Wednesday 1 April
New guidance on walking dogs for people
UK pet trade and welfare bodies have helped to produce guidance for anyone walking other people’s dogs.
“Pets provide invaluable companionship, especially at this time,” said a spokesman for the Canine Feline Sector Group, which includes the Pet Industry Federation and Pet Food Manufacturers Association.
“For many dogs, going out for a walk is an important part of their daily routine. However, measures introduced to reduce coronavirus mean that lots of owners won’t be able to do this so may be relying on others to help them.
“If you have offered to walk someone else’s dog, the Canine Feline Sector Group, comprised of the UK’s leading pet welfare organisations, has developed some guidance to help keep everyone safe.”
For more information, visit www.cfsg.org.uk/coronavirus
Vets bring forward video consultation app
In the light of government advice to the nationwide lockdown, the Pets’n’Vets Family has brought forward the launch of its PetsApp, which provides video consultations to help pet owners throughout the current pandemic.
The Pets’n’Vets Family PetsApp is a bespoke version of PetsApp, a veterinary-specific client communications platform designed to bring vet practices and clients closer together by helping clients gain easier access to their vets.
A messaging system can support text chats – as appointment bookings, text consultations, and photo and video-sharing – and contactless payments can be taken via the app, which also offers video consults.
The launch has been brought forward in response to recent guidance from The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons that, due to the coronavirus pandemic, rules have been relaxed on what vets can and cannot do with regards to tele/remote consulting in order to allow for this sort of interaction.
TEXT ADVICE
In order to help pet owners throughout the pandemic, as of yesterday (Monday), The Pets’n’Vets Family is offering veterinary text advice and video consult via the Pets’n’Vets Family PetsApp.
Pets’n’Vets Family partner Ross Allan, an award-winning RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery at the Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital, said: “Given the latest government advice, there is a pressing need to separate ‘essential’ from ‘non-essential veterinary’ visits.
“We fear that pet owners, particularly those more vulnerable members of the community, may find difficulty knowing what to do in the case that their pet is not well: they may either take a trip out of their home to seek veterinary help at a practice, exposing themselves to the possibility of infection, or may choose to delay seeking treatment for their pet, not knowing what to do.
AMBULANCES
“As a locally-owned practice and part of the Glasgow community for almost 50 years, we want to help! That’s why we have decided to put our resources into offering video consultations via our free-to-download app.”
Furthermore, The Pets’n’Vets Family will deploy its fleet of veterinary ambulances to offer a pet collection service should a pet’s health issue need further investigation at the Roundhouse Veterinary Hospital in Glasgow’s southside.
“Where the app, or telephone call can be used to update the owner, it will be the closest, safest alternative to bringing pets down to the vet practice,” said Allan.
“In addition, we have developed a robust medications delivery system whereby we can offer contactless payment via the app. We have also taken steps to ensure that we have all the medications and resources required to ensure that we are in a position to treat sick pets come what may.”
The app has also been designed to protect The Pets’n’Vets Family team by reducing footfall and enabling some team members to work from home.
Non-Pets’n’Vets Family registered pet owners struggling to access veterinary care for their pets during this time can download the app by following the link www.petsapp.com/vetTV on their mobile device for advice and veterinary video consultations.
Tuesday 31 March
Pet food sales soar with panic buying
Sales of dog and cat food in the US last month (March) were up more than 50% over the same period last year as Americans stocked up on essentials in preparation for extended social distancing.
And a new industry-funded study reveals that manufacturers contribute hugely to the US economy through purchases of ingredients, labour and services.
The fugures show that pet food manufacturers spend $6.9bn annually on about 8.65 million tons of animal and plant-based ingredients grown by US farmers.
New online courses
The Pet Industry Federation has introduced some additional online courses to help members run their businesses.
“During this difficult time, it is important to stay productive and PIF want to be able to help assist where we can,” a spokesman said. “We have made these courses FREE and easily accessible online for all members to provide you with some support during this time.”
The educational courses include: Fleas, Dealing with a bleeding dog, Rabbits & guinea pigs and A new intro to business management.
“If you are interested in completing any of the courses available and would like to know more or sign up to begin the course then sign up to PIF.Talent and then please email [email protected] and state your username and Member ID and the courses you are interested in completing.”
There is a wide range of other courses available and all courses are discounted for PIF members.
High Street banks ‘should hang their heads in shame’
High street banks are failing to support small independent retailers in the current crisis, according to a survey by the British Independent Retailers Association.
