Are you using the Government Furlough scheme to protect your people?
Like many businesses across the UK we have taken the decision to use the Government Furlough scheme. Our focus is the protection of jobs and our business, while trying to maintain the best possible service for our customers and suppliers. This important scheme introduced by the Government will protect people’s roles during these difficult unprecedented times.
What is RS doing to support the nation and government during the current crisis?
A high number of our customers are in critical industries such as the public sector including the NHS, food and beverage manufacturing, power generation and utilities. We play a vital role in these customers’ supply chains. We have received many requests from customers, who provide essential services (food producers, medical suppliers and utilities providers), requesting our assurance that we can continue to supply. Finally, we are playing a key role in several of the UK Government initiatives around vital equipment medical equipment ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Do you have any face masks in stock?
Demand has been unprecedented for face masks and currently we have very limited stock, however this is changing daily. We are working tirelessly with our suppliers to secure additional stock.
What is your stock position on other PPE products?
We are investing significantly in those PPE products that we are seeing higher than usual demand for. These include: aprons, disposable gloves, hand cleaners and soaps, hand wipes, multi-purpose wipes, overalls, reusable respirators, reusable respirator accessories and safety goggles and more. Our stock levels change daily, and we are working closely with our suppliers to be able to meet the demands required in these unprecedented times. To check our stock levels on an item please visit our website or contact your local customer services team.
What about wider stock availability, do you anticipate any issues?
We hold a substantial depth of inventory. We have been in contact with all our suppliers to confirm the availability of stock and we are confident that we are currently in a strong position.
Are you prioritising stock for the impacted regions?
We are seeing a significant increase in demand for products such as face masks, hand gel and other PPE products. We’re working with our supplier partners and doing everything we can to maintain good levels of stock.
Do products coming from other countries present a contamination risk?
No, people receiving packages are not at risk of contracting COVID-19. From previous analysis, the World Health Organisation has stated that it does not survive long on objects such as letters or packages. We are waiting for further guidance on this and will update our guidance accordingly.