More than half of all payments were made by card last year – leaving the UK “inadvertently” prepared for the coronavirus lockdown, banks say. It was the first time debit, credit and charge cards accounted for the majority of payments, as cash fell to fewer than one in four payments, UK Finance said. The trade […]
John Lewis is planning a phased reopening of its stores, using lessons it has learned on social distancing from the partnership’s Waitrose shops. Changes will include having a customer service host to monitor numbers inside and answer queries, and fewer entrances. John Lewis and other non-essential shops in England can reopen on 15 June, with […]
Removal firms are able to operate and should follow the latest government guidance on safer working. Where moves are carried out, social distancing should be followed. Companies should ensure employees understand how to operate safely and communicate this to customers. Removers should contact the household in advance to check that no member of the household is showing symptoms […]
Surveyors and EPC assessors Surveyors and EPC assessors are free to visit properties to carry out surveys. Surveyors should follow the latest government guidance for working in other people’s homes. Where surveys are carried out, all public health guidance on social distancing must be followed. Companies should ensure employees understand how to operate safely and communicate this to […]
Conveyancers Conveyancers can open for business and can take on new instructions. They should make sure their clients are aware of the differences in completing transactions during this period. Conveyancers should aim to conduct as much of their business remotely as possible. Where client meetings need to take place, measures should be put in place […]
Tradespeople Moving home is often a time when people want to undertake work to improve their new home or prepare their old home for sale. This work can involve fitting new kitchens, redecorating, and other home improvement work. This work is also important when people aren’t moving home. It is a key way for households […]
Developers and new build sales Developers can continue with sales during this period but should ensure that their sales teams follow the government’s safer working guidance. Developers should inform consumers and their own staff about their procedures, so that they are safe throughout the sales process. Where possible, developers should promote virtual viewings. Where physical viewings […]
Estate agents can open for business but should consider how and when to reopen their premises given government guidance on safer working. Estate agents should inform customers and their own staff about their procedures, so that they are safe throughout the sales process. Agents should ask whether any party is showing symptoms or has been asked […]
Preparing to buy, sell or move home You can put your home on the market and start to look for properties you want to move into. If any member of the household being viewed is showing symptoms or is self-isolating then estate agents should not physically visit the property. You can begin to market your […]
Viewings: People should use virtual viewings before visiting properties in person where possible, in order to minimise public health risks. If any member of either the household being viewed, or the household undertaking a viewing is showing symptoms of coronavirus or is self-isolating, then a physical viewing should be delayed. All viewings should take place […]
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