Covid 19 - What you need to know - Halt to business evictions

The Government has announced:

• It will extend measures to prevent high street businesses facing eviction over summer.
• A new code to provide support to shops and local firms planning their future recovery with their landlord.

The UK government has extended measures to prevent struggling companies from eviction over the summer. The extension will come as a relief in particular to pubs, cafes and restaurants, after the hospitality sector called upon the government for action in this area.

In addition, a new code of practice has been announced which has been developed with leaders from the retail, hospitality and property sectors to provide clarity for businesses when discussing rental payments and to encourage best practice so that all parties are supported. The code is voluntary for businesses and is relevant to all commercial leases held by businesses in any sector which have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma MP said:

“By putting a stop to unreasonable evictions, these measures will protect jobs and provide further flexibility to our high street businesses that were trading successfully before the COVID-19 emergency, so they can focus on continuing to deliver for their customers and communities.”