Back to Work Plans Halted

Back to work plans among top law firms in the UK are on hold as new Government restrictions come into force.


Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
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LONDON (Within The Law) - Leading firms in the legal sector have paused their back to work plans in response to the Government’s latest change of direction on COVID 19. As Johnson switched the drive back to the office, the likes of Fieldfisher and BCLP have told their staff to go back to remote working for the time being. 

At Ince, a complex four-stage reopening plan had been running since July which included an enhanced cleaning rota and temperature checks. However, for the time being, that plan has been put on hold with a senior partner at the firm Julian Clark stating: “The management team’s key priority is to put the health and safety of our staff members first. Following yesterday’s UK government announcement, we have paused any further consideration of returning to our offices and advised staff to work from home wherever possible.”

Bird & Bird had reopened its Fetter Lane offices during the summer but had asked only those employees who could not work productively from home to attend. Its offices are remaining open for the time being, but they have upped their advice to its staff to stay home and work remotely if they possibly can. 

Fieldfishers, meanwhile, had been gradually increasing its office attendance capacity in London as part of a pilot. They had kept the office open for staff who needed it throughout the pandemic. They had increased the maximum headcount who could be in the office at any one time from 10% to 25%. However, with the arrival of new restrictions the firm has hit reverse and is asking staff to work from home where possible. 

(Written by Tom Cropper, Edited by Klaudia Fior)

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