Colliers eyes office reopening next week

Colliers is to launch a phased reopening of offices, starting with its London offices on Monday 1 June. The return to the office comes after two months of lockdown, with agents working from home as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the UK. It follows similar moves from CBRE, JLL and Savills, which are all reopening this week, with Cushman & Wakefield also preparing for a return next week. Colliers is currently carrying out risk assessments to identify issues posed by Covid-19 and preparing to make the offices safe and operational in terms of social distancing. Tony Horrell, chief executive for UK & Ireland, said: “Colliers’ UK re-entry strategy is advancing in line with evolving government guidelines, but with the safety and wellbeing of our employees and clients remaining our primary priority. “Initially, our aim is to ensure our London offices are available to those who wish to utilise them and are able to safely travel to them in the near future. It is our intention to implement a phased approach across our estate over time.” Earlier this month, Colliers said it would resume on-site viewings following guidance from the government, encouraging a return to work. Horrell said the business had focused on enabling employees to return to work focusing on tasks that could not be done from home. He said: “This has come with its own complexities based on asset type, location and occupation considerations. However, we are making sure that this can be carried out following RICS guidelines ensuring safe travel, by supplying the necessary PPE and only where it is safe to do so.” The agent will continue to offer home-working to employees over the coming months. To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette