News & Media

Read previous Covid-19 Bulletins here

29 July 2021

Members views: Covid-19 Isolation exemptions for rental 

The Government recently announced that it is expanding eligibility for daily contact testing to a wider range of emergency service and critical workers who would otherwise need to self-isolate.   

This process is scheduled to run until 16 August 2021, when fully vaccinated close contacts will be exempt from self-isolation. 

To date, vehicle rental companies have not been included within the scope of those eligible for exemption and it would require a firm to make a very strong case if they would like the BVRLA to lobby for their inclusion.  

The BVRLA would need you to be able to demonstrate that: 

• You currently have lots of key staff isolating, and 
• means you are unable to keep key transportation services running, such as ambulances, police, food supply and health services.  

If a member is included in the program they will need to ensure all staff can go to the testing location every day. The onus would be on the member to ensure staff are testing correctly, they are reporting it, that they are complying with all relevant guidelines and that they have the space to do the tests in a compliant way. As such there will be costs and logistical challenges to consider for members even though the tests are free.  

If members feel this is something they would be able to make a compelling case for please contact [email protected] with: 

• The site/sites in question  
• The numbers of staff and current numbers isolating  
• How the services offered are critical to the stability and functioning of the UK and individual exemptions would not work – please be detailed   
• How services are currently being hindered by staff isolating 
• Clear acknowledgement that you would have space and administrative capacity to daily test all relevant staff without exception.  

 

New international travel rules vary depending on transport mode 

Guidance on red, amber and green list rules for entering England has been updated to reflect that from 2 August, people who have been fully vaccinated in many European countries or the USA will not need to quarantine on arrival or take a day 8 test.  

The requirement to book and take a day 2 test will remain. The announcement from government also confirmed international cruise restart as part of a move to reopen international travel.  

Guidance has also been updated on what to do before and after you arrive in England if you’ve been in an amber list country in the 10 days before you arrive. 

Tourism Alliance has sought clarity from government on rules for those travelling via France by land. 

Those travelling via France in a private car or coach from amber countries such as Belgium and Germany will, however, be required to quarantine on arrival in England, regardless of vaccination status.  

In contrast, those travelling by train may be able to avoid quarantining on arrival in England if their operator, such as Eurostar, has met the conditions set out. Namely that they do not disembark or pick up new passengers at any point in higher risk countries, unless they are segregated. 

 

Fifth Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant is now available  

The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Guidance has been updated outlining the eligibility criteria for the fifth grant. The online service went live on 28 July. 

The fifth grant is different from previous grants, so those interested are encouraged to find out more using one or both of the following resources:   

• You can watch a 33-minute video  
• You can register to attend one of the 60-minute webinars scheduled to take place between 30 July and 5 August.  

 The fifth grant is relevant to those who are self-employed and will have business profits impacted by coronavirus between 1 May 2021 and 30 September 2021. 

 

 

 

Read previous EU Exit Bulletins here

12 March 2021

New timetable for border controls on imports

The Government has announced a new timetable for introducing import border control processes to enable UK businesses to focus on their recovery.

Full processes for some imports will now not be required until January 2022, six months later than planned, including:

• Customs import declarations, which will still be required, but the option to use the deferred declaration scheme, including submitting supplementary declarations up to six months after the goods have been imported, has been extended to 1 January 2022.
• Safety and Security Declarations for imports, which will now not be required until 1 January 2022.  

 

Access to international trade advisers

The Government is offering support for exporters via a network of around 300 International Trade Advisers located across all regions of the UK.

Enter your postcode into the online portal to get details of where to find your local trade office and how to contact your local international trade adviser.

 

Transferring goods into Northern Ireland tariff-free

HMRC has updated its guidance for those who transfer goods into Northern Ireland to include that organisations without a fixed place of business in NI will be authorised under the UK Trader Scheme until the end of October.

This will give some businesses more time to consider the options and adapt to the new requirements under the NI Protocol. However, the details of the extension make it unworkable for parts of BVRLA membership.

The BVRLA will continue to lobby Government to try to secure a workable long-term solution.  

 

Grants to help SME’s new to importing or exporting

Applications for grants of up to £2,000 are due to open this month for businesses that transfer goods between Great Britain and the EU or move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The grants, designed to support businesses that are new to import or export processes, are to contribute towards the cost of training and professional advice on customs, rules of origin, and the VAT aspects of imports and exports.

Members are encouraged to keep an eye on the guidance page as applications are due to open this month (March 2021).

 

Look up tariffs, taxes and rules to trade with the UK

The Government has published an online portal to help businesses to find out the UK rules and taxes that apply to goods being imported from overseas into the UK. It includes:

• product-specific standards and regulations
• if there’s duty and VAT to pay
• duty relief schemes
• if an import licence is needed
• your UK commodity code, for example if you do your own import declarations.

 

BVRLA publishes new Business Impact Survey

Findings from Wave 1 of the association’s Business Impact Survey have been published, showing that the most common concerns being expressed by members following the UK’s departure from the EU relate to increased costs.

Increased cost of vehicles, followed by increased cost of parts, are the two issues that members feel will have the greatest impact on their business.

The survey, which canvass members’ views on the impact of both EU Exit and the Covid pandemic, is being carried out quarterly.

 

Guidance for employers hiring from the EU

The Home Office has published a 13-page guidance document and a useful one-page at-a-glance-guide to provide employers with information on what they need to know and do to become a licensed sponsor of skilled migrant workers under the UK’s new points-based immigration system.

 

Additional information for devolved administrations

The Devolved Administrations have also published their own guidance to support individuals and businesses in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Business Support Helplines are also available:

• Wales: 0300 060 3000
• Scotland: 0300 303 0660
• Northern Ireland: 0800 181 4422