Dear Colleague,
The Northern Ireland First Minister has confirmed that lockdown restrictions will continue until at least 1 April. A number of shops, not including car retailers, will be allowed to offer click & collect services. The extension of click & collect to other retail sectors would be considered as part of the next review of restrictions on 18 March and NFDA will be engaging with the NI Executive on this issue. We will keep you informed.
Also the Welsh First Minister today confirmed that stay-at-home restrictions will continue in Wales for the next three weeks. Shops can continue to offer click and collect services under level four restrictions.
We have made the Government aware of the importance for dealerships to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so. On Monday, we will watch closely the Prime Minister’s announcement on the ‘road map’ out of the lockdown and we will, as a result, continue to liaise with the relevant departments on behalf of dealers.
MHA has put together guidance for NFDA on the changes affecting employment tax intermediaries legislation, generally referred to as ‘IR35’. The changes come into effect on 6 April and, as they will impact sub-contract workers, dealers will need to be aware of the rules where work such as valeting is carried out by contractors. Please find more details in the news.
Last week, Drive My Career reached more than 600,000 people on social media during the National Apprenticeship Week thanks to the third ‘DMC Apprentice Takeover’ campaign. Thanks to our members who shared encouraging testimonials from their apprentices. Please find more details in the news.
NFDA is the voice of automotive retailers: if you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our member helpline at 01788 538303 or email nfda@rmif.co.uk
Sue Robinson, NFDA Chief Executive
