British businesses look set to be more flexible about working from home in the future

BRITISH businesses look set to be more flexible about working from home in the future; with nearly ½ of bosses believing it will save them money. A poll of 1,000 employers in the UK found prior to lockdown, just 45% were comfortable with staff working away from the office. But 7 in 10 are now considering changing previous rules and regulations, after being so impressed with how staff have reacted. In addition, 57% of business owners are already looking at adapting many of their usual practices moving forward. The study was commissioned by Vision Direct, which is responding to the changing landscape following a surge in online customers during the month of April 2020.

Ashley Mealor, from Vision Direct said:- "Within a few weeks of lockdown we experienced a surge in new customers; the figure was 69% up on the same time the previous year. We quickly identified a change in our customer's behaviour, as they react to events around them. All businesses have had to adapt and respond quickly to the constant changing situation, and most are having to identify safer, quicker, more streamlined ways of trading for the future. We're anticipating an even greater move towards online shopping, and we are exploring options for online eye tests, to cater for customers who either can't get to the high street, or don't want to."

The study also found ⅓ of businesses are planning to offer more online services, while a ⅕ will be reducing current office space. For 13% of owners, reducing team sizes in certain areas of the business will become necessary, as will downsizing for 14%. Just under 7% of those polled intend to bring manufacturing into the UK. 8 in 10 employers say more meetings will take place over video conferencing rather than face to face, and staff who do have to meet others will do so in smaller numbers. Staggered start times, professional cleaning services and the introduction of PPE are also being considered by many bosses and some intend to give their staff the freedom to plan where they want to work, and when. All measures will be reassuring for employees, who would like to see the introduction of more flexible working practices, to include a mix of home and office working, as well as remote meetings. This could also lead to a rise in job opportunities for those not living in Cities like London, if employers are more open to recruiting staff for remote working.

A further study of 1,000 workers currently at home, conducted via OnePoll, found many feel it is safer and more sensible to continue working from home, with as few people in the office as possible. In addition to the safety factor, 35% feel they are more productive in the comfort of their own home, while 37% say their attitude to work remains unaffected. More than ½ of those polled have maintained good business practice throughout lockdown, with 22% continuing to dress in work attire and 51% creating an efficient home office set up. If encouraged to return to the workplace, 47% want 2 metres between all desks, and 25% would like Perspex partitions. A ban on travel to bigger cities such as London and Birmingham is preferable for 16%, while 35% want to see shorter working weeks, with 4 days on and 3 days off.

Ashley Mealor from Vision Direct, added:- "We're bracing ourselves for tough times ahead, as while we've managed to maintain an impressive level of service throughout lockdown, we did see a 19% drop of contact lens usage. However, this is already returning to normal as lockdown eases and more social interaction and activities such as tennis increase. Like many other businesses, we have adapted to working from home successfully, although still see a need for the office environment. With Zoom fatigue and lack of social interaction, we are conscious of the impact on staff productivity and overall well being."

