As the situation evolves
Here we are, almost nine months later, starting November with firebreak restrictions in place in Wales and new national restrictions in England.
The situation continues to evolve and the daily news updates remind us all that we are nowhere near the end of the coronavirus pandemic. This is why I am writing to you again to give you a preview of what to expect from the team at Securitas UK as we navigate our way through the latest round of COVID-19 restrictions.
Our highest priority
As always, the safety and security of our people, our clients and our wider local communities remains our highest priority.
We are closely monitoring the situation and will take all necessary action, in line with guidance from public health organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UK government agencies.
We have a detailed approach to resilience planning with teams across the organisation regularly reviewing local area critical impact assessments and business continuity plans to make sure they are up to date and reflect changes in national and regional guidelines.
Practical steps we are taking
We gave an undertaking we would ensure that COVID-19 risk assessments are up to date and workplaces are managed line with HSE recommendations.
We'll continue to work with our clients as they do this and provide security and safety expertise at a local level to help manage the risk of COVID-19.
If we are advised that any of our officers may have come into direct contact with a confirmed case and that they may have been exposed to infection, we will advise you so that contact tracing can take place and the appropriate tests undertaken by anyone who may have been exposed to infection.
Likewise, where you have personnel who may have been exposed to the risk of infection, and they work in close proximity to our officers i.e. undertaking searches, first aid, temperature checking please advise your local account manager immediately so that we can take appropriate action.
Keeping our teams up to date
Our managers regularly brief their teams about site-specific measures and our officers understand what they need to do to avoid any transmission risk whilst working on client sites and dealing with members of the public.
It's important that everyone follows the guidance on handwashing, the appropriate use of face masks and PPE, and to maintain 2m social distancing where possible.
Although the majority of our "back office" team members are still working from home, those working in our offices are maintaining the social distance recommended by health authorities.
However, irrespective of where our teams are located or how they are working, Securitas UK is fully operational and delivering services to our clients with the same integrity and passion as we did before this crisis.
Our commitment to you
Guided by our values - integrity, vigilance and helpfulness - everyone at Securitas is focused on keeping our families, our clients and our communities safe. That's our commitment to you.
No doubt the pandemic has presented your business operations with new challenges too.
Our team at Securitas can help - whether it be with COVID-19 risk assessments, practical advice on measures such as hand sanitising, social distancing technology and vacant property inspections - to discussing the very latest in intelligent security solutions.
So, if you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your local Securitas account manager and let us know how we can help.
Stay safe.
Shaun Kennedy
Country President
Securitas UK