Aston Martin Lagonda announced on May 7th that it would gradually resume production at its UK plant starting May 5th. To mitigate the risks of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as employees return to the workplace, extensive safety measures have been developed that go beyond the latest UK government guidelines.

Aston Martin Lagonda worked closely with its trade union to bring employees back to the St Athan plant in Wales from May 5th. Employees at the Gaydon headquarters plant in Warwickshire, along with office and support staff at various other UK sites, are also scheduled to return to work at a later date.

The "Site Operating Procedures," aimed at protecting every employee, their colleagues, their families, and society as a whole, encompass instructions on social distancing, health, and hygiene that extend to every aspect of work, including procedures for preparing to leave home and arriving at the company, methods for moving around the site, how to take breaks and meals, how to handle feeling unwell at work, how to interact with visitors and contractors, and procedures for returning home. Guidance has also been created on managing personal protective equipment (PPE) for use when moving around company sites and when carrying out deliveries of production vehicles.

On the production floor, dozens of instructions have been created to support employee movements and maintain individual distances by working at designated times. All employees will be required to wear masks at all times on site, and temperature checks will be conducted upon arrival at the workplace.

Scott Ward, Director of Production at the St Athan plant, commented, "Preparations have been made at this plant to gradually resume production of the DBX, the brand's first SUV and one that our fans have been eagerly awaiting. In our preparatory work, in addition to safeguarding the health and safety of our employees, we have made every effort not to place any further burden on the National Health Service (NHS) staff who are working with dedication on the very front lines of healthcare."

Philip Reardon, Workers' Representative and Health & Safety Officer for the Welsh Unite Union, stated, "The Unite Union has worked closely with Aston Martin Lagonda to prioritize measures that allow employees to safely return to work as operations resume from lockdown. In doing so, our union members support the shared desire to restart sustainable business, not only at St Athan but at all Aston Martin sites across the UK."