Many members of the UK-based ICMIF member The Retail Mutual are facing drastic restrictions to their trading activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Retail Mutual says it has been working hard to develop a range of initiatives for its members to help them through this challenging time.
Some of the measures that have been introduced so far are:
Full staffing capacity to serve members
The Mutual has set up remote working arrangements for all staff to support the UK-wide effort to slow the spread of the virus. The Claims and Service teams are fully staffed and continue to offer high levels of service.
Dedicated resource hub
The Retail Mutual has also set up a dedicated resource hub its members can find the answers to many of the most common queries that the Mutual is receiving at this time, along with guidance on how to access UK Government support for small businesses and other useful links and resources. This hub is updated regularly with the latest news, advice and other resources to help members navigate the emergency.
Free legal expenses insurance and legal advice line
Free legal expenses insurance has been arranged by the Mutual for all members with business cover. This is a dedicated service provided by commercial insurance partner, ARAG, and offers a range of benefits to help members of the Mutual through this crisis including:
- Advice and support on employment obligations
- Redundancy assistance for employees
- Advice and support on debt issues
- Counselling assistance via a dedicated telephone helpline
- Professional public relations and crisis management expertise
- Online information hub at www.arag.co.uk/news-press/covid-19
Unoccupied premises waiver
With many businesses standing empty while trading restrictions are in place, the Mutual has introduced an unoccupied premises waiver to ensure members are covered. If any member is unable to attend their business premises or operate their business at the premises for more than 45 days due to social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine requirements, the Mutual will waive the usual unoccupancy clauses set out in cover wording.
The Retail Mutual says it will continue to work with its supporting insurers, commercial partners and industry groups such as the NFRN Federation of Independent Retailers and the Plunkett Foundation to ensure maximum support for business owners and sole traders through this pandemic.
