Dear All

Aligned to the Government’s withdrawal of most remaining Covid restrictions across the UK from 19^th July, we moved to Phase 4 of our Covid-19 unlock roadmap and enabled our offices to operate at 100% of their safe occupancy levels from this date.

On review of the current situation across LSH and the UK, we will be maintaining our operating guidelines at Phase 4 for the immediate period.  This position will be reviewed at the end of September.   This decision is based on the following observations:

• LSH remains committed to providing safe working spaces for our people throughout this period.
• Our safe operating levels will still enable most people to attend an LSH office for 1 to 3 days per week on a managed basis, enabling safe collaboration and team connections to take place.
• New Covid-19 case numbers across the UK have – as anticipated - been rising through July and August as social contacts have increased. 
• Across LSH we have had the same experience, with an increase in the number of colleagues reporting positive test results through July and August. 
• The holiday season, including increased international travel, is likely to continue to apply upward pressure on case numbers over the next few weeks.
• Schools returning across the UK is also likely to apply upward pressure on case numbers over the next few weeks
• More positively, over 88% of the adult (16 yrs +) population have now had 1 Covid-19 vaccination dose, with over 78% having had 2 doses. This is successfully holding the flow through from positive case numbers to serious illness at a significantly lower level than was previously the case.

What does this mean for all of us?

• We still need to consider and manage this situation carefully, at least in the short term. 
• If you - or someone close to you - display any Covid-19 symptoms, please do not attend an office or client site until you have taken a PCR test and received a negative result.  
• Anyone who receives a positive test result must isolate and Contact the HR team
• We should all continue to use the Desk Booking System, whenever we are intending to use an LSH office.  This ensures that we can quickly and effectively manage any office cleaning or team notification requirements in the event of a positive case report.  Please book your desk in advance.
• When in an LSH office or on a client site, please follow the local arrangements to reduce any risk.  If you are unclear on the arrangements, please speak to the local workplace coordinator.
• Please continue to think about your colleagues.  We are all responsible for ourselves and for each other in maintaining a safe workplace.
• Please monitor your own health closely.  Consider taking advantage of the lateral flow tests that are available to everyone and take regular tests to check your status.
• Continue to follow the recommended guidance around face coverings in busy indoor spaces
• Continue to follow the basic hygiene guidance
• If you are contacted by NHS Track and Trace as a close contact, please follow the isolation advice provided
• We continue to encourage everyone to take up their offer of Covid-19 vaccinations when they get them

Office/Service Line meetings

We are aware that some teams are looking to organise meetings to bring larger numbers of people together.  We want to help support these where we can mitigate any associated risks effectively.  Any such plans must be raised with the Executive team for consideration and discussion before they go ahead and before any significant expenditure is made in respect of the event.  Decisions will be made on a case by case basis and details should be sent to me to coordinate this review process.

Above all, please continue to take care generally.  Contact your Workplace Coordinator or the HR Team if you have any questions in the coming weeks. And, as always, please stay safe and well.

Kind regards

Chris