New Full Lockdown, can we stay open?

[Jean Oakley]

I did last time and will do so this time. Although not a key worker alot of my customers are and i therefore need to be available to do their work if for no other reason. Im not taking on any new customers at the moment just to keep customer contact to a miniumum

[Naveed Anwar]

Many thanks Jean. Really appreciate some clarification.

I wrote to my MP and his response is that we are non essential, although we work alongside NHS producing covid signage.

[Richard Wills]

We’re open for click and kerbside collect – visit our website at xxyy.zz or call 0123 456 789

We’re open for delivery only – visit our website at xxyy.zz or call 0123 456 789

We’re doing zoom consultations and planning

Perspex sneeze screens

Face masks required

One person per lift

Directional arrows

Planning to reopen on the Ides of March

OK, so most of these are likely to be printed / cut vinyl, but arguably essential for those businesses that are open, or adapting, or planning reopening. As such, essential to the current economy, when operated in a safe fashion, and this doesn’t even touch on the work of those doing work on emergency vehicles, vehicle repair signeage, and so on.

Given that you’re producing work to support the NHS, your MP gave poor advice.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 3 months ago by  Richard Wills.

[Chris Wilson]

Yea exactly why we are still open up on Scotland. But I have split up the work force so the boys are in a few days a week and Wednesday is our only day when 4 of us are in.

Problem with keeping construction sites open for example is there is a whole supply chain that goes with it. From signs to drill bits to pipes and steel. I think the powers at the top seem to forget this.

[RobertLambie]

we have the bare minimum of staff working in the workshops, others working from home or furloughed. Other than that, its business as usual.
We are doing everything to make our customers well aware of the covid restrictions and longer time for us to address some of their requirments, but other than that there is not much else we can do but conform as best we can to government stipulations.

Also, can you imagine if all sign and print companies were told to close? Who would make all the covid signs, sneeze screens and more. we are important, should we feel special? 😷🤓

[Stephen Morriss]

Manufacturing is meant to stay open, you manufacture signs.

[Phill Fenton]

So we are allowed to manufacture signs but what about installations? Exterior signs are probably classed as building work – but what about interior signage? I have etch glass installations booked in for two different companies and while I’m satisfied I am legally OK to produce the films I’m genuinely unsure about whether I can legally fit them inside office buildings when other employees of the building are present?

[Jamie Wood]

I wondered about this as well, as we have a new build office fitout starting in 2 weeks.

[Colin Crabb]

Fitting inside = shop fitting = building trade.

[Jamie Wood]

Great, thanks.

[David McDonald]

Last time we remained fully open and will do so again – we are manufacturers and there is no legal requirement to close, whether the work we do is for essential services or key workers etc. (although we are doing large quantities). We have made sure our workplace is Covid safe and anyone who can do their job from home is doing so, we are making sure our customer contact is minimised and where needed is Covid safe.

We intend to continue all installations and ensure a Covid risk assessment is completed for each – this sets out what we will do but also what we need the customer to do. Installations are easier than ever at the moment – there’s no one around! Not as quiet as last March though – I drove from Southport to the centre of Manchester mid-morning and saw only 3 other cars on the road, did it in 45 minutes when usually more like 90-120 and bumper to bumper.

My view is that Installations are part of the manufacturing process and clearly cannot be done from home. I have tried hard to find any formal comment/decision on this but there doesn’t appear to be anything out there – so off installing we go.

Keep safe

Dave

[David Hammond]

From what I’ve read online, there is no ‘essential services’.

The guidance is clear. “Work from home where you can”

I’m working from home now. I am popping into the office at lunchtime for a customer to collect an order. I’m back in tomorrow to print a job for a customer.

Unless you are forced to closed (Gyms, Leisure, hospitality) I don’t think there’s much support. We’ve all bills to pay, and food to put on the table.

Provided you’re operating safely, socially distanced, I doubt most will care. It’s not like in Spain where they’ve set up road blocks in towns making sure you’re staying local, and only making essential journeys.

[Colin Crabb]

The only change we’re making is no vehicle graphics during lockdown. Reason: We feel it’s against the movement of people restrictions and my staff are unhappy with people travelling distance to drop off a vehicle and collect a day or two later.

[Hugh Potter]

If they don’t go to you they’ll probably go elsewhere, and are probably driving about anyway, by the end of next week we’ll have done £5k in a handful of vans, some customers seem to be spending again and if not for them, we’d have very little to make.

[Colin Crabb]

Luckily we don’t currently have any booked in till February, but I’m totally aware of this Hugh and after staff meeting, their wellbeing and safety comes first.

[Karen White]

I will do everything possible to comply with government guidelines. But I must work or I will not only lose potential new customers. I will lose my existing ones also!
I am bored of being bored. 🙄

[Phill Fenton]

So I’m currently still unsure as to the legality of working in another customers premises whilst under level 4 restrictions here in Scotland. Takeaways are only allowed to continue operating providing customers do not enter the premises, so surely the same rules apply to us? I’ve trawled through the government guidance websites and I’m honestly non the wiser. But my gut instinct is it is somewhat bending the rules to enter other premises to carry out non essential work which can be held back until such time as the restrictions are lifted.