Busiest month for ten years as home-buying supersedes summer holidays
The rulebook has been rewritten as the post-lockdown mini-boom accelerates rather than slows down. There is normally a seasonal slowdown in housing market activity over the summer months, as both buyers and sellers turn their attention to summer holidays. But this year, home movers have put more property on the market and have agreed more sales than in any month for over ten years, worth a record total of over £37 billion. This is leading to monthly price increases in ten out of twelve regions, with a record high in new seller asking prices in seven of those regions. Prices usually fall at this time of year, as sellers try to tempt holiday distracted buyers, with the national average monthly fall for the last ten years being 1.2%. While there is a slight monthly fall of 0.2% (-£768), this is due to London’s more normal seasonal fall of 2.0%, reversing what would otherwise have been an unseasonal national rise.
Preparing for University - Student Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Now that the A Level results have been released, students will be planning for the next phase of their academic lives. Whilst none of us know what the next few months will bring, universities and academic institutions will be set on creating a safe, clean and vibrant place to live by ensuring that ‘COVID-secure’ measures are in place.
Before moving to university it is important to ensure that the Government guidelines issued by Public Health England, the NHS and Foreign & Commonwealth Office and check the protocols put in place by the university.
How can you protect yourself from COVID-19?
The most effective method of protecting yourself and others is to social distance. Also ensure that you have very strict cleaning and hygiene protocols in place - wash your hands regularly and keep surfaces clean.
Personal waste, for example, tissues and face coverings (disposable masks) should be placed securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags must be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual property waste bin. Other household waste can be disposed of as normal.
Prime Minister announces stronger enforcement measures as easements resume
Press Release - 13th August 2020
The Government has announced a series of tough new enforcement measures targeting the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions.
-
Fines will double to a maximum of £3,200 for those who repeatedly flout face covering rules
-
New fines to be introduced for people hosting raves or other unlawful gatherings of more than 30 people
-
Bowling alleys, skating rinks and casinos to reopen for the first time as well as indoor play and soft play centres which comply with new Covid-19 Secure guidelines
-
Beauty salons, tattoo studios, spas, barbers across England will be able to offer all close contact services and treatments
-
Wedding receptions for up to 30 people to resume – and indoor performances with socially distanced audiences will recommence
-
Sports and business events pilots to resume
The Government has announced a series of tough new enforcement measures targeting the most serious breaches of social distancing restrictions.
Guidance for Employees and Employers on Self-Isolating after returning to the UK
People returning to the UK must self-isolate for 14 days unless they’re travelling from a country with a quarantine exemption.
Find out how to self-isolate when travelling to the UK.
A person’s employment rights will depend on their employment status and specific circumstances. A court or employment tribunal will make the final decision on employment status and whether an employer has acted within the law or not.
Working from home
Where possible people should work from home during their self-isolation period. Employees should talk to their employer about working from home before they travel.
Taking annual leave
Employees can agree with their employer to take leave to cover the period of their self-isolation, providing they have enough leave remaining.
Employers can also tell employees to take leave as long as they give them enough notice. Find out about notice periods.