Lay My Hat

A document published by the Cabinet Office stated that staying overnight at a location other than the place you live "for a holiday or other purpose is not allowed". This also includes "visiting second homes".

Asked whether people could rent self-catering holiday homes in this period, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "No, the rules allow for you to make visits to enjoy parks or something with pleasure status but you can't stay overnight."

But does anyone know what the score is for people looking to rent a holiday home for the purposes of work?

I have been contacted by someone who needs to visit our area towards the end of May/beginning of June to do work on a computer system (he has stayed before) in our local area, for most of the working week, for a business that specialises in helping people with physical disabilities. Apparently he needs to be on site because if things do not go to plan, it is not easy to resolve remotely.

Under the new rules, would he be allowed to stay, given that it is work and not a 'jolly'? I'm really not sure and would be grateful if anyone here can help clarify the situation for me.

Thanks.

Doesn’t that come under the category of key worker?? If so, yes, he can stay.

I don't know, I'm afraid, but wouldn't he be a key worker and therefore allowed to stay? Not the same thing, obviously, but my local computer shop has been open throughout as they are considered key workers.

We have key workers staying for 3 weeks.

I'm sure that it will be fine.

Of course the local (facebook) keyboard warriors will be fuming, but hey ho!

One would be surprised as to what is included under the umbrella of key workers in the UK. I have relatives who are owners of a factory making wooden items. work has been on going all the time. it was considered essential work.
Also the latest UK government advise is to get back to work is it not?

Thanks everyone.

CSE wrote:Also the latest UK government advise is to get back to work is it not?

My understanding is that it's get back to work if you cannot perform your duties through working from home.

Does anyone know the earliest date that English self-catering can open? Is it July 4th or it is still subject to 3 weekly reviews and might be earlier?

newtimber wrote:Does anyone know the earliest date that English self-catering can open? Is it July 4th or it is still subject to 3 weekly reviews and might be earlier?

The date is not yet decided. The only definite thing is that it won’t be before 4th July.

The government say they will monitor how this current set of restrictions will affect the R transmission rate before making any further decisions.

Coronavirus: Will I be able to go on holiday? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52646738

Edited to add a link from the BBC website

I'm still not sure myself. I have had a few key workers who have stayed and who have provided documentation to say they are cleared to travel / stay.

What's not clear is whether or not we can accept any bookings from people who need to work away and stay in self catering.

I've turned so many bookings away (including from solicitors in London who wanted an Easter week away - during stricter lockdown!!)...and I will continue to do so...but it's not clear on who exactly qualifies to stay.

Does a seasonal worker who can not return home & so needs to stay in self catering qualify or does somebody who is on a 'how to attract tourism after covid19' work project who needs accommodation qualify..?

It seems to be open to interpritation but I don't want to accept a booking unless I'm sure it's okay

You would be breaking the law. The exemtions are quite clear.

(4) A person referred to in paragraph (3) may continue to carry on their business and keep any premises used in that business open—

(a)to provide accommodation for any person, who—

(i)is unable to return to their main residence;
(ii)uses that accommodation as their main residence;
(iii)needs accommodation while moving house;
(iv)needs accommodation to attend a funeral;

(b)to provide accommodation or support services for the homeless,

(c)to host blood donation sessions, or

(d)for any purpose requested by the Secretary of State, or a local authority.

None of these apply to someone looking to rent a home for the purposes of work.

Sparks wrote:You would be breaking the law. The exemtions are quite clear.

(4) A person referred to in paragraph (3) may continue to carry on their business and keep any premises used in that business open—

(a)to provide accommodation for any person, who—

(i)is unable to return to their main residence;
(ii)uses that accommodation as their main residence;
(iii)needs accommodation while moving house;
(iv)needs accommodation to attend a funeral;

(b)to provide accommodation or support services for the homeless,

(c)to host blood donation sessions, or

(d)for any purpose requested by the Secretary of State, or a local authority.

None of these apply to someone looking to rent a home for the purposes of work.

(d) above might apply; it’s the clause that covers key workers, or chancers claiming to be key workers.
I’d be wanting a written request from the relevant Local Authority.
No authorisation, no stay.