It was inevitable really – after Covid cases rising for weeks and many areas in the country being placed under ever greater restrictions – the Prime Minister having to hold a press conference in which he has updated the nation about new measures to contain Covid-19.
I have never (I doubt any of us have) experienced such a period of uncertainty. For life to change so quickly and our ability to do the things we had become used to being taken away almost without warning.
There is no doubt jobs and the economy will take another huge hit – and our hearts go out to everyone affected, whether by getting the virus, or not being able to work. That particularly affects trades who have always worked in people’s houses, rather than on building sites.
Even though construction is an exempt category in general and there are protocols for getting work done in residential premises, lots of trades we speak to are finding people don’t want to have work done in their houses and their work is drying up.
SuperSkills Construction Training is in one of the exempted categories and is permitted to keep going during the “lockdown” period.
It follows that our assessments can go ahead as normal unless circumstances change. In a world of bad news, this means that people who have always done “domestic” work, but who now find they need to get onto sites, but don’t have CSCS Cards, can get the NVQ they need quickly, simply and conveniently.
We are obviously taking the safety of our candidates and staff seriously – we have been doing assessments under Covid secure arrangements since we reopened in June – and remember that if you have symptoms of Coronavirus or have to self-isolate for any reason, you can change your assessment date and just let us know.
You will not lose your deposit in these circumstances. We’ve always adopted a sympathetic approach when people’s arrangements need to change and we’ve no intention of changing now.
There is accommodation available in Thirsk, so if you need an overnight stay, we will do our best to get you fixed up.
You can always contact our office on 01845 527445 should you need any advice.
In the meantime, we trust you and yours remain well and sincerely hope you are not affected by this dreadful virus.