Agency in lockdown row reopens with staff temperature checks

The agency at the heart of a fierce row over staff safety in the lockdown says it's now insisting local managers take staff temperatures.

London chain Dexters says it’s re-opening its network of 70 offices and re-starting physical viewings with a string of anti-Coronavirus safeguarding and social distancing procedures. 

Seven weeks ago the agency was the focus of national newspaper and trade press coverage when some of its staff worked from offices during a period when there was a call for maximum home-working. At the time the company suggested that some of the work done by staff in branches could not be undertaken at home. The policy was criticised by, amongst others, a Conservative member of the London Assembly.

Now the company has issued a detailed outline of how it is returning to near-normal working within government guidelines. 

Dexters chairman Jeff Doble says the measures are “industry leading” adding: “We are absolutely certain we can operate responsibly and safely from each of our local offices, providing our usual, award winning service. We are also limiting public access to our offices and encouraging much more telephone and video contact.”

He continues: “Throughout lockdown we have been getting large numbers of enquiries and we currently have some 80,000 people looking for a London home, both from the UK and from around the world.”

In terms of staff health and safety, Dexters says: “Local office managers will be routinely checking colleague temperatures and health, as Dexters is determined to have safe workplaces and the agency will be questioning both householders and buyer/tenant visitors about their health with the estate agency operating to a strict COVID-19 safeguarding code which will veto property visits if colleagues are unsure about anyone’s health.”

The company adds: “In addition all tradesmen and suppliers have been issued with detailed government guidance and Dexters is working to help ensure they are fully compliant with them.” 

And it says that public visitors to offices “will be required to wear gloves and face coverings and Dexters can supply these if customers do not have them.”