COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 has had major effects on the removal industry worldwide. Following the Prime Ministers broadcast on the 23^rd March we endeavoured to complete work that had been started and by the end of March almost all our operative staff were placed on furlough. Our offices have remained open for telephone and e-mail correspondence but in the circumstances are closed to all visitors except by appointment or arrangement.

We are continuing to carry out surveys for forthcoming removals by video.

The advice issued by the Government on the 26^th March in relation to home moving is as follows:-

Buying and selling homes during this stay-at-home period

Given the situation in the UK with regard to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19), we urge parties involved in home moving to adapt and be flexible to alter their usual processes.

There is no need to pull out of transactions, but we all need to ensure we are following guidance to stay at home and away from others at all times, including the specific measures for those who are presenting symptoms, self-isolating or shielding. Prioritising the health of individuals and the public must be the priority.

Where the property being moved into is vacant, then you can continue with this transaction although you should follow the guidance in this document on home removals.

Where the property is currently occupied, we encourage all parties to do all they can to amicably agree alternative dates to move, for a time when it is likely that stay-at-home measures against coronavirus (COVID-19) will no longer be in place.

In the new emergency enforcement powers that the police have been given to respond to coronavirus, there is an exemption for critical home moves, in the event that a new date is unable to be agreed.

Recognising parties will need to alter common practice, we have sought to ease this process for all involved by:

• Issuing this guidance, developed with Public Health England, to home buyers and those involved in the selling and moving process.
• Agreeing with banks that mortgage offers should be extended where delay to completions takes place in order to prioritise safety.
• Working with conveyancers to develop a standard legal process for moving completion dates.

Advice to the public

What does this mean for my property move which is scheduled whilst the stay-at-home measures to fight coronavirus (COIVD-19) apply?

• Home buyers and renters should, where possible, delay moving to a new house while measures are in place to fight coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Our advice is that if you have already exchanged contracts and the property is currently occupied then all parties should work together to agree a delay or another way to resolve this matter.
• If moving is unavoidable for contractual reasons and the parties are unable to reach an agreement to delay, people must follow advice on staying away from others to minimise the spread of the virus.
• In line with government’s advice, anyone with symptoms, self-isolating or shielding from the virus, should follow medical advice which will mean not moving house for the time being, if at all possible. All parties should prioritise agreeing amicable arrangements to change move dates for individuals in this group, or where someone in a chain is in this group.

We are aware that some companies continue to operate and are accepting fresh instructions rather than just completing contracts entered into before the lockdown. We believe this to be irresponsible towards the staff and to society at large.

On the 16^th April the Government announced a further lockdown period of “at least 3 weeks”. When, and if, the Government advice changes we will of course review our ability to confirm bookings. In the meantime, however, we are willing to accept provisional bookings for work starting on or after the 18^th May but conditional upon the Government advice to moving companies changing and or some relaxation of the lockdown. European moving will obviously be determined by the requirements, not just of the British Government, but the European Governments. Payment will not be required until a booking is confirmed by us and our policy of reducing postponement or cancellation charges to 20% of the removal charge remains in force until further notice.

If you have any queries then please do not hesitate to contact any of our branches.