L&S Office Protective Screen Solutions

L&A Office are selling a number of protective screen solutions to ensure a safe working environment. Below are a list of the types of screens that L&S Office have in stock. 

Desk mounted high screens - Fabric

• High desktop screens with optional return screens
• Supplied with brackets to fit all 25mm desktops 
• Additional foam layer between outer fabric and MFC core

Desk division floor standing screens - Fabric

• Protections on the surface and behind the desk to minimalise contact 
• With height adjustable base so the divider rests on the worktop
• Ideal for desk clusters, workstations, tables and production lines 

Screen toppers - Printed 

• Supplied with universal brackets to fit all existing screens 
• Provide cough and sneeze barriers between employees 
• Choose from three biophilic designs to add some colour to the workplace 

Desk division floor standing screens - MFC

• Flexible, versatile and easy to wipe clean to remove germs 
• Protection on the surface and behind the desk to minimalise contact
• With height adjustable base so the divider rests on the worktop 

Free standing 2-sided high screens - Fabric 

• Ideal for use on single desks or desk clusters 
• Easy to install, sits on the desktop with no brackets required
• Provides a cough and sneeze barrier to reduce the risk of infection

Desk mounted high screens - Acrylic 

• Supplied with G-brackets to fit all 25mm desktops 
• Ensures users are separated but can maintain visual contact 
• Clear screens, easy to maintain and supports anti-bacterial cleaning 

Free standing high screens - Acyrlic 

• Supplied with metal feet for perfect stability on the worktop 
• Ensures users are separated but can maintain visual contact 
• Clear screens, easy to maintain and supports anti-bacterial cleaning 

Screen toppers - Acrylic 

• Supplied with universal brackets to fit all existing screens 
• Ensures users are separated but can maintain visual contact
• Clear screens, easy to maintain and supports anti-bacterial cleaning 

Free standing high screens with cutouts - Acrylic 

• Clear screens with letterbox-style cutouts to safely pass documents
• Anti-bacterial protection ideal for workstations, hotels and receptions 
• Supplied with metal feet for perfect stability on the worktop

For more information on the above Protective Screens please click here

Clear polyvinyl protective desk screens

Their clear polyvinyl protective screens with aluminium frames protect against infection in a wide variety of settings including offices, dining areas, breakout spaces and all public places. The screens are fire retardant and anti-microbial to reduce the risk of airborne germs between colleagues and visitors from sneezing and coughing, to aid compliance with social distancing requirements whilst maintaining a high level of visibility. 

• Versatile partition screens with sturdy white aluminium frame 
• Anti-microbial and easy to clean and disinfect 
• Polyvinyl is a flexible material and is supplied on a roll 
• 300mm white feet which can be positioned along bottom frame
• Ensures users are separated but can maintain visual contact
• Easy to assemble with no tools required

For more information on the above Clear Polyvinyl Protective Desk Screens, please click here.

www.lsoffice.co.uk | sales@lsoffice.co.uk | 01903 762429

PET Clear Screens for sale - Subway EPS

Subway EPS have just started selling 220mic PET clear screens, at 2000mm x 850mm wide for £85 + VAT. 2000mm x 1000mm wide for £95 + VAT. 

These screens are cheaper and bigger than perspex and as floor standing can be placed between work benches. They can be wiped down and easily moved around creations sections of safe areas. 

Chamber members recieve a 10% discount! Click here to view members offers page. 

For more information visit www.subwayeps.com 

Crisis Planning and Communication

Riz Omar, Crisis Comms specialist | Global Ops Director at Priavo Security and Chief Operating Officer at Locate Global. 

Industry experts, leading academics, hostile environment specialists, authors, medical professionals and public figures have curated a selection of FREE online webinars to support your continued learning, provide a positive focus and challenge your preconceptions during these uncertain times.

Join Priavo Security as they cover an array of interesting ideas, hear dramatic stories and take part in thought provoking Q&A discussions from relevant topics across the wider security and risk industry.

These sessions will run Thursdays at 1400 hrs for around 45 mins and incorporate a chance to ask questions. We'll also give you the opportunity to find out more about the speaker or topic with follow up emails.

Each session will run for 45 minutes and will be recorded and are available to watch in your own time here.

Employment law update and HR news from Acas South East

Upcoming events: 

03/07 Transition from lock down: key employment considerations
07/07 Managing discipline and grievance
09/07 Employment law update
10/07 Transition from lock down: key employment considerations
14/07 Employment law update
16/07 Managing discipline and grievance
17/07 Employment law update
23/07 Transition from lock down: key employment considerations
27/07 Managing discipline and grievance

Workplace news:

Top 10 HR questions May 2020: what process should employers follow to control coronavirus risks when returning to work from the lockdown? What should the employer do if an employee is reluctant to return to work as the coronavirus lockdown is lifted? Employees cannot undertake work for their employer during furlough leave, but what constitutes work...read more.

