Lloyd's working on plans to reopen underwriting room in April-May

Specialist insurance and reinsurance marketplace Lloyd's of London looks to reopen its iconic underwriting room mid-April-May following the UK government’s update on the lockdown measures, but at a reduced capacity of 45 percent on the underwriting floors and other social distancing and safety measures set to continue.

The UK government’s update on the road map out of lockdown is expected week commencing February 22 2021.

In a statement released by Lloyd's, chief executive John Neal said: "The easing of restrictions is likely to be very gradual, and Lloyd’s is working through plans for how and when we can reopen both the Underwriting Room and the Corporation offices in a safe manner.

"Our current expectation is that we will look to reopen the Underwriting Room after Easter from 12 April or following the bank holiday on 4 May, depending on the steer from the Government."

Lloyd's had to close its underwriting room for a second time in January after the government’s decision to place England and the UK in a second national lockdown.

The underwriting room was reopened after the first lockdown from September 1, 2020 at a reduced capacity of 45 percent, with enhancements and safety measures in place, to facilitate face-to-face trading.

These measures included introducing a number of new policies and procedures, such as class of business weekly rota and mandatory face masks, to ensure safety and social distancing.

Neal stated that these safety measures are likely to continue when it reopens the underwriting room and the Corporation offices in April-May.

"Looking after safety our Corporation and market is paramount, and with social distancing measures set to continue, it is highly likely that we will reinstate our class of business rota to ensure we maintain social distancing and do not exceed 45% capacity on the underwriting floors," he said.

Face coverings will be mandatory in all public areas of the building, including Lloyd’s reception, lift lobbies and lifts, bathrooms, the coffee shop and when walking around the underwriting room, with an exception of the Box or in meetings.

Only Lloyd’s passholders will be permitted access to One Lime Street, and market participants must only enter if they do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.

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