IMPLICATIONS FOR CARPET AND FLOOR LAYERS OF SECOND ENGLISH LOCKDOWN

The Prime Minister has announced a four-week lockdown in England from this Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December.

The key message from the NICF is that fitters will still be permitted to work in private homes. 

If working in private homes, fitters should follow the recommendations of the Trustmark Safe Work Work Safe campaign, which was designed to give practical advice to homeowners about what COVID-safety measures should be discussed and carried out before, during and after work is done in and around their home.

It is currently understood that distribution can remain open, given that it is aligned to construction, which is allowed to continue in operation.

Workers are permitted to travel for work and hotels can remain open to provide accommodation for workers. Those who have to find hotel accommodation in the course of their work should be aware that some hotels may close due to a reduction in demand.

Build UK has produced an authorisation letter template for employers in the event of workers being stopped on journeys to and from sites anywhere in the UK. 

Within the devolved nations 

Scotland now has five COVID protection levels in place, ranging from ‘Level 0 - Nearly Normal’ to ‘Level 4 - Lockdown’, and you can check the level for an area by entering the postcode. Construction Scotland has a document about working safely on-site during the pandemic.

Wales is under its own ‘firebreak’ lockdown until Monday 9 November 00:01am. 

Northern Ireland has its own restrictions in place until Friday 13 November. 

What to do if a worker develops symptoms

To help employers and work colleagues respond quickly and consistently, Build UK has published an easy to follow flowchart on the actions to take if a worker develops COVID- 19 symptoms, receives a positive test result, or has to self- isolate.  

Furlough Scheme Extended 

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended for one month to the end of November, with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500. Under the extended scheme, employers will only have to pay National Insurance and pension contributions, with the Government paying the full 80% of wages, and details of how to claim will be available shortly. For an employee to be eligible they need to have been on a payroll run before 23:59 on 30 October 2020.

Employers who were considering terminating contracts of employment now have the option of leaving the employee on furlough for the month of November.

Mortgage holidays will continue.

The Job Support Scheme, which was due to start on 1 November, has been postponed until the Job Retention Scheme ends. 

Businesses required to close in England due to local or national restrictions will be eligible for grants of up to £3000.  

The grant available under the Self‐Employed Income Support Scheme from 1 November 2020 until 31 January 2021 has already been doubled to 40% of average monthly trading profits, capped at £3,750. The level of the second grant covering 1 February until 30 April 2021 will be confirmed in due course.

Materials Shortages

Concern has been expressed about the possibility of materials shortages, as a result of the current situation. NICF members might be able to find the assistance they need on a new section of the CFA LinkedIn forum where members can post requests for help in sourcing generic material  requirements (e.g. underlay, gripper, or floor coverings), which hopefully will be of benefit to all. Please note this page should not be used for specific complaints or customer services issues. Communications regarding other issues, apart from seeking materials should be directed towards the appropriate manufacturer or distributor. The page may also continue to be used for sharing other help and best practice directly between members of the flooring industry.