New safety measures at The Walled Garden ahead of potential return
SELECT is putting a range of safety measures in place as it prepares The Walled Garden for a potential return of staff in the coming months.
The move follows the announcement yesterday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that non-essential offices are expected to remain closed until at least 14 September.
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “The safety of our staff is a priority at all times, so we will continue to abide by Scottish Government guidance, while at the same time preparing the office for when it is safe to return.”
After working remotely during lockdown, the current plan is for staff to make a phased return to SELECT HQ when the government gives the go-ahead. Teams will then be split into two groups, who will work in the office and at home on alternate weeks.
Whether working in the office or at home, staff will continue to provide the same uninterrupted service as during the past five months, with the following health and safety measures now in place at The Walled Garden:
- Double car park spacing
- Protective reception screen
- Temperature testing facilities
- Hand sanitiser stations
- Extra wipes, cleaning products and bins
- Reduced usage of kitchens and toilets
- Clear safety signage
- Physical distancing enforced in all areas
- Increased cleaning
- One entrance and exit
To help reduce the risk of contamination, all external visits to SELECT HQ will remain suspended once the office opens, apart from essential deliveries. Training courses will also continue to be delivered online and SELECT is currently exploring options for future delivery of practical assessments.
Our Technical team is also busy finalising a possible alternative to external technical assessments being carried out in person, with details to be revealed shortly.
The Employment Affairs team is currently busy compiling and providing essential advice and guidance, issuing SJIB cards and processing ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment requests, marking and returning the results to the employers.
And the Membership and Communications team will continue to answer Member queries and provide the latest updates and information as they develop.
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “While we would obviously like to return to The Walled Garden, the safety of our staff is paramount so we will continue to be patient and work from home.
“We will review these measures going forward, but for the time being we hope Members understand the importance of staying aligned with current Scottish Government guidance.
“We’d like to thank all our Members for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented time, and rest assured we will continue to do all we can to support them as we help businesses rebuild, recover and regenerate.”
The First Minister announced on 30 July that the Scottish Government would be pausing its move to the next phase of Route Map to Recovery.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Working from home and working flexibly will remain the default position. By staying at home, office workers and employers are playing a vital role in helping suppress the virus, and ensuring our transport network remains safe.”