Covid employment advice service set up by Propertymark

Propertymark has teamed up with an employment and health and safety specialist to establish a service for member agents with Coronavirus-related job queries.

The tie up with the Ellis Whittam human resources company means Propertymark’s nationwide membership now has access to a 24/7 on-call legal advisory service, as well as online tools and templates to help them tackle issues created by the virus. 

A statement from Propertymark says that as part of its aim to provide support, deliver information, and offer value-added services to its members, Ellis Whittam will help agents maintain legal compliance and uphold best practice in their duty of care as employers. 

A library of guidance documents will be available via the Propertymark website and members can contact a dedicated legal advisory team via telephone or email to seek advice around Employment Law, HR, and Health & Safety matters. 

All advisors are qualified professionals who will provide advice and support that is bespoke to each member and their circumstances.

Ellis Whittam’s customers include over 17,000 businesses and organisations the National Pharmacy Association, British Independent Retailers Association, National Hairdressers Association, and the Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations.

Propertymark’s new chief executive, Tim Balcon, says: “We strive to offer high-value support to our members, to enable them to run better businesses and in turn enhance the prospects and reputation of the UK’s property industry. 

“Ellis Whittam offers an ideal blend of professional expertise to ease the management of people and premises, so that our members can concentrate on building their businesses and serving customers.”

And Ellis Whittam chief exec Gavin Snell adds: “As estate agents, letting agents and auctioneers get back to business, the new advisory service will help employers to feel supported, not just with the challenges of people management, but in ensuring their business practices remain Covid-secure.”