COVID-19 Built environment recruitment update

_{Last updated: 20 March 2020 at 09:30}

We are noticing a positive and palpable business-as-normal attitude towards the growing concerns and measures around the spread of coronavirus.

Businesses are encouraged to follow the latest government guidelines, which is where we are directing our clients to for advice.

We have also put together some tips for working from home, since many will not be used to this way of working.

If the work slows down, the work isn’t going away.

As one of our clients said to us last week, "if the work slows down, the work isn't going away!" so we are encouraging employees to remain competitive in their recruitment efforts.

Our main piece of advice at this point in time is be prepared for any changes in the government guidelines. 

In instances where face-to-face interviews are no longer able to go ahead, candidates and clients should be prepared to conduct Skype interviews or even telephone and risk-assessed interviews.

Employees who are able to work from home are encouraged to do so in efforts to limit the spread of the disease and manage the demand on the health service.

These precautions come in-line with the Budget 2020, which increases power to validate statutory sick-pay (SSP) to one day rather than the usual three, and can be authorised by NHS 111. Those self-employed can also request financial assistance in the event of needing to self-isolate and changes to business rates and tax will facilitate this.

All companies will have their own internal policy on dealing with this which will be dependent on how badly they are affected and where they are regionally, and as recruiters we will keep candidates informed with specific advice on an individual basis as and when necessary.

Check back for the latest updates and advice.

If you have any concerns surrounding ongoing recruitment campaigns, meeting project deadlines or temporary staffing due to staff absence, please get in touch.

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