Temperature checks and PPE packs as furloughed staff at Hartlepool's Utility Alliance return to work

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Furloughed staff at one of Hartlepool’s biggest employers have been issued with their own PPE packs as part of a phased to return to work.

Energy consultancy firm Utility Alliance Ltd, who employ around 200 people at their marina headquarters, has put a number of safety measures in place to allow a small number of staff to return to work including checking temperatures and redesigning work stations with extra space and screens.

Some staff who have been on furlough since the start if the Covid-19 outbreak returned to work on Tuesday, May 26.

Meanwhile, employees who have been able to successfully work from home continue to do so.

A worker wears a facemask as Utility Alliance begins a phased return to work for furloughed staff. | Other 3rd Party

Returning staff have been issued with their own PPE (personal protective equipment) packs, which include a facemask, hand sanitiser and gloves, while work stations have been redesigned to abide by the guidelines.

Multiple cleaning stations have been created, and a one-way system has been put in place for staff when using the toilets and going on breaks.

Ian Willis, Utility Alliance PR and marketing manager, said: “We have monitored government guidelines on a daily basis and as lockdown has gradually eased in various ways we have put measures in place which have allowed us to start bringing staff who had been furloughed back into the workplace.

“We welcomed the first team of staff back into our Hartlepool office on Tuesday, and will continue to adhere to the guidelines as we look to bring back more furloughed staff on a voluntary basis in the coming weeks.”

A Utility Alliance worker undergoes a temperature check on arrival as part of coronavirus safety measures. | Other 3rd Party

The company has also put a queuing system in place outside of its Hartlepool office with social distancing.

On entering one at a time, staff have their temperature checked and are asked if they have, or have had, any symptoms of the virus.

Anyone with a high temperature or any symptoms is denied access into the building and asked to seek medical guidance.

Mr Willis added the firm has continued to operate thanks to plans put in place before the lockdown was announced and the company is delighted with its performance over the last few weeks.

Screens and extra space have been created at work stations. | Other 3rd Party

Related: Hartlepool firm named as one of the best employers in the country

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