Journalism awards ceremonies have been postponed while coronavirus continues to affect working practices in the industry.

Reach plc says the “vast majority” of its staff are now working from home, while chief executive Jim Mullen, pictured, has moved to reassure employees of his aim to “keep our business operating”.

Earlier this month, JPIMedia announced it was closing all its remaining reception desks with immediate effect, with the exceptions of those it shares with other companies in shared buildings.

HTFP has asked Reach, JPIMedia and Newsquest for an update on the advice they are giving to their staff following yesterday evening’s government announcement on the latest measures to tackle the spread of the virus.

In an email to all Reach staff, Mr Mullen said: “While the next few weeks present us with an unprecedented challenge, I assure you that we are prepared to do what it takes to keep our business operating, to keep news being distributed to our readers and customers, all while focusing on the wellbeing of our employees.”

JPIMedia has obtained an additional 350 laptops to allow for more flexible working, but expects to see a “significant reduction” in advertising.

In an update issued to staff today, chief executive David King said: “We have looked at each area of the business to identify which activities can be done from home and where possible are prioritising providing equipment to people in those areas. Some jobs can only be done on site, and there are IT constraints on how many people we can support working from home.

“We will aim to keep our offices and print sites open and where possible we will arrange for more people to work from home, and are working to increase our IT capacity to handle more home workers.

“We have developed extensive plans to enable us to continue to publish our content in print and online and via social media. Indeed we have an important role to play in sharing accurate information and trusted advice about the virus with our audiences. It is essential that during this highly disruptive period we continue to support our audiences.

“We can expect to see a significant reduction in advertising as businesses react to the challenges they face, and we have postponed a number of events. Again we can use our access to audiences to help our advertising customers communicate with their customers. As I have said before, we now have a much stronger balance sheet and cash in the bank, which combined with actions to drive revenue and tight cost control, puts us in a stronger position than a couple of years ago.”

Mr King went on to ad he didn’t want to “underestimate the challenge” ahead.

He said: “We are clearly in unprecedented times. We are giving guidance with a view to minimising risk to you and the business, and also to the communities that we all live and work in. Government has also recommended that we all act responsibly, such as avoiding crowds and non-essential travel.

“Thank you all for your patience and continued support as we tackle these issues. Please do read the advice mentioned above and talk to your line manager.”

A Newsquest spokesman said: “Our current policy is that where staff can work from home they should do so.

“If staff are unable to work from home, they can continue to come into the office – and as far as is possible, avoid close contact with colleagues.”

The Wales Media Awards, which were due to be held this Friday, have now been postponed until November, while the newsawards will now also be held later in the year.

In a statement, the WMA said: “The rescheduled event will take place at the original venue, the Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, and all tickets bought for the event this Friday will be honoured and remain valid for the new date.

“However, if any individual knows they will be unable to attend on the new date, they are invited to contact [email protected] to arrange a refund.

“240 entries were received in this year’s competition from individual print, online, radio and television journalists and from newspapers, web outlets and broadcasters in 20 categories.”

Judging of the newsawards print categories has been postponed and nominations will be announced later in the year when all judging is completed.

Gary Cullum, director of newsawards, said: “The newsawards team has decided that it would be prudent and responsible to postpone this year’s awards dinner until later in the year when, hopefully, life will have returned to some kind of normality.

“We are currently talking to the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London about possible future dates and will announce a new date for newsawards 2020 as soon as possible.”