Anglia businesses prepare to open up while keeping workers safe

  • Watch Matthew Hudson's report here

Across our region, factory floors and shops are being adapted to maintain social distancing when the time comes to reopen.

Production is back underway at the Hotel Chocolat in Huntingdon. Online trade has been excellent, but next week, the company will re-open five of its shop cafes for takeaway business.

"We're hoping that the government is going to get some good news from their medical experts and gradually we're going to come back to a new way of retailing chocolate," said Angus Thirwall, CEO of Hotel Chocolat. "It'll be more spaced out for sure".

Angus Thirwall, CEO of Hotel Chocolat

Bosses have been implementing new ways of working. Staff are to stand two metres apart and if that's not possible, they are screened off from each other or wear extra levels of PPE.

Organisations across the East of England have been working closely to make sure workers feel safe, but how do we make sure people feel safe travelling to work?

Greater Anglia staff member operating the 'fogging' machine

Greater Anglia has released a video demonstrating their new 'fogging' cleaning machines in action. Meanwhile, Vauxhall, Luton largest private-sector employer, has redesigned its factory in the town to improve safety for staff.

Stephen Norman Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors UK

"We have two factories here in the United Kingdom, we have this one here in Luton and we have another one in Ellesmere Port," said Stephen Norman Managing Director of Vauxhall Motors UK. "Industrywide, it's vital we get back to work to generate the economic results to maintain employment".

If we thought health and safety was playing an increasing part in how we commuted, worked and lived our lives - we probably haven't seen anything yet.

Coronavirus: Everything you need to know