Bira asked its members three key questions about the support they’ve received following the outbreak of coronavirus – and the results show a large majority are getting little or no help.
Almost two thirds (64.5%) said they would not benefit from the self-employed income protection announced on Thursday (March 26). Many members said they would not qualify because they pay themselves in dividends, while others admitted they were confused over how it was claimed.
One said: “We haven’t had enough profit in the last three years as we are just about ticking over in a job I love.”
Secondly, Bira asked members whether they’d received a Business Support Grant from their local authority to which 91% said they had not. Despite Bira lobbying for local authorities to be more forthcoming about the support grants, the majority of members said they’d had no communication.
One respondent said: “I’ve been in touch with local authority but they do not have a timescale for the initial letter notification going out.”
High street banks came under fire in the survey with only 1% of the members who have applied for a business interruption loan being succesful so far. Nearly 20% of members surveyed have approached their lender for help – with many still waiting for a response.
OVERDRAFT – AT 6% INTEREST
One member said: “I was advised an overdraft would be better suited for my needs with an arrangement fee of £150 and more than 6% interest.”
Another said: “Had a rather lengthy discussion that was very downbeat and obstructive even though they hold security on my mortgage-free business premises.”
Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s CEO, said: “It is clear that the well-intended Government initiatives are not reaching the retailers that need the support.
“I do not understand why it is taking so long to award the grants. The self-employed income protection scheme will only help a quarter of retailers.
“The high street banks are simply not willing to help and should hang their heads in shame. Independent retailers have no money coming in, have had low margins and low profits for many years and need more support than is currently available – otherwise many of these businesses will not re-open when the situation returns back to normal.”
Monday 30 March
Pet service businesses ‘should close during crisis’ – but it’s up to you!
Trade body the Pet Industry Federation has issued a statement to people running pet services businesses, such as groomers, dog walkers, and kennels and catteries.
PIF says it ‘strongly believes’ that pet service businesses should temporarily close during the outbreak but that it is still down to individual owners.
“The Government aims to curb the transmission of covid-19 and to save lives by reducing the movement of people through them staying at home; and by them adopting social distancing measures and hygiene protocols.
“PIF strongly believes that the best way for pet service businesses to act in these circumstances is to temporarily close their businesses during this covid-19 outbreak in order to keep them, their families and their customers safe. PIF hopes that many pet service businesses will be able to join the ones who have already closed to protect people from catching covid-19.
“While government information is still forming, the decision to close comes down to the individual business owner, unless new government guidance is issued which is beyond doubt.”
Drop-ship service goes live
Pet retailers are taking up a new drop-shipping service from specialist wholesaler Peregrine Livefoods.
“This service operates within your current account terms, protecting your margin at such a valuable time and the postage costs are below,” the company says in an email to customers.
Government cracks down on false information
Specialist units are operating to combat misinformation about coronavirus, with five to 10 incidents being identified and tackled each day.
The units across government are working at a pace to combat false and misleading narratives about coronavirus, ensuring the public has the right information to protect themselves and save lives.
The Rapid Response Unit, operating from within the Cabinet Office and No.10, says it sis tackling ‘a range of harmful narratives’ online – from purported ‘experts’ issuing dangerous misinformation to criminal fraudsters running phishing scams.
Up to 70 incidents a week, often false narratives containing multiple misleading claims, are being identified and resolved. The successful ‘Don’t Feed the Beast’ public information campaign will also relaunch next week, to empower people to question what they read online.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “We need people to follow expert medical advice and stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. It is vital that this message hits home and that misinformation and disinformation which undermines it is knocked down quickly.
FALSEHOODS AND RUMOURS
“We’re working with social media companies, and I’ll be pressing them this week for further action to stem the spread of falsehoods and rumours which could cost lives.”
When false narratives are identified, the government’s Rapid Response Unit coordinates with departments across Whitehall to deploy the appropriate response. This can include a direct rebuttal on social media, working with platforms to remove harmful content and ensuring public health campaigns are promoted through reliable sources.
The Culture Secretary will be contacting social media companies this week to thank them for their good efforts to date, assess the progress made and discuss what other potential measures can be put in place to ensure accurate, honest information consistently reaches users of their platforms.
Penny Mordaunt, the Paymaster General, said: “Holding your breath for 10 seconds is not a test for coronavirus and gargling water for 15 seconds is not a cure – this is the kind of false advice we have seen coming from sources claiming to be medical experts.
“That is why government communicators are working in tandem with health bodies to promote official medical advice, rebut false narratives and clamp down on criminals seeking to exploit public concern during this pandemic.
