Josie Malone covid-19, Motorsport, Engineering...
Social distancing is one of the Government’s key strategies in order to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Although many businesses have consciously made the effort to set up their workforce remotely, this unfortunately isn’t an option for all workers across the UK, especially key workers* who are needed during such unprecedented times.
For those workers who continue to work and provide critical services, extra stringent safety measures have been put in place within working environments, to protect workers from the virus.
From the provision of extra PPE, on-site temperature testing, additional hand sanitising and cleaning, employers are going to considerable lengths to ensure their workforce are able to operate safely.
Focusing on food supply chains and critical infrastructure, TXM Recruit takes a look at how these industries are continuing to adapt and support the UK through this pandemic whilst operating as safe as possible.
Rail staff shift work patterns to operate safely
Although rail timetables have reduced due to low passenger demand, the rail industry has a vital role to play to ensure key workers can travel to work as well as transport vital supplies such as medicine across the UK.
The UK rail networks remain open however social distancing within depot environments is paramount to ensure workers are kept safe and able continue with critical vehicle maintenance activity. Initiatives such as changing work shift patterns, to reduce the number of workers on-site at the same time, are also now in place across many depots. Where possible, workers are also being transferred to their closest depot to minimise distances travelled as well as companies providing additional parking facilities and controlled access around the facilities.
Supply chains put up checkout screens to protect staff
If you’ve been to your local supermarket, you’ll have seen social distancing is being taken very seriously. By limiting the number of customers within stores and illustrating safe distancing markers on the floor. Many supermarkets now have installed protective screens on the checkouts as well as implementing rigorous cleaning schedules across the stores, covering everything from the floors, trolleys and baskets right through to the chip and pin machines. This has not only been enforced to protect customers, but to also protect the key workers carrying out their usual duties.
*Who is a key worker?
The UK Government advised the following as key workers: public services, health and social care workers, transportation, food supply chains, utilities, communication and financial services.
If you’d like to learn more about how TXM Recruit is supporting many businesses during COVID-19, please do get in touch or check out our COVID-19 Support Hub.
