A government agency has published advice posters offering a glimpse into the future of Kent's business and office operations.

The Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) developed the COVID-19 Workplace Actions campaign mainly for internal use, and continues to rework the posters in accordance with up-to-date statistics and advice.

Among the advice being propagated is keeping two metres apart, washing your hands, cleaning your desk with anti-bacterial wipes and ensuring meetings are held virtually where possible.

Furthermore in the documents - which are being promoted to business owners nationwide - workers are recommended to use the same desk as much as possible and to report to a manager if guidelines are broken.

The CPNI website states: "We believe many other organisations are in a similar position to ours or will be over the next coming months.

"Organisations will need their employees and visitors to undertake the correct social distancing and hygiene behaviours effectively in order to continue operating or to return to a position of where their missions can be delivered safely, which is vital both to the re-opening of the economy and delivery of key services.

"If implemented well, this campaign can help an organisation rapidly create a new ‘social norm’, that is, unwritten rules about how to behave."

The agency hopes that its COVID-19 Workplace Actions toolkit can help employers and organisations to use behavioural science in combatting poor health practices upon a return to work.

As part of the lockdown's easing on May 10, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to return to work if they couldn't carry out their role from home.

He also touted a phased reopening of shops once the transmission rate has been brought further under control.

Even a couple of weeks before this announcement, a Kent law firm called on companies to prepare for reopening saying it's never to early to start planning for the event.

Antonio Fletcher, a partner at Brachers, said: "Business can’t be switched back on overnight and owners and management teams are now starting to plan ahead for when the government says we can return to work after the pandemic.

"While schools remain closed it is important that employers are mindful of the challenges faced by those with additional childcare responsibilities, who may find it difficult to work full-time or at set hours.

"Other workers may be continuing to care for elderly or vulnerable family members. Clearly, there is a need for employers to brush up on their knowledge of parental and dependant leave, and to ensure their policies are fit for purpose.”

Mr Fletcher also recommended risk assessments be completed, as well as potential hiring or retraining.

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