Coronavirus: advice for employers and employees (updated).

“Frequent bad language and banter which overstepped the boundaries of acceptability":  that was the verdict of an employmenmt tribunal in describing the working environment of an employer in this case. In the judges ruling “the staff engaged in unwanted conduct...which created a hostile and degrading environment for the claimant”...read more.

Discrimination, bullying and harassment.

ICO provides security checklists to employers for staff working from home: the ICO has published ‘Working from home – security checklists for employers‘ which advises that time should be taken to ensure that homeworking solutions are being used securely. General principles include: (a) have clear policies, procedures & guidance for staff...read more.

https://www.acas.org.uk/

Brooklands transformation takes a step closer to reality

Plans to transform Brooklands Park into a jewel-in-the-crown destination have taken a big step forward.

Planning permission has been given to build a new state-of-the-art cafe, toilets and play area at the Park paving the way for the entire green space to be converted into a breathtaking science adventure park with the emphasis on fun and finding out.

The £3m Worthing Borough Council project will involve building:

• A new visitor hub including cafe with internal and external seating powered from sustainable resources
• An adventure play area to house 30 pieces of equipment, two of which are climbing frames more than 4 metres high
• An outdoor space for multi use events such as frisbee, football or other activities surrounded by seating
• A contemplative garden bordering the Teville Stream with new sensory planting
• A new accessible pathway circumnavigating the lake with seating areas and shelters
• A 2.5k fitness trail around the park
• A number of glades on the old golf course, including Community Garden, Play and Build, Nature, Wind and Winter, discrete areas sheltered by planting allowing for different community activities including food growing, seed sowing, play dens, bug hotels and bird boxes
• Windmill oxygenators for the lake as well as windmills and chimes in the Wind Glade
• A mount celebrating the highest point in the park, from which views of the sea gives a strong sense of place

Now council officers will be moving to the next stage of development, undertaking technical design before the construction work goes out to tender before the end of the year.

Leading landscape architects Turkington Martin are leading the project.

Director Mike Martin said, ‘We aim to create a unique landscape not found anywhere else in Worthing, allowing engagement with nature for everyone in new and exciting ways.’

Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for the Environment, Cllr Edward Crouch said, ‘I’m pleased we have now cleared another important hurdle so that we can build new toilets and a fantastic new cafe for Brooklands.

‘Obviously lockdown has slowed down progress somewhat but we said we would revive this much-loved landmark into something everyone can be proud of again and that is exactly what we intend to do.’

A section of the south west corner of the park has been earmarked for indoor play and adventure and will be the subject of separate planning procedures at a later date.

Plans for pop-up cycle lanes welcomed by Adur and Worthing leaders

Adur and Worthing’s leaders have welcomed plans to roll out 7.5 kilometres of new safe cycle spaces as part of wider efforts to help the area bounce back from COVID-19.

With more and more people taking to two wheels during lockdown, Adur & Worthing Councils has worked closely with West Sussex County Council to identify a series of key routes which could be adapted quickly to support sustainable travel.

As part of the first phase, two routes have been submitted to the Department for Transport for funding and approval. These are:

• Shoreham & Southwick - Upper Shoreham Road, Holmbush roundabout and Old Shoreham Road, linking the River Adur and A283 in Shoreham to Brighton and Hove City Council’s pop-up lane (4.6km)
• Worthing - A24/A259 Grove Lodge area to The Steyne and seafront (2.9km)

Both routes are predominantly dual carriageways which have seen a substantial reduction in the number of motor vehicles since lockdown.

If the proposed temporary conversions receive government backing, they could be installed within a matter of weeks.

Leaders in Adur and Worthing welcomed the announcement from county hall but pledged they want to go even further - with both councils’ executives set to sign off on an ambitious Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan at a meeting of the Joint Strategic Committee next week (Tuesday, June 9).

This sets out detailed proposals to create a network of accessible routes across both areas so that walking and cycling becomes the preferred mode of travel for short journeys.

Cllr Neil Parkin, Leader of Adur District Council, said: “I’m delighted to have worked with colleagues at West Sussex to get to this point. Providing the routes receive government support, Adur residents will get nearly five kilometres of new cycleway within weeks. 

“We know the route will not be perfect but it will provide our residents with a safe place to cycle while giving all road users plenty of space as people start to return to work.”

Cllr Daniel Humphreys, Leader of Worthing Borough Council, said: “The benefits of cycling and other forms of sustainable transport are enormous - improving health, reducing air pollution and helping to create more vibrant, accessible places to live.

“While we are not directly responsible for highways, that doesn't prevent us having bold ambitions to create a network of safe cycling and walking routes across our borough. We will continue to work with colleagues at County Hall to deliver on this. 

“If these temporary routes prove popular then it could be a real turning point in delivering on our ambitious plans, which will be fantastic for residents, businesses and the environment.”

The proposed temporary routes in Shoreham and Worthing are two of seven schemes put forward to the government by the county council.

The schemes would involve a combination of temporary traffic management, such as cones and signing, light segregation using ‘traffic wands’, planters, water-filled barriers, road markings and temporary 20mph speed limits.

Cllr Roger Elkins, West Sussex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Infrastructure, said: “We have been working closely with our district and borough partners to look at a whole host of ways we can improve cycling provision as a direct response to the easing of lockdown. 

“If the schemes get the go-ahead, they will form part of a series of measures which will make a real difference for cyclists in each of the county’s seven borough and district areas as the Government eases lockdown.”

Town Centre Reopening Plans

Temporary road closures and widened pavements are set to be introduced as town centres across Adur and Worthing get ready to fully open for business on June 15.

Social distancing measures in Worthing, Shoreham, Lancing and Southwick are being drawn up by officers of Adur & Worthing Councils and stencils and signs promoting one way walking routes and two-metre spacing are already being stencilled onto pavements and walkways.

In consultation with West Sussex County Council, which has responsibility for highways. Temporary road closures are being sought in Portland Road, Montague Place and Montague Street West in Worthing and East Street north and St Mary's Road east in Shoreham.

These measures, for a maximum of 18 months, are to ensure social distancing is still possible in tight spaces for pedestrians and cyclists although allowances will be made for delivery vehicles.

Meanwhile Adur & Worthing Councils’ Public Health and Regulation Team has been working with local businesses to ensure a smooth reopening. Businesses can access a wide range of advice and support concerning reopening at www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-advice/

So far six food and drink  outlets have been given permission to sell alcohol as ‘off sales’ which means either as takeaway or within permissible outside areas such as beer gardens. Another ten are working with officers from the Councils to seek such permissions which could see more alfresco eating and drinking.  

A government grant of £56,000 to Adur and £98,000 to Worthing under the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund will help pay for implementation of many of the measures.

The Councils will be working with businesses and organisations such as West Sussex County Council, Worthing’s Town Centre Initiative (TCI) and the independent traders to develop the plans.

In the meantime discussions are underway with organisers and traders about the timing of the opening of open-air markets with the farmers’ market at Shoreham July 11 likely to be the first up and running.

Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Cllr Kevin Jenkins, ‘We are working hard with West Sussex County Council, the TCI and traders to help make visitors to the town centre feel comfortable coming back and thus happy to enjoy some time sampling the excellent retail and food and drink outlets we have to offer. This is about helping businesses get back on their feet while continuing to make everyone feel safe.’’

His counterpart at Adur District Council, Cllr Brian Boggis, said, ‘We want to be doing everything we can to create an environment where, on June 15, our traders can begin to rebuild their businesses but we need to do so while keeping everyone safe and well. These measures will achieve that balance.’

West Sussex Library - Business and Employment Page

Although our West Sussex Library buildings are closed at the moment, they still have a wealth of FREE online business and employment resources that can help you to write a successful CV, get into work, start your own business, continue studying, build professional skills and connect with others. As well as selection of e business books. 

These resources are available FREE to library members. 

Click here for more information

Tim Loughton MP May Newsletter

Welcome to my latest lockdown constituency e-Newsletter. I hope you are continuing to hold up and looking forward to the gradual loosening of restrictions from next week. You can find the full details of what the Prime Minister announced yesterday HERE and I hope that the great majority of people will continue to observe them and use common sense so that the Government will not have to put them into reverse if the pandemic spread turns upwards again. I am only too aware that this message has not been helped by the furore over the actions of a certain Special Adviser at Number 10 and I have of course made my views very clear at the outset on this matter.
 
I continue to spend much of my week on conference calls with local organisations and again pay tribute to all those in the NHS and care sector who continue to do such an excellent job. It is a privilege to thank them personally when on duty for handing out meals to nurses and others coming off shift at Worthing Hospital especially. I should also mention the excellent job that Sussex Police are doing, and I would like to pay tribute to Chief Constable Giles York who retires this week after a long and distinguished record with the police service and we wish him well. I was interested to hear that so far Sussex Police have issued 903 fixed penalty notices since the beginning of the lockdown in March although that number has been tailing off in recent weeks. I was horrified to be told however that assaults against police officers and PCSOs have now risen to 238 since the beginning of lockdown and that represents a rise of more than 27% over the comparable period last year. The police have a difficult enough job already and there is absolutely no excuse for assaulting them in the course of doing their duty. Worst of all there have been cases of disgusting people spitting at officers and claiming to have COVID and I am pleased to see that prison sentences have been handed out and this is being taken very seriously.
 
