Trade associations representing thousands of tourist businesses, together with the Local Government Association, have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer asking him to urgently change civil servants’ interpretation of his Coronavirus Business Rates Relief Scheme, launched to support the UK’s hospitality and leisure industries. Tour and coach operators, represented by the Coach Tourism Association, […]
The UK Bus Awards has been cancelled for 2020, but is set to run again in 2021. The only independent awards, the UKBA is the sister event of the UK Coach Awards, also cancelled for 2020. “We recently sought the views of all our Sponsors, Patrons and other Stakeholders about holding our usual annual Industry […]
The government has included public transport drivers in its latest phase of testing, with self-tests and drive-through testing theoretically available as more test facilities come on stream. Key workers who are self-isolating because of COVID-19 symptoms, or who share their home with someone who is, can either apply for test themselves or employers can nominate […]
The launch of a new coach touring operation has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic…but its owner isn’t deterred one bit. Ian Seaward, an experienced coach driver, set up Seawards of Harrogate just before the outbreak of the virus, securing a deal on an ex-Parrys International Van Hool Astron from H Atkinsons and Sons of […]
Coach and bus industry supplier Pride and Joy Clothing is making face masks, wash bags and aprons for care homes – for free. The Chesterfield-based company, which has seen all its business disappear, closed its doors in March but Managing Director, Jane Phillips, then heard that care homes had shortages of PPE: “I went back […]
Chesterfield-based Nova Tours has ceased trading, it has announced on its social media page, ending a 32-year history. The coach touring specialist had been building its profile and added a new Yutong GT12 coach last year – the 500th to be delivered in the UK. It had an extensive touring programme throughout the UK and […]
Will employees continue to accrue holiday during furlough? It is likely that the 5.6 weeks’ leave (28 days for full time workers) under the Working Time Regulations 1998 continues to accrue during furlough leave. Where a worker does not take annual leave in the relevant leave year because they were on furlough, can they carry […]
It is a difficult time for PSV operators, with the government’s ‘Coronavirus’ advice and guidance changing on a daily, even hourly, basis. PSV operators are, understandably, worried about the implications of Covid-19 on their commercial contracts, and naturally are seeking clarity on their contractual rights under essential business and supply contracts. There may be some […]