A Message to Our Contractors and Clients
With the recent events surrounding COVID-19, more commonly known as Coronavirus, we have outlined below our approach for contractors and clients.
We are working closely with our clients to monitor the developing situation, and we are assured that like us, our clients hold their main priority as the health and safety of their employees, agency workers and independent contractors. We have confirmed that our clients are seeking and following guidance from trusted health organizations to ensure that there is proper protocol in place during this concerning time.
We would encourage our contractors to understand the approach that each client will take in relation to the Coronavirus. If they are required to provide services to a site internationally in an affected area or are required to travel across multi sites in this country, we are encouraging them to ensure that they familiarize themselves with where to obtain the relevant Coronavirus information from the client contact.
We will take clear direction from our clients in respect to their working arrangements during this period, in the event that a client site needs to close as a result of suspected Coronavirus exposure, we ask contractors to take direction from the relevant client site contact with regards to ongoing service provision.
Unless we are notified differently by the client, we will process payment against services provided and approved by the client, as is currently the case. Obviously, for clarity, unless otherwise agreed by the client, payment will not be made in the event that the client suspends service for a period.
For those that have travelled to an at-risk location or feel that they are experiencing the symptoms of the Coronavirus, they are encouraged to:
- Self-quarantine for 14 days and comply with the client’s published protocols. They should also let their recruitment consultant know.
- Entitlement to any sickness payments will be dependent on a contractor’s employment status, contractual terms, or the regulations in their locality. But a recruitment consultant will reach out to help contractors understand their individual entitlement.
- Contact their local medical practitioner
- Avoid contact with others as much as possible.
Should any contractor require assistance understanding the impact the Corona (COVID-19) virus may have on their ability to fulfill contractual working obligations, then they are encouraged to contact their regular recruitment consultant.
We are being advised that the main signs of infection (as being reported), which largely causes respiratory illness, are high temperature, a cough, and shortness of breath or breathing difficulties sometimes accompanied with a runny nose and sore throat and we are being advised that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus and the following steps are recommended:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
In addition to the tips above, travel precautions must also be considered. For more information and guidance you can visit: For the USA: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-in-the-us.html or for the UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
As this situation is continuously evolving, for additional information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit:
WHO: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
USA: https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus
UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Contractors and clients are encouraged to contact us should they wish to discuss things further.
Be well. Stay safe