Government Updates: Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
ENGLAND
24th September 2020 - As a result of the changes announced by the Government, it is important that agents review their Covid-19 Protocols. As with the reopening of the housing market in early May 2020, opt for and promote the use of virtual viewings and valuations before making plans for face to face appointments.
Crucial FAQs
Should offices remain open?
Offices can remain open, however Government guidance states that where possible, work from home. For those working in an office environment, ensure Covid-19 Protocols are in place. Remember no one should be in a work environment if they have any COVID-19 symptoms.
Put in place a ‘locked door’ policy and advice clients and potential clients that access is “by appointment only’
Two Weeks - What have Letting Agents been dealing with?
With the announcement that the housing/property sector in England was “re-opening”, there has been a flurry of activity within the Lettings Industry. Yet, it is clear through discussions with letting agents across the country that not all agents have opened their doors. The approach on the whole tends to be a “phased” strategy, given that there is so much to consider.
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Covid-19 Protocols - Letting Agents are without a doubt used to health & safety being part of their working day, but this is on a completely different level. a Employees - who will return to the office environment, how, when and why?
Letting Agents & Estate Agents prepare for Post-Lockdown business activity
And so we move from uncertainty to a curve ball with the possibility that some agents may not have their Covid-19 Protocols in place.
The property industry has most definitely suffered, as have all businesses across the UK, and further set back are not needed, therefore it is crucial to follow guidance put in place by BEIS, the HSE, Public Health England.
Our webinars which began this provided advice & support for letting agents to start preparing for a smooth transition from lockdown to a re-opening of business, yet the Covid-19 Protocols will apply just as much, if not more, to valuations, viewings, move-ins, check-outs etc.