We are beginning to see some clients developing plans for reopening. Many of our drivers and logistics staff have continued to work in order to keep food on the shelves of major supermarkets and their support network, however we are witnessing other industries making plans to get back on track.
Earlier this week we received instructions from Symphony Group to begin planning for staff to return to work. Symphony is the UK’s largest privately owned manufacturer of fitted kitchen, fitted bedroom and fitted bathroom furniture with over 1500 employees. In order to ensure all staff have been retained during shutdown Symphony have topped up all furloughed staff wages, including the many working via Alliance Personnel.
Symphony have developed a return to work plan in conjunction with suppliers such as ourselves in order to ensure that staff can work safely whilst observing the current guidance and social distancing/PPE requirements. Staff will return in phases, allowing for necessary changes to be implemented safely whilst the workforce builds up to full capacity.
Elsewhere we have seen Halfords increase their required number of staff from us with the ‘Bike Builds’ department moving over to Alliance. Previously bikes were built in store, however we are now supplying the staff to the main Halfords warehouse in Coventry to assemble these bikes for collection. Thus enabling those wishing to exercise on a bike to collect a fully built bicycle.
Halfords’ retail shops have created two new ways to shop; a “Drive in, Fit and Repair” proposition for essential motoring and cycling services, alongside a “Drive in pick or collect point” for products which will be situated at the check in desk at the entrance to stores.
Providing we ALL continue to adhere to government guidelines, we will win this war against the virus. We are proud to be working with our clients to develop intelligent, safe initiatives to get people back into work and the economy moving, whilst ensuring we look after the health and safety of all our staff.