BUSINESSES in a borough are being urged to sign up to a 'Stay Well Pledge' to promote healthy working environments that keep staff and customers safe.

The scheme from Blackburn with Darwen Council asks firms to demonstrating their commitment to infection prevention and control measures that have become part of everyday life during the coronavirus pandemic.

Aimed at all businesses - including shops, factories, offices and hospitality ventures and community venues - the pledge covers vaccination, ventilation, regular cleaning of premises, staff health and wellbeing, and risk assessments.

Chubb, a UK leader of fire safety and security solutions, is one of the first local businesses to sign up ahead of an uncertain winter with the threat of Covid-19 and flu waves.

Companies and community venues that sign up receive support from the council’s response and recovery team which includes regular updates on public health guidance, health and safety expertise and help reviewing risk assessments.

Steve Dowling, director of health and safety at Chubb in Shadsworth Road, Blackburn, said: "The support and advice we received from Blackburn with Darwen Council over the two years of the Covid pandemic has been invaluable and we’re pleased to be one of the first to sign the Stay Well Pledge to demonstrate our continued commitment to infection prevention and control measures."

Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: "We’ve come a long way in the last two years. The region has recovered well since the pandemic – and we want to keep things moving in the right direction."

Businesses which sign up will receive 'Stay Well Pledge' posters to display.