COVID-19 Rescue and recovery industry recognised as key workers
News Item from PROF-
Following the increased measures introduced by Government to combat the COVID-19 Coronavirus epidemic this past week, it was clear the Rescue & Recovery Industry would need to be recognised as ‘Key Workers’ within a critical sector. With this in mind Professional Recovery Operators Federation (PROF) made representation behalf of its members to Government through the Rescue & Recovery APPG, please see copy letter attached.
We are pleased to announce this request has been recognised with details on the Government website under the heading ‘Transport’ as follows;
Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors outlined below. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be.
If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed below, and you cannot keep your child safe at home then your children will be prioritised for education provision:
Transport
This includes those who will keep the air, water, road and rail passenger and freight transport modes operating during the COVID-19 response, including those working on transport systems through which supply chains pass.
PROF has already been notified of 2 VRO’s who have successfully placed their children into special measure schooling on Monday Morning 23rd March.
We, PROF would like to take this opportunity to thank its members, who in turn support the VRO, as it is their continued financial support that has enabled PROF to lobby direct to the correct government officials, so once more recognising the recovery industry is an essential service.
In addition, please find attached some up-to-date COVID-19 information released over the weekend, this information may also assist your business during these difficult times..
Relaxation to commercial MOT’s for 3 Months starting from 21st March. All HGV and PSV vehicles with an MOT will be issued with a 3-month certificate of temporary exemption (CTE) until further notice. A vehicles first MOT – email DVSA if your vehicle requires its first MOT before 31 March 2020 and you have not been able to have the vehicle tested.
All London Road user Schemes suspended from the 23rd March, Congestion Charge, ULEZ & LEZ.
Relaxation of Drivers Hours from 00.01hrs Monday 23rd – 23.59 Tuesday 21st April, these rules should only be considered where genuinely necessary and when other supply chain management interventions are unable to alleviate issues. Drivers should not be expected to drive whilst tired - employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.
It is important to click-on and read the web links attached so you fully understand any relaxation in regulations.
Please be assured, through these difficult times PROF will continue to work with its stakeholders on key measures to assist the independent recovery network.
Regards Richard Goddard
Chairman (PROF)