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Lloyd’s details London HQ reopening plan

Lloyd’s plans to reopen its London headquarters on September 1, though significant changes will be introduced to adhere to social distancing guidelines, including reducing the capacity of the underwriting room to 45%.

Lloyd’s says it is working with the market to determine a class of business roster system to help manage capacity.

Clear screens are to be installed on underwriting boxes, which Lloyd’s says will enable confidential conversations to safely continue, and opening hours are under review.

“The health and safety of all market participants and minimising the spread of the COVID-19 virus remain the principal priorities,” Lloyd’s said.

Other measures include regular cleaning of high touch points, two entrances and two exits and queuing and one-way systems in a variety of locations. Lift passengers will be restricted to two at a time.

Voluntary temperature-check thermal cameras will be available, as will a “click and collect” take-away catering service.

Lloyd’s also says it has accelerated plans to improve digital connectivity within the Lloyd’s building, as well as development of a “virtual room.”

“This online environment will combine the best features of 1 Lime Street with digital technology to create efficient, smart and collaborative ways of doing business, as part of our Future at Lloyd’s ambitions,” it says.