October 2020

48 AFTERMARKET OCTOBER 2020 BUSINESS www.aftermarketonline.net A s summer wore on, life started to look a little more like normal. However, new restrictions, including travel quarantines that confined returning holidaymakers to their homes, provided new logistical challenges for garages looking to increase their capacity with a view towards the expected MOT surge in the coming weeks. 15 August: More re-openings but holiday quarantines provide ongoing headache Many more businesses and attractions were allowed to re-open as lockdown continued to ease. These included indoor theatres, casinos, music venues, leisure centres, bowling alleys and skating rinks. Beauty salons were also allowed to reopen, and wedding receptions with up to 30 guests could take place. Meanwhile, the list of countries where those travelling from abroad were required to quarantine for two weeks upon return kept growing. Also on Saturday 15 August, France was CORONAVIRUS ROUND-UP The road to the new normal is bumpy, and full of unexpected twists and turns for garage businesses added to the list. Those travelling from other popular destinations including Spain were already required to quarantine for a fortnight upon return. If a country’s infections reach 20 people per 100,000 of population, the government is likely to add it to the list, often with little warning. Those on holiday may not be able to return before a deadline is imposed. With garages facing a busy autumn due to the accumulation of MOT work arising from the exemption and the gradual return to something like normality, some ended up entering the period running short-handed, if staff members found themselves caught by a quarantine on return. 17 August: COVID-19 self- employed support continues Self-employed mechanics saw more COVID-19 funding heading their way. Since 17 August, self-employed people whose livelihoods have been affected by coronavirus have been able to claim a second payment of up to £6,570 via the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). Anyone whose self-employed business has been adversely affected by coronavirus since 14 July is eligible for the scheme. People need to have had trading profits of no more than £50,000, making up at least half of their total income. Those eligible could now get a second and final grant worth 70% of their average monthly trading profits. Money arrives in bank accounts within six working days of making a claim. Commenting on the second phase of the scheme, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “Our self-employment income support scheme has already helped millions of hard-working people, whose get up and go drive is crucial to our economy. It means that people’s livelihoods across the country will remain protected as we continue our economic recovery – helping them get back on their feet as we return to normal.” HMRC were contacting all potentially eligible customers to advise them that they can claim for a second and final SEISS grant. The SEISS is part of an overall package of support for the self- employed, including Bounce Back