Contractors – to work or not to work? EverEdge ask

16 Apr 2020

Whilst domestic sales were booming before EverEdge was asked by the couriers early last week to stop, as they couldn’t cope (drivers in isolation and prioritising urgent supplies etc), it is a different ball game in the ‘commercial’ landscaping field.

Office workers in landscape companies, along with architects and designers, are mostly working from home, but site works are a different matter.

Some contractors have decided to stop completely, and others are trying to carry on, although with severe restrictions on how the work is being carried out whilst observing the social distancing measures between workers.

One contractor remarked: ‘You can’t have two people carrying and laying a large slab when they’re two metres apart!’

Landscape supplies are becoming more of a challenge – EverEdge is a typical example of what other landscape suppliers may be facing.

Although the company has some stocks of the bigger (2.5 metres long) edgings for existing orders, the shipping is severely restricted by the couriers.

Many of its suppliers have had to close their doors, thus limiting what can be kept in stock – the knock-on effect is fairly evident.

HM Government’s directive is that non-essential work should not be carried out and that everyone should stay at home where possible.

However, the problem with this instruction is ‘What is and what is not essential?’. BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) are currently putting out a lot of very useful information to its members, amongst which is seeking clarification from Government(s) on what our American friends might describe as “essentiality”!

The Scottish Government have written to BALI and confirmed the general guidelines as previously notified; however, they clarify the position very clearly, ‘Is what you do essential or material to the effort against the virus and to the wellbeing of society?’

If not, stay at home. If it is, can you work from home? If you can’t, can you apply social distancing rules during work, rest periods and travel whilst still complying with ALL other health and safety requirements?

EverEdge are wishing everybody safety, adding that it looks forward to working with its customers once things return to normality.

EverEdge,
93 The Lloyd,
Market Drayton,
Shropshire,
United Kingdom,
TF9 2PS

Phone: 01453 731717

Visit EverEdge's website