Government guidance issued today, ‘Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy’, says that non-essential retail, the sector which lettings and estate agents are currently included in, should be able to open in a phased manner from 1 June 2020, as long these businesses are able to follow the new COVID-19 Secure guidelines.
safagent expects further sector specific guidance on the approach that will be taken to lift lockdown and what measures agents will have to take in order to operate safely.
Government have also issued advice on ‘Staying safe outside your home’ which includes advice to continue to work from home where possible.
Commenting, Isobel Thomson, Chief Executive, safeagent said:
“While agents will have hoped to see more sector specific direction in today’s guidance, easing lockdown is clearly a complicated process balancing the demands of protecting the health of individuals and the economy.
“safeagent wants to see our sector fully back up and running as soon as it is safe to do so and we are proud of the way in which agents have risen to the challenge of providing an important service, using creative, virtual ways of working to support tenants and landlords at this time.
“safeagent continues to engage with Government to ensure the best interests of everyone in the PRS are met and we look forward to guidance evolving in the near future that will provide the important next steps for our sector.”