Industry News

Mar- 2020 -

24 March

PIF comments on business closures amid Covid-19 outbreak

The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has released a statement regarding pet business closures amid the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. Guidance published yesterday (23 March) by the government confirmed that pet retailers would be “exempted” from closure during this lockdown. The statement read: “It is clear that the Government’s…

24 March

Animal Health Trust faces closure

The Animal Health Trust charity has announced it faces “imminent closure” following a period of financial troubles. The charity said that it has recently been facing “dire financial constraints”, and revealed that the recent coronavirus pandemic has directly impacted its funding. Its executive committee is now seeking emergency funding, including…

24 March

RCVS and BVA release joint statement following PM address

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) have released a joint statement following last night’s briefing from the Prime Minister. Following the news that the public are required to stay at home, while non-essential shops and community spaces are closed, both leading bodies urged for…

24 March

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – Advice for Employers

Key points include: Furloughed workers should not undertake any work for the company, including answering calls or emails JRS should not interrupt an employees’ continuity of service Annual leave will continue to accrue Grants should be structured so no PAYE tax or national insurance contributions are due The grant is…

23 March

PM bans ‘non-essential retail’, instructs public to stay at home

The UK public are only allowed to venture out of their homes for essential supplies and one exercise outing per day, or face fines, under new measures introduced this evening by the prime minister. In a recorded address filmed in No 10 Downing Street, Boris Johnson said the police will…

23 March

RCVS and BVA issue ‘key worker’ guidance for veterinary profession

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association (BVA) have issued a joint statement following the government’s guidance on key workers. The statement is intended to help those in the veterinary profession “interpret the guidance” released on 19 March about who qualifies as key workers in relation…

23 March

Cats Protection Rochdale receives £18k grant

Cats Protection Rochdale announced it has received a £17,940 grant from Support Adoption For Pets, the UK’s largest grant-giving animal charity. Money from the grant will now go toward vet bills for their rescued cats, as well as new equipment for the centre. Cats Protection Rochdale currently has a team…

23 March

CK9 launches e-learning packages to protect pet owners during coronavirus quarantine

Cheltenham-based dog training and rehoming centre, CK9 School and Rescue, has launched its new e-learning course to help dog owners to access the material without potentially exposing themselves to coronavirus. The centre has launched the two-week behaviour course for unruly dogs, and an eight-week full training course full of original…

23 March

FCA asks companies to delay preliminary financial accounts

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has requested companies which were due to issue its preliminary trading updates in the next few days to delay publication, amid the ongoing disruptions caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus. The FCA urged all listed companies to observe a moratorium on the publication of its…

20 March

Covid-19: Government to pay 80% of salary to staff unable to work

Chancellor Sunak Rishi has said the government will pay 80% of wages for employees who aren’t able to work due to the coronavirus, up to £2,500 a month according to the BBC. The “unprecedented measure” comes as the government has unveiled more plans to protect jobs and businesses amid the…