Government Updates: Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
ENGLAND
24th September 2020 - As a result of the changes announced by the Government, it is important that agents review their Covid-19 Protocols. As with the reopening of the housing market in early May 2020, opt for and promote the use of virtual viewings and valuations before making plans for face to face appointments.
Crucial FAQs
Should offices remain open?
Offices can remain open, however Government guidance states that where possible, work from home. For those working in an office environment, ensure Covid-19 Protocols are in place. Remember no one should be in a work environment if they have any COVID-19 symptoms.
Put in place a ‘locked door’ policy and advice clients and potential clients that access is “by appointment only’
New Guidance for Landlords and Tenants
This morning at 0.20 the Government announced new non-statutory for landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors. As the Courts re-open today this guidance may have been issued to clarify the position on certain key points relating to the landlord - tenant relationship:-
-
Measures relating to notices seeking possession as amended by the Coronavirus Act 2020
-
Health and safety obligations, repairs and inspections in the context of coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance is advisory and informs you about recent changes to the law. All guidance is subject to frequent updates and should be checked regularly for currency.
We urge all landlords and tenants to abide by the latest government guidance on COVID-19.
The guidance in this document applies to England only. Some of the measures referred to also apply in Wales. You can find guidance from the Welsh Government.
You can find guidance from the Scottish Government on these matters.
Gas Safety Week: Fighting for a Gas Safe Nation
Helping the public stay Gas Safe
As we celebrate the tenth year of Gas Safety Week, organisations from across the UK are working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
This year, Gas Safety Week is addressing a whole range of gas safety matters with a focus on community safety in these difficult times - from advice about how to stay gas safe, to raising awareness of using a registered engineer who is legally qualified, to ensure consumers don’t suffer from the effects of illegal gas work though lack of awareness.
Susie Crolla, at GLM said: “We are immensely proud to support the continued work that has been carried out by the Gas Safe Register. It has been an honour to witness the level of professionalism and dedication Gas Safe continues to execute .”
Jonathan Samuel, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “It’s great to see so many people supporting Gas Safety Week this year to help share important and, in some cases, lifesaving advice about gas safety. It’s vital in these uncertain times to look out for the safety of our local communities and ensure people always use a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to work on gas appliances at their home. It’s how we can all work together to stay gas safe.’
Adapting to Change
Almost six months since Lockdown, almost six months when the Coronavirus became a reality in the UK, almost six months since we were ALL required to adapt to change.
In a country of almost 70 million people not everyone has been impacted by the pandemic in the same way, some more so than others, yet regardless of how different the experience may or may not have been, we were connected and united by the exact same thing.
The virus forced us to change in a way that we had never needed to and there was no “game plan” or rule book because there was nothing that anyone could compare it to. The Second World War perhaps with its global impact, but how do you fight something you can’t see?