Free training sessions to help businesses reopen after lockdown

LOCAL businesses have started to prepare to reopen following lockdown, with more than 150 inquiring about Covid-19 awareness training sessions.

Bridgend County Borough Council is offering free online training sessions designed to assist businesses to take the necessary measures to welcome customers back into their premises in a safe and secure way.

The course takes approximately three hours to complete and can be done at home using the trainee’s own equipment.

When completed, the business will be issued with a sticker to display in their premises to show customers they have been trained on the safety aspects of preventing the spread of Covid-19.

Simon James, of Oxford House Menswear in Pon-tycymmer, has already taken part in the free online training session.

He said: “I definitely feel this training would give customers more confidence in returning to our store. I think other retailers would be missing out by not taking up this opportunity. The course was very informative and everyone had a chance to ask questions specific to their business.”

As an additional part of this start-back package, businesses have also been offered a complimentary sneeze guard to further protect themselves and customers once their businesses are fully operational.

The guards are being distributed by council staff from a number of collection points set-up across the county borough.

The Covid-19 awareness training is intended for business owners, managers and other key staff.

■ To book or to request a sneeze guard, call Employability Bridgend on: 01656643428 or email: employability@bridgend.gov.uk