The top safety measures British bosses plan to implement:-

1. The option to work from home - 43%

2. Desks set 2 meters apart - 32%

3. The ability to conduct all meetings via video conferencing - 30%

4. PPE - including:- face masks, gloves, hand sanitizer on decks - 30%

5. Reduced number of people in meetings - 25%

6. Professional cleaning daily - 24%

7. Staggered start times - 22%

8. Ban of external guests to offices - 19%

9. Shorter working weeks - 4 days on 3 days off - 14%

10. Shift patterns - 14%

11. A ban on travel to Cities such as London, Birmingham etc. - 11%

12. Perspex partitions on desks - 11%

13. Desks set out so everyone faces the same way - 10%

14. Wider entrances - 4%

"Ordinary Heroes" within Sea Cadets step up in Volunteers Week despite pandemic

AROUND 9,000 "ordinary heroes" are ensuring life within Sea Cadets continues as normal this Volunteers Week, while many are also playing their part in the frontlines of the battle against the Covid-19 outbreak. 85% of Sea Cadet activities at unit level are taking place virtually, despite the loss of hugely popular inshore and offshore boating programmes, Sea Cadets competitions and the International Exchange Programme. Sea Cadets remains a hugely vital part of so many young people with nearly 14,500 cadets nationwide. During lockdown, the impact of our volunteers on their lives hasn't stopped, with a recent survey showing wide satisfaction with the Virtual Sea Cadets programme. We've seen cadets pick up more than 800 qualifications in the last 2 months and nearly 650 earn promotions. It's especially heartening to see so many Sea Cadet volunteers continue to do their bit within all of the nation's key services, especially those who have helped battle the Coronavirus pandemic amid the NHS, care homes and the emergency services. With many across the country taking the time to volunteer during the crisis, there will always be a welcome for new and returning volunteers within Sea Cadets from some of the following:-

Heather Reading/Stephen Reading, Leamington and Warwick Sea Cadets
Day job: Critical care Nurse/Police Officer

Heather and Stephen help run Warwick and Leamington Sea Cadets and say that working with cadets who are keen to engage helps them take their mind away from work in the NHS and the Police service. Stephen says:- "The fact that Sea Cadets has been able to pull together and continue to give vital support to young people at this time is great. Seeing cadets on group video calls has proved how valuable our charity is to them. Seeing them interact, smile, laugh and even submit coursework is great."  Heather says:- "Sea Cadets instils confidence, self sufficiency and resilience in young people and undoubtedly our cadets are able to use these life skills to navigate the current challenges we face. It's also been a humbling experience; to learn that things aren't always going to go your way will serve them well in the future."

Martyn Barber, Severn District Sea Cadets
Day Job:- Chef in Children's Hospice

Martyn works as a chef in a children's hospice and combines that with helping other volunteers develop the skills they need to help the cadets of today developing the adults of tomorrow. Martyn says:- "I get the same enjoyment in my work life as I do working with other volunteers within Sea Cadets. It is very rewarding, you make great friendships and working with caring people. You really do support each other and get a sense of pride and satisfaction."

Lloyd Jones, Milford Haven Sea Cadets
Day Job:- Learning Support Assistant at Primary School

Lloyd helps provide special needs to Primary age children at a behavioural unit at a School I West Wales... Lloyd told us:- "I find volunteering with Sea Cadets a massive reward. Getting to meet all of the staff around the corps and making lifelong friends through this. Sea Cadet has brought so much into my life and I really enjoy teaching the kids we have. The cadets are a delight to teach and I feel amazed by how much I am still learning. Being within Sea Cadets makes me feel like I have a UK wide family and I cannot wait to get back to it. I joined 6 years ago and have loved every single minute of it."

Alison Kennedy, Sussex District Sea Cadets
Day job:- Emergency Ambulance Technician

Alison is able to use her skills developed within the Ambulance service in Hastings to good use helping the volunteers within Sea Cadets. And it's also been therapeutic during the current lockdown. "Sea Cadets has been great for my wellbeing. Dealing with the Covid-19 crisis is a daily occurrence and can be quite upsetting. To help me deal with the stresses, we have adopted a Covid-19 free home, with only one news item a day. So getting on and being able to write lessons, set quizzes and meet virtually is a great distraction. As an Assistant District Officer, I am not in direct contact with cadets and training. However, I am able to support cadets through Google Classrooms, writing lessons and quizzes, and attending unit forums through Microsoft Teams. I hold regular Skype sessions with the district team and volunteers."

Sally Smith, Officer In Charge, Bedford Sea Cadets.
Day Job:- Practice Development Nurse, Emergency Department, Bedford Hospital.

Sally also helps to run Bedford Sea Cadets and finds a similar level of teamwork there as in the NHS.  Sally says:- "This is my passion, I love my job and although working in this type of environment is very challenging at times, we work as a team and we support one another."

Chris Gay, Officer in Charge, Musselburgh Sea Cadets.
Day Job:- Ambulance Control Officer, Scottish Ambulance Service.

Chris Gay said:- "I deal directly with Covid-19 patients as well as medical professionals across Scotland and my job is make sure the patients get the care they need as quickly as possible. I love being part of the service. Every call is different and every call is a person needing help, I love to make sure they receive the first step along the way to getting the right patient care. It's helped my people skills which has also helped me within Sea Cadets, I was quite quiet when I started which is unusual for Sea Cadets. When you work with so many people, it brings you out of yourself and it's definitely taken me out of my comfort zone."

