Business owners affected by the pandemic will be protected from eviction until the end of March 2021. This final extension to protections from the threat of eviction will give landlords and tenants three months to come to an agreement on unpaid rent. Further guidance to support negotiations between landlords and tenants will also be published shortly. A review of commercial landlord and tenant legislation has also been announced, to address concerns that the current framework does not reflect the current economic conditions. More information is available here.

Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules: delivery of essential items to retailers

In response to pressures on local and national supply chains, the Department for Transport has introduced a temporary and limited urgent relaxation of the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours rules in England, Scotland and Wales.  This temporary relaxation will apply from 12:01am on 10 December 2020 and will run until 11:59pm on 30 December 2020.

Find out about who the relaxation applies to and information on using the relaxation here.

The Timber Trade Federation is advising all timber users and buyers to strengthen their purchasing strategies in dialogue with their suppliers, as a lack of stock on the ground and tight supply conditions are set to continue well into 2021.

The very challenging situation for the timber supply chain in 2020, affected by pandemic-related issues and massive changes in market dynamics, and exacerbated by high levels of global demand for timber and wood products, is setting the scene for continuing tight timber supply conditions certainly into Q2, 2021, if not longer, warns the Timber Trade Federation.

Early in the pandemic many European sawmills were temporarily shut. Lockdowns across the UK and Europe then produced a massive surge in demand for timber for DIY and garden projects, which began to impact supplies through to Britain’s construction sector. Additional high demand for structural timbers, particularly CLS and carcassing, from across Europe and especially from the USA, has also affected the amount of material available in traditionally well-stocked markets such as the British builders’ merchant sector.

With demand continuing at a high level into 2021, there has been no ‘quiet season’ in Britain’s building trade, and thus little opportunity for sawmillers and importers to replenish stocks on the ground here in the UK to their previously-plentiful levels.

COVID-19 is still producing spikes in cases, such as that recently seen in the UK’s largest timber-supplying partner, Sweden, where an increase in cases has resulted in a tightening of operating conditions and delays where vessel crews are required to self-isolate. Import logistics, especially with the end of the Brexit transition period and the new arrangements with the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, may add further pressures on supplies, as the timber sector will need to compete with many other industries in obtaining road haulage capacity within the UK.

To ensure available material is distributed equitably, many Timber Trade Federation members are continuing to operate on customer allocations. Volumes are likely to be available but on much longer lead times than previously. Merchants, manufacturers and building contractors are advised to contact their supplier to discuss future needs, and similarly to become more aware of the factors influencing suppliers’ capacity to meet demand. Companies without a longer-term purchasing strategy will struggle to replenish stocks through just-in-time buying in Q1 and Q2, 2021.

David Hopkins, Chief Executive of the Timber Trade Federation, said: “Pre-COVID, timber buyers were used to their being plentiful landed stocks available to meet immediate demand. Suppliers were also used to having time over traditionally quite periods in the trade to re-build stocks for the following season. This situation has now been turned on its head. It is understandable that many customers should be surprised by, and angry about, the new reality we are facing together. The reported price inflation has also made it difficult for some manufacturers to accurately price projects for customers.

“We would like to reassure the wider sector that volume supplies are available, though on much longer lead times than we have all been used to. This situation will be with us well into 2021 so we advise contacting your suppliers to discuss meeting your needs for the year ahead. The challenge going forward will be to achieve the balanced product mix needed by the market, a factor which may be further complicated by the haulage demands and new customs and plant health procedures engendered by Brexit.”

There are over 5,000 asbestos-related disease deaths each year caused by health conditions including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Whether you’re a tradesperson, building owner, licensed contractor, or a member of the public, it’s vital to recognise asbestos-containing materials and know what to do so you can protect yourself and others.

You can visit the HSE asbestos website to make sure you’ve got the appropriate information, instruction and advice. Ots Asbestos essentials publication can be downloaded for free and covers the actions needed to reduce exposure to an adequate level.

The new Test to Release for International Travel scheme will come into force on 15 December for passengers arriving into England from a destination not on the travel corridor list. Under the scheme, you can choose to pay for a COVID‐19 test from a private provider after five days of self‐isolation, with a negative result meaning you do not need to isolate further.

Business directors bringing ‘significant economic benefit’ to the UK have now been added to the list of jobs that qualify for travel exemptions, meaning they do not need to self‐isolate on arrival in the UK.