We have implemented a series of emergency protocols to protect public health and the economy in the wake of coronavirus.

Jon Dunwell, CEO said: “With the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus continuing to rise, we feel it is imperative to take a proactive approach to protect the people around us whilst providing business continuity.

“The measures we have put in place are aimed at protecting the health of our employees and their families, our clients, our partners and the community as whole, together with the economic wellbeing of the wider community. We have appointed a coronavirus coordinator to ensure these steps are actioned and that information is being communicated effectively.

“Certainly, over the last 72 hours, with what has happened in Italy, the seriousness of the situation has become even more apparent. Some of our largest clients have now implemented strict protocols such as non-essential travel, homeworking and face-to-face meetings.

“The size of our business allows us to be agile and react quickly, and that’s exactly what we have done in this unprecedented situation. Morris & Spottiswood is a people and client-focused business – we need to look after both, allowing our people and our clients to keep business moving whilst keeping the level of risk as low as possible.”

In the event that Morris & Spottiswood’s Glasgow headquarters is affected by coronavirus, the building’s clean disaster recovery area will allow essential services like payroll and payments to continue unaffected. A quarantine room has also been prepared, based on government advice.

Multi-trade teams made up of joiners, electricians, plumbers and other specialists have been established. These groups will work as isolated units to minimise risk, stepping in to provide cover if the virus impacts another team.

Similarly, inter-office travel has been banned to prevent spread internally and individual teams have been encouraged to work from home and functions split to ensure business continuity in case of infection.

Additional mobile welfare facilities have been sourced, which will allow Morris & Spottiswood’s onsite teams to operate separately from a client’s staff if required. These facilities can be quickly dispatched to key sites to reduce risk.

Mr Dunwell added: “As part of our resource planning we have also begun surveying staff on their childcare requirements in case the government closes schools. By getting a clear picture of how this could affect their ability to work, we will be in a much better position to mitigate the risk and maintain business continuity.

“The situation is exceptionally fluid so it will be hugely important to maintain strong lines of communication over the coming weeks and months. Hopefully, by taking these measures now, our staff, clients and subcontractors will feel reassured that they can put their trust in us to take the necessary precautions.”

The firm has purchased new laptops and handsets to allow more staff to work from home, and WhatsApp groups have been created to allow information to be communicated quickly and clearly. Tissues and hand sanitiser have been issued to all staff, and emergency cleaning teams have been fully briefed and placed on standby to provide additional support on site and in offices. Self-declaration forms are also being completed on all sites and offices to reduce risk across the business.

Download full press release here