Robison & Co

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UK to Lift Second Coronavirus Lockdown

The UK’s second coronavirus lockdown will be lifted on 2nd December. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday, 23rd November that a new set of restrictions will be implemented in place of extending the lockdown.

Johnson’s new COVID Winter Plan will include a number of stringent restrictions to limit the spread of COVID-19 and minimise the impact of the pandemic’s second wave. In addition to the new plan, the government plans to reactivate a three-tier system of restrictions in England that was implemented earlier this autumn before the start of the second lockdown.

While both new and familiar restrictions are on their way, Johnson also announced that certain regulations will be alleviated starting 2nd December, such as:

  • Non-essential retail businesses will be allowed to reopen in order to support the Christmas shopping season.
  • Gyms will be allowed to reopen to minimise winter weight gain.
  • Pubs and restaurants will no longer have to operate under a 10 p.m. curfew.
  • Areas identified as Tier 3 in terms of coronavirus-related risk levels will utilise a mass testing programme conducted by the Army.
  • A limited number of fans will be allowed to attend sporting events in areas identified as either Tier 1 or Tier 2.

In addition to these upcoming changes, government officials are also in the process of discussing a break around Christmas that would reduce pandemic-related restrictions. During this break, which could last up to five days, more households may be able to gather while celebrating the holiday.

Although some restrictions may be becoming less strict, it is important for people to be aware of local and regional rules. Starting 2nd December, a greater number of areas may be classified as Tier 2 and Tier 3, resulting in greater restrictions than such areas may have had prior to the second lockdown.

For updates on the government’s COVID Winter Plan, the proposed Christmas break and other information related to the coronavirus pandemic, contact us today

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10 COVID-19 related insurance tips for SME’s

Over the last few months, we have released a number of updates relating to the insurance implications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that we are back in Lockdown 2, I thought it timely to  bring an excellent summary to your attention that our industry body BIBA have released in conjunction with the CBI and the ABI. It’s a very concise and informative document which highlights 10 keys issues for anyone involved in running a business. I would encourage you to follow the link HERE. Please make contact with us if you need to discuss your own circumstances.

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FCA Test Case

The FCA have taken their next step to seek legal clarity on Business Interruption Insurance following the COVID-19 crisis. Why are the FCA taking this step? Broadly, the result of the test case will be legally binding on the insurers that are party to the case and it will also provide a persuasive case for similarly worded policies. If you would like to read a summary report, please click HERE for an article we have copied on Linkedin. For a more in=depth report including the particulars of the claim and some policy wording examples from the FCA website please click HERE

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Not Opening. This is important?

If you CAN re-open but have decided NOT to do so for your own reasons, we would urge you to check with us as your insurer may consider the “normal” unoccupancy conditions  to apply (and the limited cover that this triggers). In the event this is the case, we will need to advise insurers and negotiate revised terms based on your individual circumstances.

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Getting Back to Business Next Week?

Under normal circumstances a property policy restricts cover when a premises becomes unoccupied, and the trigger for this restriction is normally 30 days. Most insurers have been incredibly accommodating during the lockdown by extending this period whilst businesses have been forced to close because of lockdown.

The Government have given the green light for some businesses to resume trading on 15th June and I know many of you are preparing for this. My fellow Directors and Staff wish you a smooth and successful reopening.

However, as you plan for resuming workplace operations, its crucial to utilise measures to ensure the health and safety of your staff and customers. Please be sure to implement these 5 key points from the governments new “COVID-19 secure” guidelines to help keep your employees and customers protected as you resume work:

  1. Maintain remote working where possible. Only have employees return to the workplace if it is not feasible to conduct remote operations.
  2. Conduct a COVID-19 risk assessment. Doing so will allow you to identify your workplace’s unique COVID-19 risks and determine mitigation efforts.
  3. Enforce social distancing. Redesign your workplace layout, policies, and procedures to help keep employees at least 2 metres apart from one another.
  4. Lower transmission risks. Especially where 2 metres is not possible, reduce face to face contact between staff and customers with physical barriers and safe shift patterns.
  5. Keep it clean. Increase the frequency of your cleaning routines, paying special attention to high-contact surfaces. Require staff to wash their hands often.

For additional reopening guidance and the latest COVID-19 updates, contact us today, visit the COVID-19 section on our website or log onto your Mywave connect portal for some useful resources such as the COVID-19 Response Questionnaire.