The constituency office of Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, is due to reopen from Tuesday 8^th September, but with measures in place to protect staff and visitors.

The constituency office has been closed since March due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but all staff have been working from home full-time and providing support to constituents.

Toby said, “My staff and I have been working flat out over the last five months to ensure that my constituents are fully supported. Even though staff have been working from home, the amount of casework and enquiries has increased due to the crisis. I have still done my weekly surgeries via Zoom video calls or telephone and I am pleased that I have been able to offer the same level of support to constituents and local businesses.

Whilst I think the Government should have focused on the safe reopening of schools before encouraging the country to return to their workplaces, I do think it is time to reopen my office. None of my staff need to use public transport and the appropriate social distancing can be maintained in the office. We will have new cleaning procedures and a one-way system for visitors leaving and entering the office.

We will still be encouraging people to speak to us via Zoom or telephone but for people who absolutely require a face-to-face meeting this can be arranged in a safe manner. All constituent meetings will be by appointment only.

Like all employers, my focus will always be on the health and safety of my staff and my constituents but I am hopeful that with the appropriate measures in place, we can safely re-open the office.