Pimbrook has remained open during recent restrictions, as we have been deemed to be providing essential services in supporting Sage Payroll and Sage Accounts functions in companies, many of which operate on the frontline. Sage Support for companies in Ireland has been our main priority.

I have travelled from Dublin to the Tramore office a number of times and in the process I have been stopped by the Gardai and asked (I must say very courteously) about my journey. Each time I had to explain that we are ‘essential’, to a Garda who is literally straddling the frontline of this pandemic and it felt more than a little disingenuous. Like many people I have great admiration for the Gardai, health workers and others working to keep us all safe during this time. While a lot of people may have some extra time to enjoy the glorious weather or catch-up on things they have put off for a long time, these real essential folk are working harder than ever.

But while rightfully applauding these heroes of the frontline, we should spare a thought for the people behind the scenes who are working very hard, in equally difficult times. I see it in our own team, particularly the Sage Support staff, that have been dealing with record levels of Sage Payroll queries in these last few weeks, with so many changes to the payroll process. We are also seeing stressed clients that are trying to keep their business going and staff employed or worried about their jobs while also home-schooling children. There is phenomenal effort taking place all over Ireland and I am sure the globe and I think we should all try to keep in mind what that person at the end of the line or zoom meeting might be dealing with and give a little bit of slack at this time.