PCS states that the results of this ballot clearly demonstrate the health and safety concerns of their members following their return to work at driving test centres across the country.

86% of those who voted in the PCS ballot believe that it is not safe to return to work. Nearly all, 96% believed that staff should not be forced to return. 90% also believe that candidates should be mandated to take a COVID test before attending a test centre for their assessment. 73% of members balloted are prepared to take action to support these demands.

Read the PCS update on this ballot here:

https://www.pcs.org.uk/department-for-transport/news/covid-19-update-%E2%80%93-de-ballot-result

It is worth noting that PCS represents only a proportion of DVSA Examiners, and not all members voted in this ballot, so the results do not necessarily echo the views of all Examiners, nor is this ballot a sign Examiners will take any action that could disrupt services.

We have contacted DVSA today to understand whether they have any concerns regarding this latest ballot, and whether they foresee any disruption to services – now and moving forward. DVSA have a continuing dialogue with their Examiners (and the unions) about issues relating to managing test delivery in the context of COVID-19. Both unions and Examiners have been closely consulted on any measures put in place to safeguard Examiners, trainers and pupils in the testing process, and any decisions to develop the level of testing offered. At this time is no impact to testing services. We will keep you updated on this issue.

ADINJC News Today

Chancellor Rishi Sunak launches a scheme to replace furlough:

More details at:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54285950

https://www.itv.com/news/2020-09-24/coronavirus-rishi-sunak-announces-government-will-pay-up-to-two-thirds-of-wages-for-people-on-reduced-hours

Rishi Sunak has said it is “impossible” to predict how many jobs the government’s new wage subsidy scheme will save.
The scheme, set to replace furlough, will see the government top up the pay of people unable to work full time.
It aims to stop mass job cuts after the government introduced new measures to tackle a rise in coronavirus cases.
Mr Sunak said he hoped the plan would “benefit large numbers”, but he could not say what job is “viable or not”.
Under the Job Support Scheme, if bosses bring back workers part time, the government will help top up their wages with employers to at least three quarters of their full time pay.
It will begin on 1 November and last for six months.

Mr Sunak said a similar scheme for the self-employed would be available.

Longer period to pay back Bounce Back Loans
The Government has also announced a new ‘Pay As You Grow’ scheme will give those who’ve borrowed Bounce Back Loans more flexibility in how they repay, while the time you have to apply for a new Bounce Back Loans has also been extended.

VAT deferral

Business can delay VAT payments under the ‘New Payment Scheme’. Rather than paying in full by March 2021, they will now be able to spread payments throughout the 2021-22 financial year.

With the industry very busy at present, many instructors will not be eligible for the extra SEISS grant unless they or their pupils have been affected by Covid19 and the instructors business has been adversely affected. If this is the case then records must be kept as to how the business was adversly affected in case HMRC do investigate the claim for its validity at a later date.

The NJC continues to be dedicated to help you in these challenging times and we hope you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy. 
Please feel free to contact us for help and support.

ADINJC’s helpline is 0800 8202 444

The Secretary’s number is 07855 453414

The ADINJC is a national association run by ADIs on a not-for-profit basis.  We work tirelessly to inform, represent and support our members, and to promote the interests of our profession.