As we continue to adapt to living with Covid-19, our thoughts are still very much with everyone affected, both directly and indirectly, during these challenging times.
Our main priority, as always, continues to be the health, wellbeing and safety of our clients, employees, colleagues, referrers and suppliers.
We therefore continue to closely monitor the advice and guidance from the Government and Public Health England to ensure the appropriate contingency plans and measures are in place.
Our Offices
In accordance with the latest Government guidelines on a new national lockdown, announced on the 4th January we will primarily work from home however we will continue to make all efforts to service our clients as comprehensively as possible.
Our Clients
As we recognise the value of listening and talking to our clients we have adapted our working practices to ensure that we continue to maintain that vital contact with them whilst ensuring everyone’s safety and wellbeing.
All our lawyers will continue to maintain contact with our clients either by telephone or other digital platforms to suit them; and are working with our clients to try and provide practical solutions to problems such as financial pressures or difficulties with the availability of carers or the provision of specialist equipment, for example.
Courts
A network of priority Courts remain open to make sure the justice system continues to operate effectively maintaining the safety of all in the Courts and in line with public health advice and to maintain a core justice system focused on the most essential cases.
Whilst some Court hearings continue to take place remotely using telephone, video and other technology, there are now priority Court hearings taking place in person and full guidance is available in this regard.
A weekly operational update continues: the current operational status of the Courts.
Medical / Non-Medical Experts
We continue to liaise and work collaboratively with our medical and non-medical experts to try and resolve the practical challenges of the restrictions of face-to-face assessments by working flexibly with a variety of digital platforms.
Collaborative Working
We have signed up to the new ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) Personal Injury Protocol’ to ensure personal injury solicitors and insurers work together to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus.
The protocol calls for a flexible and pragmatic approach, whether that is to limitation periods (the date by which Court proceedings are required), delays in submitting medical evidence or other Court documents, and seeks to recognise restrictions on attending hearings while social distancing guidance is in place.
Coronavirus support links
- World Health Organisation’s technical guidance
- Government guidelines for employers and business
- Government general guidance on the situation
Coronavirus update - 19.03.20
As the coronavirus outbreak continues, our thoughts are very much with everyone affected, both directly and indirectly, during these challenging times.
Our main priority, as always, is the health, wellbeing and safety of our clients, employees, colleagues, referrers and suppliers.
We are closely monitoring the advice and guidance from the Government and Public Health England to ensure that we have the appropriate contingency plans and measures in place.
Most of our staff members are taking advantage of our flexible working arrangements and are working from home to ensure there is no disruption to our services. It is our aim to continue to provide our clients and suppliers with the highest levels of service possible.
Our office
At this time, our office remains open with a limited number of staff to carry out essential tasks.
We have advised our employees to cancel their face-to-face meetings and to conduct them remotely by telephone and conferencing services. This is in line with Government guidance on increasing social distancing.
We have secure IT systems in place to ensure our solicitors and support staff can work from home effectively and continue to provide a high level of service. Our IT systems comply with all privacy and security requirements and are ‘GDPR-compliant’.
If you are a client or a supplier who is due to have a meeting with us, please get in touch with your main point of contact so that we can make alternative arrangements.
Courts
It is likely that there will be unavoidable delays and cancellations in Her Majesty’s Courts. We will strive to keep our clients and suppliers informed if they are directly affected.
The Government has published updated guidance on the impact the coronavirus issue is having on Court operations and it can be found here.
Latest coronavirus advice
We understand that these uncertain times are causing feelings of anxiety and stress for everyone. Rest assured, Hyphen Law is well prepared and we have robust actions in place to mitigate the risks and ensure we can continue to represent and meet the needs of our clients, colleagues, referrers and suppliers at all times.
Please do continue to check the latest Government advice on coronavirus, the importance of self-isolation and how we can delay the spread of the illness.
If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on Freephone 0845 160 1111 or email info@hyphenlaw.co.uk.