Some of our security o icers are
taking on additional patrols and
assisting with water hygiene testing
as they are the only people in the
building. In other instances, they’ve
been dealing with post and ensuring
things coming into the buildings are
isolated and disinfected. Cleaning
frequencies and areas of focus
have changed. For example, hard
surface cleaning has increased
and vacuuming frequencies have
reduced. We have also asked clients
to return their own cutlery and
mugs to kitchenettes rather than our
people collecting them. We’ve also
moved to daily video calls to update
teams about the ever-changing
situation.
Overall the Coronavirus outbreak has meant a reduction in demand
for front-line facilities sta across the industry and Anabas, along
with many other FM service partners, has taken advantage of the
Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to ensure we
have the right sta ing levels when the pandemic is over. The key is
to ensure that those furloughed sta feel supported during the time
that they’re not working, so they’re ready to rejoin the front line when
they’re needed once again. The worst thing that could happen is for
those people to leave the sector during this pandemic.
As part of our drive to ensure we have adequate sta ing levels when
the crisis is over, we’ve set up an Employee Assistance Programme
which provides a confidential 24/7 helpline providing advice and
support on legal, financial, medical and other personal issues for sta
who may be struggling in such times of uncertainty. Anabas’ sta
and their families can also have individual counselling sessions by
telephone. We’ve also introduced a Friday social video call where sta
and their families can catch up, ‘see’ each other and feel part of the
organisation.
Before this crisis began, we were already in regular dialogue with
our front-line teams about the impact on them of the new post-Brexit
immigration system. The Coronavirus outbreak, while obviously a
crisis for our sector, has allowed us to deepen those conversations
and look for new ways to support our people in the long term.
THE SECURITY SERVICE PROVIDER’S VIEW
MIKE BULLOCK, CEO OF CORPS SECURITY
The Government’s decision to
classify licence-holding security
professionals as critical workers
has had a positive impact on
the security sector. It’s allowed
us to continue to support our
operational clients during this
extremely challenging time and to
help those who are closing down
their buildings to do safely and
securely.
Some of our customers are part
of the national infrastructure –
utilities, logistics and financial
services firms – and are still
operating. One is delivering essential products, such as oxygen, to the
22 MAY 2020
NHS, while others are involved in the transport of vital medicines and
food to retail outlets and people in lockdown. These operations o en
need an increased security presence because they’re operating over
and above their usual capabilities.
Where customers are closing down their buildings, some still need
a skeleton security team in place to support critical assets which have
been mothballed. Our museum clients and major performing arts
venue clients are good examples of this. Elsewhere, reception sta
have been furloughed in some instances and our security o icers are
now required to provide day cover to maintain a presence in a largely
empty building, whereas before it was mainly nights and weekends.
Our co-working space clients are an example of this approach.
Others are choosing to use our mobile patrols to replace on-site
security o icers, while other customers are turning to technology to
temporarily replace manned guards. Security is not something that
these organisations can do without during this uncertain time.
The challenge for every organisation is managing sta resources.
Some of our o icers are unwell, or self-isolating because a member of
their family has the virus. Fortunately, the reduction in available sta
is balanced out by a reduction in security needs across the board. But
it’s a tricky balancing act to make sure we have the right resources for
our client needs.
I believe that the perception of security and other front-line roles
has changed fundamentally as a result of this pandemic. They were
previously o en considered by individuals and organisations to be
low-skilled and low-value positions. That’s changing. Now people
are recognising the value of those who are in the front line fighting
this pandemic and keeping us safe. It’s not just medical sta who
are combating the Coronavirus. From security guards and cleaning
operatives to bin men and street cleaners, there are a whole army
of people who are working during this outbreak to keep us safe and
secure.
Once this is all over, I predict that individuals and organisations will
have more respect for people in these roles. Security professionals
will become more skilled and highly-trained and while technology will
have an ever-increasing role to play in keeping the built environment
secure, the reputation of the maned guard will be enhanced.
Do you have a question that you’d like
answered by the FMJ Clinic?
Email: sara.bean@kpmmedia.co.uk
FM CLINIC
Mike Bullock
ADVICE & OPINION
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