Firms emerge from lockdown hibernation to get back to work
Businesses across the West Midlands must “get back to work” under the latest phase of Britain’s lockdown exit strategy.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said those who work in construction, manufacturing, distribution and food production should return to their jobs from tomorrow, with social distancing in place.
The announcement forms part of a three step plan to exit the coronavirus lockdown, which will also see primary schools reopen next month and new rules on meeting family members.
Pubs, hotels, hairdressers, places of worship and cinemas are set to remain closed until July 4 at the earliest.
The plans have been broadly welcomed by MPs and business leaders, who have stressed the safety of workers is key.
Jaguar Land Rover is among those coming out of ‘hibernation’.
It is restarting engine production in Wolverhampton this week ahead of gradually resuming vehicle production from Monday, starting with its Solihull plant.
Cannock builders Jessup Brothers has restarted work, but with changes to ensure safety on sites.
And foundry Alucast in Wednesbury is operating again with social distancing measures.
Alucast, one of the UK’s leading independent aluminium foundries, has started back casting with a number of volunteers from its 100-strong workforce.
The company, which recently invested £2.25 million in a new CNC machine shop at its site in Wednesbury, has returned to work to help it supply urgent parts for customers in medical and defence.
Tony Sartorius, chairman of Alucast, said: “Management went in first to set-up the factory, separating workstations to ensure social distancing and dispensing with ‘clocking in’ to avoid queues.
"There were lots of consultations with our staff so we could build in their feedback and this has led to us putting up lots of signage and visual management, introducing additional hand washing stations and coming up with separate entrances and exits.
"We will also undertake ‘fever testing’ when the equipment arrives.
"This approach is working well so far and we are proud of our employees, who are doing their bit to keep society safe.”
Wolverhampton print and digital imaging specialist DIS is planning to increase activity.
DIS, which employs 19 people at its studio, was on course for a record year in 2020 before the pandemic saw it halt operations for five weeks.
“We are all keen to get safely back to business so that we can try and embrace the new norm that is set to follow,” said sales director Dave Purcell.
“Having spoken to our workforce, we have put in place a number of measures to help us do just this, including staggered start times, working from home whenever possible, employing social distancing and the possibility of new entrance and exit points.
“Our installation teams work all over the UK, so we will also be limiting the number of people who can travel to site in the same vehicle and ensuring they adhere to full PPE at all times.
“It is important that we show flexibility as a company from top to bottom and keep innovating to move into new markets.”
Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership board member Ninder Johal, said: “We do need the economy to open up and we need people to get back into the workplace, both from an economic perspective and mental wellbeing.
“We have two large sectors, automotive and aerospace, both of which have been battered. We depend on them and their supply chains, so hopefully they can now pick up. However, employers and their workers will be wary of health and safety issues. It is crucial that these environments are completely safe.”
Pat McFadden, the Labour MP for Wolverhampton South East, said that although he appreciated the difficulty of the situation for the Government, too many questions remained unanswered.
He said: "How do we ensure people are safe at work? How will social distancing be enforced in workplaces? And what can workers do if they feel their safety is being jeopardised?
"I think the Government still has a lot to do to give people more clarity about the way forward."
Meanwhile, the chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce has called on the Government to deliver a more detailed plan for the phased easing of lockdown restrictions and further information on financial support schemes.
Corin Crane spoke out after the release of the Government’s 50-page plan to exit the lockdown yesterday.
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He said it was imperative the Government laid out a more detailed “road map” to help businesses plan their futures with some certainty.
Mr Crane added that business leaders had been crying out for further information for the phased easing of the restrictions, co-ordinated across the region and the UK and supported by clear guidance.
“This marks the first glimmer of light for our faltering economy, a phased and careful return to work is the only way to protect jobs and pay for future public services.
“Success will rest on flexibility within a framework; clear guidance which firms can adapt for their particular circumstances.
"However, businesses still need further clarity on what ‘Covid Secure’ looks like, but this guidance does help businesses to plan and prepare their workforce for a return to work," said Mr Crane.
He stressed that the coming weeks should see business, the Government and employee representatives working together as part of a national effort built on openness and trust.
“This is the only way to revive the UK economy and protect both lives and livelihoods, we all share the Prime Minister’s ambition to see more people return safely to work over the coming weeks.
“Companies will do everything they can to protect employees and customers, maintain social distancing and operate successfully as more sections of the economy are permitted to reopen.
“Firms will also need to know that Government support schemes, which have helped save millions of jobs in recent weeks, will continue for as long as they are needed so that they can plan ahead with confidence. Financial support will need to evolve for sectors moving at different speeds – some remaining in hibernation, while others get ready to open safely," said Mr Crane.
