Dear Colleague,
This week, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced non-essential retailers are allowed to reopen from 29 June provided they comply with the Government sector guidance.
In Wales, all non-essential shops can reopen from Monday 22 June, with social distancing measures in place. In today’s news we provide an update on how England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are exiting the lockdown.
The Government has updated its guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. In today’s news, we include an update from TLT Solicitors explaining the flexible furlough arrangements over the next months. Please find more details below.
The latest figures from ACEA showed the European new car market declined by -52% in May although many European dealers were allowed to reopen before the UK. England’s dealers have reported a positive start to the month since they reopened on 1 June, but we will continue to monitor the market and understand the effect of pent-up demand to ensure our sector receives the support it needs going forward.
The Bank of England voted unanimously to maintain Bank Rate at 0.1%. The Bank has also published the latest ‘Agents’ Summary of Business Conditions’ looking at consumer demand, investments, employment and prices in the second quarter of 2020. Please find more information in the news.
This week we held our South and Midlands regional video conferences. COVID-19 guidance and related issues, as well as new and used car market, motor finance, electric vehicles and any other issues facing your business are on the agenda. If you would like to join next week’s call for our members in the North West, please email lena.patel@rmif.co.uk.
NFDA is your trade association and we are the voice of automotive retailers: if you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our helpline - 01788 538303.
