Take care of your workers, Lancashire bosses urged

Dr Lis Smith, Principal at Preston’s College, said that constant communication and listening to employees was vital to continuing to stablise a business during the uncertainty brought by the nationwide lockdown.

Before the pandemic began, an estimated 1.7 million people mainly worked from home in the UK around five per cent of the country’s 33 million workforce, but this number has soared with many millions more joining them in a spare room or at the kitchen table since the lockdown was enforced.

Dr Smith said Preston’s College is using its online learning networks to help learners continue to progress effectively with their chosen qualifications, as well as providing support services.

She said: “Every business knows their people are their most important asset and supporting them to maintain structure in their days is crucial at what is a hugely unsettling time for people.

“We have seen many businesses finding ways to stay connected and carry on operating as near to normal as is possible, and we have been doing this with our own learners at Preston’s College.

“But all employers must ensure they are also using these networks to provide support and answer any questions their people may have, ensuring they feel valued and supported.”

The principal said the college would continue to follow government guidelines to ensure we continue to deliver effectively for our learners, employer partners and community stakeholders.

Preston’s College is sponsoring the Employer of the Year category at this year’s Be Inspired Business Awards, The BIBAs, which is open for applications from businesses across Lancashire until July 31.

The awards has categories open to specific sectors, including engineering, manufacturing and construction businesses, as well as those open to a wider range of firms such as its Small Business of the Year and New Business of the Year prizes.

It has extended its application window to enable businesses to get their entries completed whilst dealing with the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

For further details on The BIBAs, visit the official awards’ website at www.thebibas.co.uk.