Preston's biggest office block sends staff home and shuts its doors for deep clean

The Guild Tower, home to DWP and HMRC offices, has shut its doors today whilst a deep-clean is carried out across the building's 15 floors.

Staff are understood to have been sent home this morning after an HMRC worker on the 8th floor reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.

DWP has confirmed to Lancashire Post that its offices are among those being cleaned today, with all its staff now working from home until next week.

A DWP spokesman said: "We can confirm that our premises in Preston have been closed for a deep clean today.

"We understand that other employers within the building are remaining closed until Monday, and though we have not made a decision ourselves on when we will reopen, it is likely that it will take a few days for the building to be deep cleaned, as it is a very big building."

Private cleaning contractors were seen entering the building this morning, with around 7 vans parked outside.

A HMRC spokesperson said: "We have a range of processes in place to protect our people at this time and these will be kept under continual review to ensure people’s safety going forward.

"We are following the guidance issued by the Government, the NHS and Public Health England and will continue to do so.

"Members of staff who may be feeling unwell have been advised to follow guidelines and work from home."

It is not the first time that the Guild Tower has had to shut for a deep clean during the pandemic.

On May 27, the high-rise shut some of its offices for a number of days after a DWP staff member fell ill with coronavirus symptoms.

DWP said it had closed its office "purely as a precautionary measure", but other offices within the building remained open.

It sparked concern from other office workers within the building who share lifts, corridors, toilets and walkways with the DWP.

The Guild Tower shares access with the bus station and Guildhall, with staff using the walkway to access the car park.

The building has only seen a minority of its workforce return to its offices, with most staff members continuing to work from home. Those who have been working in the building are deemed to be staff that cannot work from home for specific reasons.

The offices are understood to be complying with all Government guidance on social distancing, with plastic partitions fitted between desks to prevent contagion.