Nearly half (44%) of UK employers plan to reduce office space according to the Returning to the New World of Work survey published by a leading recruiter Robert Walters.
Th survey findings have been supported by the Office Fit report which was compiled by Savills. Showing that there will be shift from a preference for large city centre office space to smaller, localised offices as more companies move to a hybrid model of home and office working.
The majority of respondents in the Savills report believe there will be a long-term impact on the design and size of the workplace as companies adopt a split shift and ‘hot desking’ strategy post pandemic.
The reports have prompted the leading and recommended provider of building control services in Derbyshire, DBCP, to speak out and urge businesses not to forget about employees with disabilities as they look to move to a smaller working environment,
DBCP has warned that a small floorplate could result in desks being clustered and shared facilities – like copiers and printers – being placed at the end of the cluster, narrowing pathways and impeding access for wheelchair users and people who are visually impaired. Additionally, smaller town or city centre office facilities may not offer lifts or adequate onsite parking for employees with mobility issues.
Dave Pratt, Building Control Manager explained: “A smaller office may not meet the needs of all your employees, or, indeed, comply with Building Control Regulations particularly if you are looking to reduce the size of your existing office.
“Whether you’re making the move to a brand new location or making alterations to decrease the floor plate of an existing property, there could be serious implications for building users with a disability in the event of a fire. This must be considered at the planning stage and professional advice sought.”
The accessibility of buildings other than dwellings, including commercial buildings and workplaces, is governed by Part M (Access to and Use of Buildings) of the Building Regulations, which dates back to 2004.
The regulations state that reasonable provision must be made for people to access and use the building. They set out, for example, requirements for accessible entrances, doors, reception areas, corridors and passageways, for passenger lifts, wheelchair spaces and the provision of toilets and other sanitary facilities.
In 2017 The Access Association raised concerns with the government that the 2015 edition of the Building Regulations did not go far enough, particularly Part M which did not reflect current best practice on inclusivity. Subsequently, Volume 2 of Access to and Use of Buildings other than Dwellings were published in July 2020.
The amendments, which relate to England, took effect on 1 January 2021 however they do not apply where a building notice or an initial notice has been given to, or full plans deposited with a local authority and either the building work to which it relates:
- Has started before that day; or
- Is started within the period of two months beginning on that day.
For businesses looking to downsize their office space or internally remodel existing space, DBCP is advising them to get in touch with its expert team ahead of signing leases or undertaking work to ensure their new environment meets Building Control regulations for all employees and building users.
For expert building control advice and guidance, please get in touch with the DBCP team at www.dbcp.co.uk or call 0333 880 2000.