As we continue to monitor the ever-changing situation regarding COVID-19, we want to reassure you that, although our offices are temporarily closed, our teams are still working and can be contacted on their normal phone numbers.
The government continues to issue and update advice and guidance, and we are reviewing this as and when it changes. Below, you will find a summary, which will be kept up to date as it evolves.Government guidance states that people should work from home if they can. If this is not possible, they are still able to travel to work. If, however they are temporarily unable to perform their duties the government’s Job Retention Scheme can be utilised. This enables the employee to be “furloughed” for a period of time with the government funding all or a significant element of the employee’s salary cost. Please see the government guidance on this below together with other relevant information. Please do contact us if you require any assistance.
Farming sectors have been impacted in many different ways. For some, business activity will have continued largely unaffected, while others with more diversified enterprises, particularly with an emphasis on sales to the public, will have had to adapt to current restrictions.
Any immediate consequences for the rented sector must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Landlords and tenants have worked through difficult times before (the foot-and-mouth outbreak in 2001 being one example) and it is important to discuss the issues if the impact cannot be absorbed into the normal cycle of rent variations. For many farmers, factors far beyond COVID-19 will have created difficulties and of course the continued uncertainty around Brexit remains. The outcome of those negotiations may be far more important to the whole industry than our present short-term difficulties.
The dedicated Coronavirus area of the NFU website provides a wealth of useful information on many sectors.
Please find below the link to the latest information on the RPA website and the dedicated area of the Government's Coronavirus website for advice that covers farmers, landowners and rural businesses.
If you require any further assistance, please let us know.
Information for farmers landowners and rural businesses >>
Basic payment scheme >>
The rural sector has suffered from a reduced workforce due to movement restrictions and self-isolation requirements. This has put a strain on some operations, particularly in the arable and vegetable sectors, where a wet winter put a greater emphasis on spring work. The government has temporarily relaxed the right-to-work checks and the NFU is lobbying for seasonal horticultural workers to be recognised as essential workers.
Already there are a number of recruitment schemes that seek to bridge this gap, connecting businesses that have a need for seasonal workers with those willing to work. The partnership of HOPS, Fruitful, Concordia, ALP and the NFU is one of the larger schemes. It is administered by HOPS and can be accessed here.
Farm shops have proved to be a vital service to local communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some people who had never ventured into a farm shop are finding a whole new world of quality food away from the supermarkets they have become accustomed to.
Farm shops have adapted in different ways, some closing and relying on a delivery only service whilst others have remained open and enhanced their offerings. Let’s hope that the forced experience for some local communities will have changed the way many now shop. Perhaps this is a sliver of silver in the current cloud.
If you require any further assistance, please let us know.
There are various support measures in place to support UK businesses, including business rates relief for certain sectors.
Please refer to government guidance and contact us if you require advice.
The government and devolved administrations have introduced a variety of packages such as business rates holidays and cash grants to support eligible retail, hospitality and leisure businesses. Please refer to the government guidance and contact us if you require any further advice.
There are various government-backed loans available to help businesses cope from and recover from the impact of COVID-19.
Please refer to government guidance and contact us if you require advice.
There are different government schemes in place to support businesses affected by COIVD-19 through grant funding.
Please refer to government guidance and contact us if you require advice.
National Farmers Union
There is a wealth of information available at the NFU website. Some is available to everyone and some requires a membership login to access. Click here to find out more.
Country Land and Business Association
The CLA has pulled together a large amount of information for their members. Some is available to everyone and some requires a membership login to access. Click here to find out more.
UK Government
The Government has a dedicated area for supporting businesses through this current pandemic. Click here to find out more.
As well as a dedicated area for farmers, landowners and rural businesses. Click here to find out more.
Seasonal Labour Scheme
Connecting businesses that have a need for seasonal workers with those willing to work. A partnership of HOPS, Fruitful, Concordia, ALP and the NFU. Click here to find out more.
Tim is head of the firm's Rural Division and of the Cambridge office, although he spends a considerable amount of time in London. He has over 20 years experience in advising institutional and private clients on a very wide range of rural business issues, including sales and purchases, strategic advice and valuations. He often works with specialists in other divisions of the firm to provide clients with a fully integrated property service. Tim lives near Newmarket and has a keen interest in country pursuits, encouraged constantly by his two children.
