March 25, 2020 — BW: Workplace Experts announce a temporary suspension of site operations on some sites where we are unable to guarantee safe distancing and therefore fulfil our commitment to the health and safety of our employees, subcontractors and suppliers. The sites affected are suspended in full agreement with our clients and subcontractors, and we thank them for supporting actions taken to ensure the well-being of employees, their families and the local community. We will of course take the appropriate steps for an orderly shutdown consistent with the requirements of our clients and with being able to resume work efficiently when activity resumes.
During these suspensions, we will continue to monitor government guidance and actions on COVID-19 and establishing rigorous criteria for return to work. We are in active contact with clients, consultants, subcontractors and other stakeholders who are affected by this temporary suspension. We sincerely regret the difficulty this will cause them, as well as our employees, but it is vital to maintain health and safety of all those who support our services, and to assist in the national effort to control the spread of COVID-19.
When the suspension is lifted we will take an orderly approach to restarting site operations with a focus on safety, quality and meeting client’s requirements. This will be a critically important step to enabling the fit out and refurbishment sector to bridge to recovery. BW will work closely with our clients and consultants in the coming days and weeks to develop plans to ensure they are supported throughout this period.
In line with government guidance, site operations continue on selective sites where we are able to fully address the welfare of employees and subcontractors through specific measures to ensure safe distancing. These projects continue with the full support of employees, subcontractors, clients and consultants. We will continuously assess operations on these sites to assess this evolving situation. This is an unprecedented time for companies and communities and we thank all involved for their cooperation and support.
BW’s office remains open, but all normal business activities are being managed remotely. It is business as usual, but our experts are in different places. We are chasing opportunities, producing PQQs and tenders, attending interviews (remotely), getting post-project feedback, looking after our cash, paying employees and subcontractors, and managing all the activities that support our site operations.