NBRA calls for CJRS extension
The National Body Repair Association is urging the government to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) until the end of the year.
Despite bodyshops being permitted to remain open during the lockdown, as they provided an essential service, the 80% reduction in accident repair claims meant almost all had to close and place their staff on furlough.
Chris Weeks, NBRA director, said: “While motor vehicle use has risen to the range of 90-100% of pre-lockdown levels, accident repair claims have lagged and sit at little over 60% of what they would normally be.”
The NBRA stated in a letter to the chancellor that the 2,500 SMEs that comprise the sector are generally on low margins with high operating costs. It added that they cannot be expected to go on for long after the CJRS is withdrawn in this current economic environment.
Weeks added: “The only solution to this crisis in our sector is to extend the CJRS until there is a significant improvement in work volumes, or at the very least, until the end of December. The work our members do in keeping vehicles in a roadworthy condition is vital to keeping the UK’s roads safe – ensuring their viability through the Covid-19 crisis is essential.”