“But the public can also help with this effort, so today we implore them to take some simple steps before sharing information online, such as always reading beyond the headline and scrutinising the source.”
Comedian backs emergency appeal
Ricky Gervais has thrown his support behind the RSPCA, which has launched an appeal today to raise funds to keep its rescuers on the frontline saving animals.
Animal rescuers at the charity have been designated key workers by the Government but vital funding is needed to keep them out on the road, continuing to rescue animals from the worst cruelty and neglect.
Although RSPCA centres have closed to the public, the charity continues to provide vital care to thousands of animals across England and Wales at its centres and hospitals. It is expecting even more to come into its care in the coming weeks as its rescue teams bring in more animals in need. Alongside this, the charity is facing ‘a huge financial strain’ as it is already seeing the damaging effect of this crisis on its fundraising income, while the costs of saving, treating and caring for animals continue.
Animal lover Ricky said: “It is really important for us all to pull together to help each other at this difficult time and someone needs to be there for animals too. I would urge people to give whatever they can spare at this really difficult time to support the RSPCA so they can stay out on the frontline rescuing the animals who need them most.
“They are facing huge challenges through this crisis, but their amazing staff are committed to being there for animals in danger in any way they can and they can only do it with your help.”
EMERGENCY-ONLY
The national RSPCA is currently caring for more than 3,000 animals including more than 880 dogs, 870 cats, 840 horses and 200 rabbits, plus many more.
RSPCA Inspectorate staff are providing an emergency-only service throughout the lockdown period.
Dermot Murphy, chief inspectorate officer, said: “This is a time of national crisis, and many of us are anxious about the future and our loved ones. This crisis has touched all areas of life and the RSPCA is no different. As we all face the biggest challenge of a generation, the RSPCA must continue to be on the frontline, rescuing and caring for the animals who need us most.
“Our rescuers, vets and nurses have been designated key workers by the Government which means we can carry on saving animals from cruelty and neglect but we rely entirely on generous public donations to fund our vital services.
“We are facing immense challenges and huge pressures on strained resources, but our hugely dedicated teams are out there dealing with emergencies and our centres continue to deliver vital care to thousands of animals, with more expected in the coming weeks.
“We know that this is a difficult time for everyone but we must still be here for animals who are suffering and we are appealing for animal lovers to give whatever they can to help us.”
Since the crisis deepened at the beginning of March, the charity’s animal cruelty line has already received nearly 60,000 calls.
To donate, go to www.rspca.org.uk/covid
Sunday 29 March
Job Retention Scheme: your questions answered
Law firm Womble Bond Dickinson answers some of the most frequently-asked questions about the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, intended to pay employees who would otherwise be redundant or asked to stay away from work without pay and are instead designated as ‘furloughed’.
Who does the scheme apply to?
The scheme applies to all UK employers and will include, for example, companies, partnerships, LLPs, charities and sole traders. It is unlikely to apply to the public sector.
How long will it last?
It starts with effect from March 1, 2020 and will last for at least three months (ie to the end of May 2020). It will be extended if necessary.
How will it work?
HMRC will reimburse employers for 80% of the wage costs of employees who are kept on, up to £2,500 per employee per month. Employees will stay on the payroll while they are furloughed. The payment will operate as a grant, not a loan, and grants should be available by the end of April. There is no limit on the amount of funding that can be given to an employer. Employers will have to submit information to HMRC (via an online portal that is being set up urgently) regarding employees and their earnings.
How do we furlough an employee?
Employers have to designate employees as ‘furloughed workers’ and notify them. This is stated to be subject to normal employment law and may require negotiation, which means that their consent will be required unless there is a lay-off clause in their contract of employment. Very few contracts include such a clause.
Generally this will require employers to consult with employees and seek their agreement to be furloughed. It is likely to be necessary to advise employees as part of those discussions that an alternative would be for the employer to consider redundancies, otherwise there may be no incentive for them to accept the reduction in pay. There is debate over whether or not commencing such discussions may require collective consultation in circumstances where at least 20 employees may be furloughed at one geographical establishment. It would be advisable to take specialist advice in such situations as, depending on the circumstances, there may be options an employer can use to implement furlough quickly.
Such consultations should be followed up with a letter explaining how the scheme will apply to the employees, and asking them to sign and return a copy of the letter indicating their agreement.
Can employees make a request to be furloughed?
Employees have no right to ask to be furloughed. However, one way of employers potentially avoiding cumbersome consultation requirements would be to go out to employees and seek volunteers to be furloughed prior to entering into formal consultation.
