PFS urges advisers to share risk assessments

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PFS urges advisers to share risk assessments
Keith Richards, chief executive of the PFS

The Personal Finance Society has urged advisers to share the results of coronavirus risk assessments with their staff and clients to reassure them of their safety in the office.

Keith Richards, chief executive of the professional body, said a risk assessment was essential before re-opening offices, alongside putting measures in place to mitigate coronavirus transmission. 

He added: "It is vital the results of this risk assessment are shared with the workforce – and clients – if they are to feel confident about their safety."

It comes as a survey of 139 PFS members conducted last month found 65 per cent felt protected against the virus if required to return to the office or meet with clients in person.  

But one in ten of those surveyed admitted they did not feel safe while working in the current climate.

Mr Richards said: "I would urge anyone concerned about their safety to review the government’s Covid-19 guidelines and talk to their employer if they feel more could be done to keep them safe.

"Try to be constructive and explain what you need to happen so that you will feel safe at work as it is evident that firms are taking a flexible and considered approach."

The PFS boss praised the industry for its "quick and effective" response to lockdown, but warned recovery had begun "amidst uncertainty".

He added: "Therefore it is essential staff can have confidence that the transmission risk had been managed so they could safely carry out their work."

Research recently published by Intelliflo found a quarter of advisers had no plans to return to the office this year, with the majority considering to reallocate workplace budgets towards technology and cash reserves.

Earlier this month FTAdviser reported how flexible working was here to stay among the biggest advice players in the industry, despite government guidance on working from home having changed. 

This included flexible start and finish times, an end to the traditional five-day working week and refurbished headquarters to allow for social distancing and a permanent shift to a new way of working.

rachel.mortimer@ft.com 

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