With obligations to over 150 tenant businesses with almost 1000 staff, we take very seriously our responsibilities in a post lockdown Scotland.
We are, of course, closely monitoring advice from the Scottish Government and following all guidelines with regards to social distancing within business and how these guidelines may affect our tenants.
That is why we closed our reception areas and meeting rooms almost 10 weeks ago on Monday March 23.
However whilst our receptions are closed, our Senior Management Team, Property, Finance, Marketing and Business Gateway functions are all working from home to support our tenants and businesses all across Forth Valley to get through the coronavirus crisis.
And whilst we haven’t physically been in the office, all our tenants have had full 24 hour access to their properties as normal plus we’ve continued to call and email regular updates.
We’ve also provided a reduced cleaning of toilet areas where tenants have remained working, security checks, litter picking and delivery of mail.
Now with today’s announcement from the First Minster describing the route map out of lockdown we wish to update tenants, and other interested parties, our plans for a safe return to work.
Our detailed plan follows the Scottish Government COVID-19 Route Map Plan for working or running a business, which we will continuously review.
Scottish Government Guidelines
Phase 1
- Remote working remains the default position for those who can.
- For those workplaces that are reopening, employers should encourage staggered start times and flexible working.
- Non-essential outdoor workplaces with physical distancing resume once relevant guidance agreed.
- Construction – Phases 0-2 of industry restart plan can be implemented. Industry to consult government before progressing to phase 2.)
- Preparing for the safe reopening of the housing market.
- Workplaces resuming in later phases can undertake preparatory work on physical distancing and hygiene measures.
Ceteris Plan
Phase 1
- Preparatory work on physical distancing and hygiene measures in advance of reopening of reception and common areas.
- Monday June 1 – Cleaning team return from furlough and carry out a deep clean of reception and common areas and the safe restart of office cleaning.
- Monday June 1 – A number of our Maintenance team return from furlough. Numbers to be constantly reviewed over coming weeks.
Scottish Government Guidelines
Phase 2 (As Phase 1 plus changes below…)
- Remote working remains the default position for those who can.
- Non-essential indoor non-office-based workplaces resume once relevant guidance agreed – including factories & warehouses, lab & research facilities – to re-open with physical distancing.
- Construction sector to implement remaining stages of phased return.
- Relaxation of restrictions on housing moves.
Ceteris Plan
Phase 2 (As Phase 1 plus changes below…)
- Receptions open half day, with social distancing, to provide tenants with a wide range of services including telephone answering, mail handling, typing and scanning.
- Review of reception requirements based on tenant needs and consideration of full day opening.
- Phased return of Property Department incorporating shift patterns and remote working.
- Phased return of the rest of the Maintenance team from furlough based on business needs.
- Finance Department continue with remote working.
- Business Gateway staff continue with remote working.
Scottish Government Guidelines
Phase 3 (As Phase 2 plus changes below…)
- Remote working remains the default position for those who can.
- Non-essential indoor office workplaces can open, once relevant guidance agreed, including contact centres with physical distancing.
Ceteris Plan
Phase 3 (As Phase 2 plus changes below…)
- Finance Department return to work with review of working practices in line with Government guidelines.
- Business Gateway staff return to work with review of working practices in line with Government guidelines.
Scottish Government Guidelines
Phase 4 (As Phase3 plus changes below…)
- Remote and flexible working remains encouraged.
- All workplaces open with improved hygiene and in line with public health advice.
Ceteris Plan Phase 4
Phase 4 (As Phase 3 plus change below…)
- Meeting rooms to be reviewed for reopening in line with Government guidelines and revised measures for safe working.
To view the full Scottish Government COVID-19 Route Map Plan for working or running a business, click here.
In addition, we have already implemented protective measures for our staff, tenants and visitors to our business centres.
Within our footfall heavy reception areas, the reception desks have been fitted with clear Perspex screens (pic above) for everyone’s safety and, where we have waiting areas, there is ample space for 2m social distancing. Our staff will be provided with all the necessary PPE and all entrances to our buildings will have hand sanitiser stations and common area kitchens and toilets will have cleaning products for tenants use.
We will continue to offer the very best service to our tenants, with an overarching aim of ensuring the safety of everyone who works in, visits or enters one of our properties.
To contact our Property department email support@ceteris.co.uk or call 01259 721454 whilst Business Gateway Clackmannanshire can be contacted via businessgateway@ceteris.co.uk or 01259 726430.
We look forward to being able to safely welcome everyone back to our business centres and industrial parks post lockdown.
Senior Management Team
Ceteris (Scotland) Ltd.
Thursday 28th May