Captain Phil Russell, RN, Captain of Sea Cadets says:- "These are just some of the ordinary heroes helping Sea Cadets offer a different kind of adventure to young people up and down the country. Sea Cadets are proud of our strong links with the Royal Navy but volunteers join us from all walks of life and no previous nautical experience is needed. When you start volunteering with us you can be assured of a warm welcome and an amazing experience as part of the Sea Cadet family. Whichever unit they join, adults can be assured of a warm welcome if they join the Sea Cadet family."

Potential volunteers who want to join Sea Cadets can find their local unit by going to the Sea Cadets website at:- Sea-Cadets.Org.

PCC unites with colleagues to make statement on the death of George Floyd

FOLLOWING the death of George Floyd, Merseyside's Police Commissioner is joining with her PCC colleagues to reiterate her commitment to working with communities to continue to strengthen the relationship between the Police and the public.

Jane Kennedy has united with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) equality, diversity and human rights leads David Munro, PCC for Surrey and Hardyal Dhindsa, PCC for Derbyshire, to release the following statement:- "Alongside our communities, we are saddened and appalled by the footage that has emerged from the US over recent days of the death of George Floyd at the hands of US Police Officers. We express our heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of George Floyd and we acknowledge the current strength of feeling as well as the impact that incidents of this nature have on communities around the world. In this country, we are proud of the 'Policing by consent' model on which our forces operate and the work that our Police Officers and staff undertake day in, day out to keep our communities safe. We also have clear and accountable governance systems in place, with directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners representing their local communities and holding their Chief Constables to account on be½ of their communities for policing in their area. We are committed to working with our communities and Chief Constables to ensure that the principle of 'the Police are the public and the public are the Police' is worked towards and achieved, and that we deliver against the important commitments set out within the NPCC Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy."

Jane added:- "People here, and across the globe are rightly appalled by the way George Floyd lost his life. As shown by the peaceful demonstration on St George' Plateau last night, and many before it, people here on Merseyside will not and do not tolerate injustice. Merseysiders are proud to say our Region is no place for hate. Hate crime is never acceptable and I am proud to work with the Anthony Walker Foundation and Stop Hate UK to tackle all forms of hate crime and discrimination and offer support to anyone affected. The relationship between the Police and the public here is strong, but there is always more we can do. I reiterate my commitment to working closely with all communities across Merseyside to continue to build trust and act as a voice on the issues which matter most to local people."

If you have been affected by hate crime, Stop Hate UK are available 24/7. The helpline is confidential and independent and can be reached by calling:- 0800 138 1625 or at:- StopHateUK.Org.

2 bikes stolen and 2 threatened in Hesketh Park, Southport

MERSEYSIDE Police have issued an appeal for information following a robbery, on Friday, 5 June 2020, in Hesketh Park, Southport. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said:- "Our Officers were called at 8.45pm, to the park, following a report 2 male offenders with their faces covered and carrying hammers had approached 2, 22 year old males, in the park, making threats. They then stole a bike from 1, and smashed both men’s mobile phones with the hammers, before heading out of the park towards Southport Town Centre.  No one was physically harmed during the incident. The bike is described as a blue and black pedal bike, with 3 distinctive hoops under the handle bars."

Detective Inspector Andy McCourt said:- "Thankfully neither victim was harmed, but they have obviously been left extremely shaken by this ordeal, not to mention the inconvenienced after having their phones and a bike taken from them. We will act on all information given to us to bring the males responsible for this to justice, and I call on anyone who saw anything suspicious, around Hesketh Park, at 8.45pm, on Friday, to get in touch. If you have been offered a bike matching the description, or seen it since it was stolen, we also want to hear from you. We are making our own enquiries in the area, but information from the public could prove absolutely vital. Our green spaces are there to be enjoyed safely by people of all ages, without the fear of falling victim to an incident such as this, and we intend to keep it that way."

Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police by calling:- 101 quoting incident reference:- '20000327405' or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111, or  through the charity's website.