PPE supplier 'barely getting any sleep' as he works all hours to keep up with demand

The demand for PPE from care providers and hospitals is so intense that one PPE supplier revealed he is “barely getting any sleep” and working all the hours he can.

Since the pandemic took hold, frontline health and care workers have been crying out for personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them safe while they care for people with COVID-19.

NHS doctors and nurses as well as care workers have been reporting a lack of PPE with some resorting to reusing single-use PPE or even having to wear their own homemade bin bag version.

A host of PPE suppliers has sprung up in an attempt to plug the gap with some companies such as Workwear Direct diversifying from their normal business.

Kevin Jarvis, its managing director, reveals that since he start supplying PPE, “it has been frantic. I am having to work with China in their time zone so I am barely getting any sleep.

“We have got so much business coming in which is great and I tell myself it is worth it working all these hours as I am helping to save lives.

“We are starting to get full isolation gowns produced in Leicester and we will be making 10,000 a week from next week. We are also producing full hazmat suits.”

Last week the government announced it was temporarily scrapping VAT on PPE until 31 July.

Mr Jarvis welcomed the news, saying: “I think it is really good news especially for the small care homes as many have no way of claiming back the VAT. It is an extra cost for them so this will help improve their cash flow. I speak to lots of care homes and they have said they are so happy about this.”