Automotive aftermarket launches COVID-19 guidance

The UK automotive aftermarket sector has signalled its readiness to cope with increased demand for MOT tests, service, maintenance and repair with the publication of a new sector-specific guide to help restart the aftermarket.

The 7-page document has been produced as a collaboration between the Garage Equipment Association (GEA), Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), Scottish Motor Trade Association (SMTA) and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Sector-specific guide for manufacturers during Covid

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has published a set of new sector-specific guidance for UK automotive manufacturing industry as manufacturers across England begin to introduce staff back into the workplace.

The new 12-page guidance provides best-practice advice to help to ensure that all automotive production sites are safe spaces for workers.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The coronavirus crisis has taken a heavy toll on the automotive industry but, as lockdown measures begin to ease, at last there is some light at the end of the tunnel. […] However, to accelerate this crucial sector’s recovery we need all parts of the jigsaw to be in place, starting with the reopening of automotive showrooms to drive essential market demand.”

Holiday entitlement and pay during Covid-19

The Government has published guidance outlining how holiday entitlement and pay operate during the coronavirus pandemic. It is designed to help employers understand their legal obligations in terms of workers who continue to work and those who have been furloughed.  

Government borrowing at highest levels since WWII

The Office for Budget Responsibility currently estimates that the cost of the coronavirus response to the UK Government is at £123.2bn. It expects government borrowing to equal 15.2% of the UK economy, the highest level since the end of World War Two. As th! e country moves beyond the pandemic, reducing the deficit will be a key challenge for the government.

Transport for London receives grant to keep services going

The Government has allocated £1.6 bil! lion to TfL to support the continuation of services in the Capital. £505 million of the grant is a loan.

The agreement includes increasing service levels as soon as possible to ensure people can follow social distancing guidelines while on the network, making sure those who have no alternative to public transport can travel safely.

How Covid-19 testing works

The Government has published guidance on testing for the public, patients and professional use! rs of testing kits to explain how they work. Information has also been published on where tests can be accessed.

The BVRLA website is updated daily with Covid-19 Business advice and information

As well as receiving these Covid-19 Bulletin emails, members are also reminded that the BVRLA website contains a dedicated Covid-19 Business Advice section hosting all the latest information as well as the pr! evious Covid-19 Bulletins that have been issued since they launched on 17 March.

If you have a colleague who would also like to receive the BVRLA Covid-19 Bulletin, they should email BVRLA Communications Manager Andrea Davies at andrea@bvrla.co.uk