News / COVID-19 Update
March 26, 2020
To our supporters and clients,
We’re writing to update you on JustWork’s response to COVID-19. We are aware that this situation is developing quickly, and requires timely, thoughtful and compassionate action. We know that this is a challenging and uncertain time for many.
As you know, JustWork’s mission is to provide dignified and gainful employment to people who face barriers to work. At this time, our primary focus is the health and safety of our employees, staff and clients, which has required us to take immediate action and to reconsider our plans in the context of this public health emergency.
Firstly, our Executive Director has been providing staff and employees with ongoing communication related to COVID-19 and best hygiene practices since early March. Where it has been possible for work to continue safely within the guidelines provided by our health authorities, this work has continued. This includes working from home, working alone on site, or working with others while abiding by social distancing recommendations. We have also given those with pre-existing health conditions, or other considerations which put them at higher risk, the option to pause their work with us for now. Unfortunately, we have had to press pause on many of our client contracts, particularly for JustCatering and JustPotters. Secondly, the Board is currently assessing how our enterprises could be involved in efforts to safely provide essential services for our community. If we can provide needed goods and services, we will. Finally, the Board is also preparing contingency plans in the event that further restrictions are enacted by governments to combat the spread of COVID-19.
We appreciate your ongoing support and patience as we navigate the challenges that COVID-19 brings to our work. We are working hard to care for our employees at this challenging time, just as our employees are working hard to meet the needs of our clients and sustain JustWork. We will do our best to respond to this situation as it unfolds. We are in this together. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns or questions. Thank you.
With gratitude,
Andrew Thrift Russell Pinson
Board Chair Executive Director (Interim)
To our supporters and clients,
We’re writing to update you on JustWork’s response to COVID-19. We are aware that this situation is developing quickly, and requires timely, thoughtful and compassionate action. We know that this is a challenging and uncertain time for many.
As you know, JustWork’s mission is to provide dignified and gainful employment to people who face barriers to work. At this time, our primary focus is the health and safety of our employees, staff and clients, which has required us to take immediate action and to reconsider our plans in the context of this public health emergency.
Firstly, our Executive Director has been providing staff and employees with ongoing communication related to COVID-19 and best hygiene practices since early March. Where it has been possible for work to continue safely within the guidelines provided by our health authorities, this work has continued. This includes working from home, working alone on site, or working with others while abiding by social distancing recommendations. We have also given those with pre-existing health conditions, or other considerations which put them at higher risk, the option to pause their work with us for now. Unfortunately, we have had to press pause on many of our client contracts, particularly for JustCatering and JustPotters. Secondly, the Board is currently assessing how our enterprises could be involved in efforts to safely provide essential services for our community. If we can provide needed goods and services, we will. Finally, the Board is also preparing contingency plans in the event that further restrictions are enacted by governments to combat the spread of COVID-19.
We appreciate your ongoing support and patience as we navigate the challenges that COVID-19 brings to our work. We are working hard to care for our employees at this challenging time, just as our employees are working hard to meet the needs of our clients and sustain JustWork. We will do our best to respond to this situation as it unfolds. We are in this together. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns or questions. Thank you.
With gratitude,
Andrew Thrift Russell Pinson
Board Chair Executive Director (Interim)