Tuesday 12th May 2020 –

It is clear from the change of emphasis in the PM’s message of Sunday 10th May, that many industries are being encouraged to return to work, but only on the basis of it being unviable for them to work from home AND now having the ability to comply with the stipulated social distancing measures. Following its meeting this morning, the position of the Board of Directors of the BAR is therefore to suggest that a cautious approach to returning to operational activity may now be possible, although it remains the case in our industry that we are unable to comply fully with the social distancing measures outlined by the Government, and our Members must therefore take all appropriate measures to mitigate any associated risks.

To ensure a joined up approach in getting the UK residential property industry moving safely, residential property professional bodies including the BAR, are collaborating with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to develop guidance on home moving. This will lead to a pan-industry guide being published which will in turn be supported by sector specific guidance. It is important to ensure a joined up approach and consistency across the home moving sector, hence the industry intend to align any publication with MHCLG sector guidance as it develops.

A document published by the BAR to its Members on Wednesday 6th May, which has been widely endorsed by those other professional organisations and associations in the property moving industry, and which has also been presented to MHCLG, provides clear guidance on risk mitigation procedures for the removers and their clients. It must be noted that the fact of implementing the necessary safe working practices will inevitably have some impacts on the scheduling and resourcing of a move and so we strongly advise that you discuss all such considerations in detail with your chosen BAR Member mover.

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