Covid-19 update from PASC UK
6th April 2020
PASC UK, the Professional Association of Self Caterers UK, has released new information for their members. Information about the support that members will receive is available online at www.pascuk.co.uk.
PASC UK have a number of key lobbying objectives that they will be continuing over the coming weeks, including the following:
- Adding citizens who earn their income from FHL (Furnished Holiday Lets) to be allowed the same support under the Self Employed support that has been offered by the chancellor.
- To pressure the government to look at the behaviour of insurance policies in regards to how Business Interruption Insurance is being refused and how Travel Insurance Companies are refusing guests cover
- To get the government to issue guidelines on cancellations
- To continue to pressure for further support packages to cover the special difficulties associated with the self catering sector.
Self catering businesses have been asked to close by the Government for at least three weeks from the 24th March, it is likely that this will be extended. The only guests that are allowed to use self catering properties are key workers, so no regular guests or self isolators. Clarification from the government on who counts as a key worker and other information can be found online here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/furtherbusinesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance.
In light of the above, PASC UK have offered some advice on what to say to guests regarding bookings. This includes making sure that guests are fully insured so that their bookings are covered in the event of deferrals or when offering a credit.
They recommend discussing with individual customers what arrangements you can make for them and to make sure that you offer a refund, a credit note or an alternative date. It is important not to cancel a guest’s holiday if it falls during the lockdown as your terms and conditions most likely say that you will give a full refund and many businesses will find it difficult to afford to do this. You can receive further advice, as well as an example of what to say to guests is available via the PASC UK consumer newsletter. Sign up at pascuk.co.uk For more information about Business Interruption Insurance, click here https://www.morningadvertiser.co.uk/Article/2020/03/30/How-are-insurance-companies-gettingout-of-coronavirus-claims
PASC UK recommend double checking any information as there is a lot of conflicting information available, they also recommend that you should carefully consider your own business policies and consult with your own advisors before implementing any suggestions.
Don’t forget that HMRC are offering a series of webinars to support a range of businesses, you can sign up for these and watch back here. bit.ly/HMRCWebinar
For the latest updates and information, follow PASC on Twitter @PascUK or Facebook @pascukltd