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GGF Business Update – COVID-19
The COVID-19 virus is continuing to spread in the UK and lives, businesses and society in general are witnessing and experiencing significant changes.
The GGF has made some essential internal changes with all of the GGF staff now working from home and some of the GGF’s services being affected due to the current market conditions. The GGF has currently suspended the following services:
- The GGF Conciliation Scheme
- Face to face consultancy including site visits, expert witness service and inspections
- The Trustmark Scheme
- Consumer Code Audits
Though these temporary suspensions are necessary in the current climate, the GGF will continue to support Members as best we can, but advises that Members follow the Government guidance and the GGF updates to cope in these unprecedented times.
COVID19 Affects GGF Deposit Indemnity Scheme
Due to the current trading conditions and the outbreak of COVID-19 the GGF Fund Ltd, has closed the GGF Deposit Indemnity Fund to all new deposits.
Read more here: https://www.ggf.org.uk/helping-you-protect-your-customers/
Letter to Construction Sector from the Secretary of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS)
The Secretary of State for BEIS has sent a letter to the Construction sector showing appreciation and support. Read letter here:
The GGF will continue to lobby Government on various issues around COVID-19 to help Members and the wider industry.
Site Operating Procedures during COVID-19
Site Operating Procedures have been issued by Government and are now available to read or download. You can access this document by following this link:
https://www.ggf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Site-Operating-Procedures-COVID-19-March-2020.pdf
Job Retention Scheme and Financial Support Update
The Government has now changed the access date to this scheme from 6 April to the “end of April”. The Government site has been updated with more detailed information on how you can claim wages costs via the scheme. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
The GGF is well aware that many companies in the industry are struggling with little capital and low and/or slow cash flow to pay staff’s wages. This has resulted in firms having to furlough staff using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. However, with access to the Job Retention Scheme now being delayed and the subsequent application process, it is estimated it could 6-8 weeks before any of the scheme’s monies are paid out by Government.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Secretary of State for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma announced on 1 April, that:
- High streets will benefit from a £22 billion coronavirus boost, with grants of up to £25,000 already being paid into bank accounts of high street businesses
- 12 billion has now been paid to local authorities from central government and local authorities have been ‘instructed’ by central Government that this money must now reach businesses as quickly as possible
- High street banks are working very hard through this period, including through mortgage holidays and increased credit facilities and it would be ‘completely unacceptable’ if any banks were unfairly refusing funds to good businesses in difficulty.
Though the GGF welcomes the news that money is now starting to come through, the Federation will continue to lobby Government for more urgent financial support for companies in the glass and glazing sector. In the meantime, please see the Government information on all its financial support packages for companies to get through this crisis. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
The GGF will continue to provide updates as and when more news and information is received.
Please continue to follow the Government guidelines and remain safe and well.
