Social distancing in the workplace 

The Government has updated its guidance regarding social distancing measures in the workplace, to provide greater detail on how it can be maintained when employees cannot work from home. 

Sector specific guidance is also available and rental operators should read the advice for retail which suggests that you should: 

  • Manage entry into the store, only allowing a limited number of people into your store at any given time. 
  • Put up signage to ask customers with symptoms not to enter the store 
  • Remind both staff and customers to always keep 2 metres from other people, wherever possible. 
  • Regularly encourage staff to wash their hands with soap and water as often as possible and for 20 seconds every time. 
  • If feasible, you should also put up plexiglass barriers at all points of regular interaction to further reduce the risk of infection for all parties involved, cleaning the barriers regularly. You should still advise staff to keep 2 metres apart as much as possible. 
  • Remind colleagues daily to only come into work if they are well and no one in their household is self-isolating. 

Financial support for businesses 

The Government has made it easier for businesses to see all the financial support available by brigading all the information in a clearly defined category list published online. 

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme 

HMRC has new online guidance which includes information about who can use the scheme and the records ! employers must keep. HMRC is working urgently to set up a system for reimbursement. 

BVRLA Webinar: Covid-19 Catch up 

Over 100 BVRLA members tuned in earlier today to take part in the association’s free Covid-19 Catch up Webinar providing a recap on some of the operational and financial support that is being provided to the vehicle rental and leasing sectors.  

The webinar also highlighted some of the key issues that the BVRLA is focusing on during the crisis. Members were able to pose questions, and the BVRLA team is already following up on requests for further guidance on DVLA support and the extension on the MOT/PSV certificates from the NI Government. 

Slides from the webinar are available to download.  

HMRC Webinars to support employers and the self-employed 

HMRC are delivering a programme of webinars on the measures to support employers, people and self-employed individuals through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.  

You can watch a video of the recorded webinar on the HMRC YouTube channel and you can also register to attend a free webinar to learn more about the support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of coronavirus by registering here.  

Guidance for those using or working in the transport sector  

The Government has published transport and travel guidance specifically for people using transport or working in the transport sector during the Coronavirus outbreak. 

Private parking companies need to be flexible during crisis 

BVRLA has worked with the British Parking Association to ask for a more flexible approach to enforcement from private parking companies during the Covid-19 crisis. 

Requests include: 

  • encouraging electronic communication with rental and leasing companies, and  
  • more time to pay and make representations in recognition of head offices being limited in terms of access for staff 

Any specific queries on this from members should be directed to Hayleigh@bvrla.co.uk