We are now entering week 6 of the Government measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. At Gratte Brothers, we continue to adapt our business continuity plan as circumstances change, to ensure that we protect our people, our clients, our supply chain and the wider community.
Our catering equipment service engineers, security engineers and M&E maintenance engineers are continuing to provide a service for critical sectors, critical systems, and other client requirements. Travel practices have been implemented to eliminate, where possible, the use of London Underground. Work times are being varied to avoid rush hour and ensure social distancing. Hygiene measures have been increased.
A large number of our construction sites are temporarily closed at the client’s request. However, some critical sites continue to operate where social distancing requirements can be maintained. For these sites, hygiene measures have been enhanced and travel arrangements changed to reflect the COVID 19 requirements. We are monitoring the situation on a day-to-day basis to ensure the safety of our people.
We remain active where it is safe to do so. All office staff have been working from home since Tuesday 24th March, allowing many of our operations to continue. The switchboard 020 7837 6433 is operating 8.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8.00am to 4.00pm Friday. Our receptionist remains able to transfer calls to staff working at home. So please use this number or normal help desk numbers for out of hours as necessary.
As a result of reduced operations, we have taken the difficult decision to place some of our employees into furlough until a time when non-critical work can recommence. This decision has not been taken lightly but with falling demand has been taken to protect our people and their long-term employment. In recognition of their responsibility to protect the business and the jobs of all our people, the Directors of Gratte Brothers unanimously agreed to take a cut in their salary from April. Our salaried staff have responded generously by accepting a salary reduction from May. Ours is a family company and we intend to come through these challenging times together.
We are extremely grateful to all our employees, those furloughed, those working from home and especially those on the front line, for their continued support and extraordinary effort to keep the business operational and to minimise disruption to our clients.
We remain in a stage of “business as unusual” to ensure the safety of all personnel-staff, clients and supply chain. We thank you for your understanding and support and we wish you all well during these uncertain times.
We are ever grateful to all the individuals working within the NHS and other essential operations for providing exemplary care and vital services during this challenging time.
If you have any specific concerns please call 020 7837 6433 or email info@gratte.com.
