all our clients have the best advice when it comes to cleaning and catering contingencies. 

We always offer a free helpline to all our monitoring and tender clients, however in these extremely uncertain times, we would like to extend this to our wider FM, Catering and Cleaning community. If there is anything we can do to support your site at this difficult time, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We are all in this together.