The Covid-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event in living memory. It has had, and continues to have, far-reaching impacts on individuals, our society, the economy and our industry. Many of those impacts have of course been negative; and the challenges implied by that, as well as by the long list of other changes we have been experiencing, will be with us for some time to come. On the more positive side, this does bring some opportunities, too, in terms of highlighting the possibilities of working in different ways, deploying new and appropriate technologies and finding ways to better use resources, for example. And, yes, there may also be some new business opportunities.

A key part of our role is to help provide the FM community with the news, information and insights needed to understand and manage the pandemic impacts, challenges and opportunities. You can access all of the relevant content on i-FM from this page. News, features and comments are shown in the boxes below and to the right. In addition, you can use our Search functions to explore the site for related issues. You can search the news by date or topic, for example ‘Covid-19’. Or you can search our full content on any keyword via our Search page.

This site hub aims to provide easy access to a range of resources for FMs. All suggestions for additional content are welcome – contact us anytime.

Next 24 Articles

Businesses urged to take caution with water supply

As many of the UK's businesses consider reopening their doors, the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme is encouraging them to consider the risks posed by their water systems sooner rather than later, to avoid health risks.

Survival....

Boris Johnson announced on Sunday evening that he wanted the UK to begin returning to work. An appealing change from lockdown conditions for some no doubt, but a troubling and even frightening one for others.

Covid-19: news, information and resources

Today sees the launch of a dedicated page on i-FM pulling together all of our pandemic reporting, together with links to resources, for easy access.

Government publishes back-to-work guidance

A series of publications aim to offer practical guidelines to make workplaces as safe as possible and give people confidence to go back to work during the pandemic.

Polyteck unveils deep cleaning division

The facilities services provider has launched a new deep cleaning and sanitation division for residential and commercial properties.

ABM UK offers enhanced cleaning service

ABM has developed a comprehensive programme of services designed to help businesses re-open in the wake of Covid-19.

CBIL loan protects one company's future

Simply Solutions, the London headquartered facilities services provider, has stabilised its position with the help of a £250,000 Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan.

Churchill launches Covid symptom tracker

The soft services group has added a new app to its digital platform, designed to monitor signs and curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Cool workplace: lower temperatures coming?

CIBSE has been cited in the Sunday Times, advising that building managers increase the amount of exterior air flowing into the workplace in order to reduce the concentration of any Covid-19 particles.

Anxious about returning to the workplace?

If so, you are not alone. Over 40% of employees share that feeling because of Covid-19, according to a new survey published by the CIPD. 

Property sector hit hard by pandemic

A snap poll by industry journal Property Week has found that over half of the companies covered have furloughed staff.

Public sector outsourcing market may be stabilising

April saw a 66% in new public sector contract opportunities compared to February according to Tussell, the market intelligence firm.

Corps launches thermal imaging service

Corps Security has joined the return-to-work services market with the introduction of new tools to support organisations as they look towards 'business as usual'.

Returning to work: are we ready?

Over the next few weeks and months, buildings across the country will start to be reoccupied. A gradual process, this will nevertheless presents enormous challenges to many businesses.

Mitie offers post-lockdown guidance

As the lifting of some lockdown restrictions is reviewed by government, Mitie has published a return-to-work guide for facilities managers.

NJC launches coronavirus support hub

The independent cleaning and support services company has developed an online hub to share information in support of a return to the workplace.

Employers call for changes to furlough scheme

A new CIPD survey of 1,000 employers highlights a need for furloughed workers to be able to work reduced hours.

Lockdown leading to lasting business change

The coronavirus lockdown is causing lasting changes to the way UK companies operate, new figures from the Institute of Directors suggest.

Engineering groups issue site safety guides

Leading engineering services sector bodies BESA and ECA have jointly developed two new guides to help contractors to manage coronavirus-related issues on-site.

Churchill launches swab testing service

The soft services provider has developed a Covid-19 swab testing service to help organisations safely manage buildings and protect occupants pre- and post-lockdown.

Does coronavirus spell the end of hotdesking?

Workplace design experts are predicting the pandemic could prove a major challenge to the future of hotdesking.

BCO: looking at change in the workplace

Screens to protect receptionists, touchless unisex toilets and reduced occupational density are all likely to be features of the post Covid-19 workplace.

IFMA tackles the pandemic

The International Facility Management Association has been working around the clock, it reports, to provide timely, topical resources for FMs facing the challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak.

What happens after lockdown?

On Thursday 16 April, the UK government extended the lockdown by at least another three weeks. That’s not to say life will return to normal on early in May, of course. But, in the meantime, how should we think about this?