What is included in the £2,500?
It includes ‘all employment costs’.
If the grants are not available until the end of April, what happens in the meantime? Do employers have to continue paying furloughed employees until they start receiving grants?
If employees have agreed to be furloughed then the employer should be able to move straight to paying 80% from the date agreed. The employee will have contractually agreed to the reduction in pay so there should be no unlawful deductions or breach of contract issues.
Does the scheme cover employees on maternity leave?
This has not been explicitly mentioned in the advice to employers or employees but we do not think it would apply to women on maternity leave or an employee on family-related leave because they would not be working.
What about atypical workers?
Again, this is not covered in the advice document but we consider that an individual who has the status of an employee or worker and is on the employer’s payroll will be included. We do not consider that it will cover self-employed individuals or agency workers. [However, the Government has now introduced a similar scheme for self-employed people and freelancers].
What happens if there is a salary sacrifice scheme in place?
Depending on the wording of the scheme, employees may be able to cancel their salary self-sacrifice arrangement in order to increase their pay and thereby receive a higher amount. This may well be the case if for example an employee has entered into a salary sacrifice arrangement in return for childcare vouchers, which they will not be able to use while their child’s nursery is closed as a result of covid-19.
Do we have to top up wages to 100%?
Employers can top up wages if they want to but there is no requirement to do this.
How will the scheme affect employees’ entitlement to the national minimum wage?
Since an employee will not be working, we do not consider that they will be entitled to the national minimum wage while they are furloughed. However, this is yet to be clarified.
Can employees work while they are furloughed?
Employees will not be able to do any work for their employer during this time. Managers will, therefore, need clear instructions that they cannot just call on furloughed employees if they need them to do some work.
Can furloughing be backdated in relation to employees who have already been made redundant?
It is not clear from the government announcement whether this will be possible and we need to see what the guidance says when it is published. However, given that the scheme starts from a date in the past, we believe that it is intended to be used retrospectively for employees who have been made redundant and are reinstated or who have been formally laid off.
What happens at the end of the furlough period?
The expectation is that employees will go back to normal working hours at the end of this period. However, the period could be extended.
Will they retain their continuous employment?
We expect that they will have continuous employment throughout the period when they are not working since the period of furlough will be treated as a temporary cessation of work.
Stores install plastic screens
Central England Co-op has rolled out the installation of plastic screens at its stores to help keep staff and customers safe.
The retailer, which has more than 240 stores across 16 counties, has also revealed that it is bringing forward its annual bonus and doubling its colleague to discount to say ‘thank you’ to those who have gone ‘above and beyond to support their communities’.
Central England Co-op has hired more than 500 new staff to ensure shelves continue to be stocked with food and essentials.
Stores are also now closed early from 8pm to enable staff to clean and replenish stores as well as get home to see their families. And all bread is now sold wrapped.
SAY THANK YOU
Central England Co-op chief executive Debbie Robinson said: “Our colleagues and key workers are doing everything they can to ensure our communities continue to be supported during this uncertain time.
“In the spirit of co-operation, we wanted to say thank you by giving them a little something to showcase our gratitude for their hard work and dedication…
“If you’re able to say thank you to our colleagues and to key workers when you see them, we are sure they would really appreciate the support at this time. Please be kind and respectful to everyone around you.”
Northern Pet Trade steps up
With a number of charities struggling during the coronavirus crisis, parrot wholesaler Northern Pet Trade is making donations to five bird rescue centres.
The charities to benefit are All Star Parrots Rescue and Rehoming, Joan’s North Wales Parrot Rescue, Birdline UK Parrot Rescue, Safehaven Parrot Refuge and Problem Parrots.
The charities chosen to receive support are those that Northern Pet Trade has worked with before. Each will receive a voucher to exchange for essential parrot supplies, to assist them through this challenging period.
Saturday 28 March
Team spirit gets the job done
The Golden Paste Company, a division of I’Anson Brothers, is continuing to run as it provides supplements for pets and livestock, alongside sister company British Horse Feeds that produces Speedi-Beet, Fibre-Beet and Cooked Linseed.
With skeleton staff following strict guidelines to maintain a safe working environment, the company is working hard to keep deliveries going out. Sisters Hattie and Ellie I’Anson are running the office and warehouse manager Kev Jones is overseeing warehouse operations.
“Members of the on-site team are in regular contact with employees working from home and everyone’s positivity and hard work is keeping the business running smoothly,&rdq
