ABSL statement on Prime Minister's decision to temporarily close the Polish borders
With reference to the Prime Minister's decision, we emphasize that for the ABSL sector, as well as all organizations associated in ABSL Poland, the safety of employees, their families and colleagues, is of our primary concern. Therefore, we are fully committed to employ whatever measures are necessary to prevent further healthcare concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus.
There are about 1.5 thousand various business service centers with ca. 310 thousand employees. According to our estimates, 70 per cent have kids and 60 per cent are female. Up to 70 per cent of the companies have committed to switching to various forms of home office. Around 30 per cent of employees are currently working in this mode.
Half of the centers are part of global operations, therefore ⅘ of them have comprehensive, already tested in practice, crisis management plans enabling them to continue work.
The ABSL companies keep the highest standards of preventive measures to protect and educate their employees. These include sharing of best practices, regular inquiries about the actual needs of the workforce, equipping their facilities with disinfectants and first-aid kits, as well as comprehensive distribution of reliable information about COVID-19 and the necessary precautions.
Over the last week the vast majority of foreign travel has been suspended and replaced with teleconferences and webinars. The companies have also restricted access for the outside public as well as for employees returning from abroad. Proprietary infolines and co-ordinating centers have also been established.
We carefully observe current developments and announcements of public administration representatives. We are determinate to follow regulations and directives of respective sanitary agencies and authorities, as well as recommendations of ABSL members resulting from corporate policies. Safety always comes first.