I am delighted to announce the first wave of my Coronavirus Community Award winners and thank you to all those who have sent me nominations so far. Keep them coming. I am also asking for your help with collections toys and activity equipment for two excellent local charities Safe in Sussex and Home-Start and you can see the details below.
 
Parliament returns on Tuesday and we will be considering the Finance Bill amongst other measures, which gives effect to the various Budget measures announced in March in what seems like a different age now. It is not clear how many of us will be required to turn up in person as opposed to continue working from home and our constituencies, but we are all learning how to be flexible in these extraordinary times
 
Keep safe everyone.

Best wishes

Tim Loughton MP 

Flexible furlough from 1 July under revised CJRS

Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will apply a month earlier than expected. From 1 July the scheme will allow part-time working, but staff must have been furloughed by 10 June to be eligible.

The Chancellor has announced the government’s plans to change the CJRS which will now be re-engineered to support businesses sending staff back to work. Employers will be able to put staff on part-time furlough, claiming the CJRS grant for a portion of their salary.

Critically, employers will only be able to claim going forward if they have previously claimed under the pre-1 July scheme.

Note too that as there is a three-week minimum furlough requirement under the current rules, it follows that any new period of furlough leave must have started by 10 June 2020 to be complete when the current scheme ends on 30 June and so ensure the employee remains eligible from 1 July.

The proposed changes also introduce a new limit to the number of staff who can be included on a claim. This will be based on the maximum staff ever included in any single pre 1 July claim. The Chancellor also confirmed that from 1 August the CJRS grant will no longer cover the cost of employers’ National Insurance nor pension contributions with employers expected to cover the costs.

What is changing?

For July the grant will be available on the same basis as now (the lesser of 80% of pay and £2,500). The intention is that the government will reduce its contribution over the remaining months of the scheme – August to October – with a corresponding increase in the employer contribution.

• August - the CJRS will continue to pay 80% of wages
• September - the CJRS will pay 70% of wages while employers will take on the other 10%
• October - the CJRS will pay 60% of wages while employers will take on the other 20%

Throughout the duration of the furlough scheme it is important to remember that the employee will continue to receive their salary entitlement in full, as set out by the terms of their employment contract. The CJRS is a grant paid to the employer, and it is this grant which is now being scaled back, the calculation being based on the salary paid for any period while the employee is being furloughed.

The revised scheme has many of the same features as the current scheme which runs between 1 March and 30 June 2020, but there will be some significant changes intended to encourage those previously furloughed back to work. In summary, these are:

• Employees who were previously furloughed will be able to return to work on a flexible part-time basis.
• For those staff who are furloughed part-time, employers will be required to pay for the cost of the time staff are working. A grant will be available for the cost of their furloughed hours.

Employees must have been furloughed under the current scheme (CJRS V1) for them to be eligible for a furlough grant under the revised scheme (CJRS V2). So, in practice, only employees who have been included in a furlough grant claim made before 1 July 2020 can be furloughed under CJRS V2.

The rules for CJRS V1 covered only the period 1 March 2020 to 30 June 2020, para 12, The Coronavirus Act 2020 Functions of her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme) Direction. This means the furlough scheme is closed to new entrants after 30 June 2020.

Further points to note about CJRS V2

• A new minimum reporting period of one week will apply from 1 August 2020. More frequent claims will not be accepted, but the reporting period can be longer.
• From 1 July, claim periods will no longer be able to overlap months, employers who previously submitted claims with periods that overlapped calendar months will no longer be able to do this going forward. This is necessary to reflect the forthcoming changes to the scheme.
• The grant will be based on the same premise as now, so the employee must be paid the lesser of 80% of reference salary and £2,500 per month. The government contribution to the 80% of reference salary is being reduced as the scheme progresses.
• From 1 August onwards, the scheme will no longer cover the cost of employers’ National Insurance nor pension contributions applicable to the grant.
• The new calculation will apply from 1 July to factor in the cost of hours worked to hours furloughed ratio.
• Employers can claim the grant for the hours their employees are not working calculated by reference to their usual hours worked in a claim period. Further details will be included in future guidance. 
• Employers will need to report hours worked and the usual hours an employee would be expected to work in a claim period. 
• For worked hours, employees will be paid by their employer subject to their employment contract and employers will be responsible for paying the tax and NICs due on those amounts
• There will be a new maximum limit to the number of staff who can be included on a claim. This will be based on the maximum staff ever included in a single claim under CJRS V1.
• CJRS V2 will end on 31 October 2020.

A new factsheet giving further details on the changes to CJRS and SEISS is available from gov.uk.

HMRC is hoping to publish detailed guidance on CJRS V2 on 12 June 2020.

www.ayresbrightvickers.co.uk