Business
COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Update.
About this update from Watkin Jones Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n \n \n RNS Number : 7967H\n Watkin Jones plc\n 27 March 2020\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n For immediate release\n \n \n 27 March 2020\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Watkin Jones plc\n \n \n ('Watkin Jones' or the 'Group')\n \n \n \n \n \n COVID-19 Update\n \n \n \n Watkin Jones plc (AIM:WJG), the UK's leading developer and manager of residential for rent, with a focus on the student accommodation and Build to Rent sectors, announces the following update on COVID-19 and the measures the Group is taking to manage and mitigate the potential risks to its employees, clients, customers, partners and shareholders.\n \n \n \n \n \n The health and safety, welfare and protection of all people directly or indirectly involved in the Group's business is our number one priority. The Group has been reviewing and responding to the evolving situation in respect of the COVID-19 pandemic, closely following guidance from Public Health England and the World Health Organisation. The Group has responded quickly and implemented specific COVID-19 business continuity plans in line with guidance.\n \n \n \n \n \n Watkin Jones' office based staff are successfully enrolled in managed flexible working programmes, enabled by the Group's technology platforms. In order to prioritise welfare, the Group has decided to close its active development sites temporarily, with the exception of a small number of sites which will remain open whilst essential services works are completed. The Group will keep this position under review and remains prepared to remobilise the sites quickly, as soon as it is appropriate and safe to do so.\n \n \n \n \n \n Within Fresh Property Group, where we manage student and build to rent tenants on behalf of institutional owners, we are focusing on ensuring the safety and welfare of our tenants and staff, and providing practical support to those who are self-isolating. Enhanced cleaning regimes and adjusted social interaction arrangements are in place to assist in managing and controlling the potential spread of the virus. We are working very closely with our university partners, international agents and other key stakeholders, particularly in respect of the impact on this summer term and potentially further ahead.\n \n \n \n \n \n We are taking proactive steps t...