Sheppey insurance brokers Sharrocks has self-isolated following the coronavirus scare and shut its offices in Sheerness High Street for the foreseeable future.

Managing director Alan Doucy has asked staff to work from home despite no formal recommendation from the government.

He said: “All my staff have families, including elderly relatives.

“Over the past few years we have invested in our technical infrastructure to enable flexibility for staff.

"All of the team has a laptop and we use an internet-based phone system so customers can still call us on the land line to receive the same service as usual, just not face-to-face."

Mr Doucy, who is also chairman of Age UK Sheppey, added: "This investment means we are well-placed to meet the challenges of a coronavirus lock-down and reduce the risk to our employees and their families.”

The company, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, held a successful trial of working from home on Friday.

Staff are available on 01795 580800 or email enquiries@sharrock-insurance.com from 9am to 5.30pm. Instant quotes for some products are available on its website www.sharrockinsurance.co.uk.

The office in Watson's Mill will be closed indefinitely.

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