COVID-19 Contingency Plan

Written by VMS Vehicle Hire on 13th March 2020

VMS Holdings Group Announcement

VMS (Fleet Management) Ltd, VMS (Refrigeration) Ltd, Western Truck Rental Ltd, VMS Vehicle Hire.

Group Planning for Covid 19:
In respect of the on-going Covid 19 virus pandemic, our business continues to closely monitor developments and follow the UK Governments official advice. The virus is causing great concern to our colleagues, suppliers and customers alike and therefore after considering our Governments statements and advice we have concluded that VMS Group will experience an unprecedented level of sickness which will result in many of our colleagues having to go into self-isolation. Short term disruption within our business is inevitable, however we recognise that the country will still need to operate. As such we have taken immediate steps to implement our Business Continuity Plan which we are now able to update you with.

Operations Centre

Over the past two days our operations centre has begun a programme to allow a number or members of staff to commence working from home and will continue to increase that number should the need arise. In addition, we are introducing additional options for customers and suppliers to communicate with us for non-essential items and general enquiries. As a company we pride ourselves on the performance of our operations centre not least their response times to calls and queries. We are sure you will all appreciate that this situation will create many challenges not least the fact that all our suppliers and service delivery partners will be experiencing the same problems. We will endeavour to provide the highest levels of service possible but would request your patience and understanding at this difficult time.

Head Office

We have mirrored our operation centre plans at Head Office, and these will begin to be implemented next week subject to any further updates from the authorities. Several keys members of Head Office staff are already working remotely, and it is our intention that all central group functions such as Human Resources, Accounts, Health & Safety and all other support services will continue to operate at the very least in a reduced manner.

Hire/Workshop Sites

All sites have individual contingency plans which will be managed according to regional requirements. As with all areas of the operation in the event a facility is forced to shut, we have plans in place for the closest facility to support. The company has introduced directives to colleagues on limiting visitors to sites and has suspended all non-essential travel. We will endeavour continue to provide all current services albeit in certain instances this may be significantly reduced or suspended if necessary or a directive is issued by the authorities.

Mobile Technicians/Refrigeration Engineers

This service remains operational although we have issued a directive to our colleagues advising them that they must where possible carry our work whilst limiting contact with site operatives or if roadside, minimal contact with the vehicle occupants. We will continue to monitor and take all necessary action to safeguard both our colleagues and our customers in respect of this service.

Message from the CEO

As we head into uncharted waters’, I must be clear that the wellbeing of our colleagues, service partners and customers together with their families and friends remain our number on priority. I am extremely proud of our staff and the effort and willingness to prepare for this situation at such short notice. We will remain committed to serving everyone to the best of our ability and caring for those around us. I cannot thank everyone enough

Regards

Martin James
Group Managing Director

Contact Details

In the event that you need further assistance or clarity please contact your account manager or visit our Contact us page on our website www.vmsglobal.co.uk

 Back to News

Recent News