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Publishers have been working with counter-terrorism police to develop general security guidelines and advice for employees, although most have said it is "business as usual" following last week's terrorist attack in Westminster, London.
Four people died in the incident, which took place in London last Wednesday (22nd March), including Metropolitan Police officer Keith Palmer and the assailant, while at least 50 were injured after a car drove into people on Westminster Bridge before reaching the Houses of Parliament.
Publishers The Bookseller have spoken to including Simon and Schuster UK and Faber & Faber have been developing general security guidelines and advice for employees in consultation with anti-terrorism police recently, although it is understood that no specific advice has been issued in direct response to last week's attack.
Simon & Schuster has adopted a process with the Metropolitan Police and national counter terrorism awareness initiative Project Griffin as part of its "disaster recovery plan".
A representative of the Metropolitan Police delivered a counter-terrorism presentation to S&S UK employees last month which was attended by over half of the company's staff. Advice ranged from general security protocols to guidelines on what to do when confronted with a suspicious package.
Russell Evans, commercial director at Simon & Schuster, told The Bookseller that the free advice service offered by the government through Project Griffin is "really useful for any organisation to be aware of".
"We have a specific person responsible for our area who offers advice around counter-terrorism", Evans said. "The presentation gave advice on general awareness and how to go about dealing with suspicion, for instance, what to do if you see a suspicious package."
He added: "We’re a publishing company so materials are coming in all the time. If something suspect comes in, we’ve got to make sure staff are prepared. We’ve also tightened up our entry security - our downstairs reception only allows pre-booked visitors into the building."
Although Evans said it was "business as usual" for the company, he added that the after the 2015 Paris attacks, "it became more important for us to make sure we’re providing awareness to our employees. The more awareness people have, the better they are equipped to handle any emergencies."
The publisher has a Disaster Recovery Team made up of various heads of departments who are responsible for establishing and maintaining business recovery procedures and also co-ordinating the implementation of the procedures.
Faber & Faber developed its security advice for employees in consultation with anti-terrorist police. A spokesperson for the company said it had "reminded staff of existing advice" in response to last week's attack.
A spokesperson for HarperCollins added: “We have a dedicated and highly experienced security team located in our offices at The News Building, which provides both general and specific advice on security matters to HarperCollins, as well as to the other businesses that occupy the building.”
Meanwhile Bonnier Publishing has said that it is not issuing any specific security advice to staff and it is "business as usual".
A spokesperson for Penguin Random House declined to comment.