Recent communication from the Agency gives a strong indication that when the time is right, the organisation would like to see many of you returning to the workplace. The Prime Ministers briefing on Sunday clarified that the right time has not quite arrived yet, and that the existing, ‘Work from home if you are able’, still applies.
If all goes well then you can expect to see relaxation of the current restrictions in the near future which may signal a return to the workplace for many, including NCA officers. That said, whenever that time comes the NCA has a legal duty to ensure the workplace is safe and that measures are in place to protect you by restricting the transmission of the virus.
Yesterday I wrote formally to the Agency to ask that they outline their own ‘road map’ to explain in detail how our members can operate in a safe environment with regards to office layouts, numbers at work, equipment sharing, the use of elevators, meeting pods and building reception areas to name but a few.
We hope to have a response shortly and are keen to understand what risk management and measures will be implemented to protect you at the point you are asked to return in greater numbers to the workplace. We have once again offered to assist in any communication via our extensive rep footprint at each of the Agency sites. We hope to have a response shortly and are keen to understand what risk management and measures will be implemented to protect you at the point you are asked to return in greater numbers to the workplace. We have once again offered to assist in any communication via our extensive rep footprint at each of the Agency sites. We hope the Agency’s plans will clearly lay out a structured and workable solution to working within the COVID-19 environment, working from home for some, must clearly remain on the table.
This is entirely consistent with the Government publication we received after writing to the Agency which provides general advice to employers across all environments.
Whilst I know the Agency will share our concerns, risk and exposure to risk cannot simply be dismissed simply because; ‘We are the NCA, and we need to get the job done’. It is critical therefore that the Agency is able to deliver clear, and unambiguous communication in relation to ‘Return to work’ advice and guidance at National, Regional and local level to protect our officers and also their families at this difficult time.
For those of you have not done so yet, please be aware that the NCOA COVID-19 Survey will close tomorrow, Wednesday 13th May at 10am.
Don’t miss out, have your say by clinking the link; https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/8QJV6B9
Keep safe
Simon Boon
NCOA General Secretary