Firms leave workers to decide how to handle G20

By Jon Massey on April 1, 2009 3:39 PM |

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By Wharf Reporters

After months of hype, weeks of preparation and acres of newsprint, the G20 summit has almost arrived at Excel.

As world leaders gathered in London, many Wharfers went about their business, albeit in casual clothing, while some were advised to work from home.

Canary Wharf's major companies said they were leaving it up to the workers how to react to the threat of protest during the summit tomorrow (April 2).

An HSBC spokesman said: "Some people already have the ability to work from home, so it's almost business as usual for them.

"A number of staff will work from home but the vast majority will come in as normal.

"The DLR and Jubilee could be impacted, but we can always work round that."

A spokeswoman for Clifford Chance said: "Generally if there's major transport disruption, then notes will be issued to notify our staff.

"There's always security at the building, but people have been advised to make sure they have their pass and to expect security to be a little more visible.

"They have also been reminded that some organisations have advised them to dress down and our business dress code allows for that in any case.

"That will be an individual decision."

Some Reuters staff have been advised to remain at home today and tomorrow.

Meanwhile, police have relaxed measures for residents near to the Excel.

It had warned two types of ID had to be carried but this was altered to affect only those entering the Excel.

On Thursday, Custom House, Prince Regent and Royal Victoria DLR stations will be closed, as well as The Connaught Bridge and the footbridge between Excel and Britannia Village.

Protesters in the City using the summit as a focus for their anger outlined their grievances to The Wharf earlier today.

Climate change protester Wiz Baines said: "The last six months have made a mockery of the system. There are so many people that have been marginalised.

"We've seen the collusion going on, with the Government putting money into industries that have no respect for climate change.

"We're all here on a non-violent basis. But we've lived with this corrupt system for too long."

Another protester, Matt Baker said: "A lot of people here don't have anything against bankers. The anger is more against the system that allowed this to happen."

Meanwhile, delegates at the Excel summit were playing down the chances of a major breakthrough.

A divide as wide as Royal Victoria Dock has emerged between those who favour further fiscal stimulus and tax cuts - including Britain and the US - and others who fear saddling their countries with more debt.