Day: May 17, 2021

Two-thirds of Scots worried they will catch COVID at work

Two-thirds of Scottish employees (66 per cent) are worried about contracting Coronavirus when they return to their place of work, a new survey has found. 

The findings follow a UK-wide survey, carried out by JD Cooling Group, the UK’s leading independent supplier of environmental control systems with offices in Kelty, which revealed that despite the extensive vaccine roll out, many people across Scotland and the rest of the UK remain cautious about the prospect of a return to the office.

Lack of space and ventilation

Almost half (47 per cent) of all respondents cited the possibility of catching Coronavirus through airborne transmission indoors as their biggest concern, followed by 40 per cent who said poor air quality is a worry for them about returning to their workplace.

Two in five said they are concerned their co-workers might not be vigilant enough with handwashing, while 37 per cent of people admitted to being concerned about others not wearing masks. Lack of space is also an issue, with 35 per cent concerned about meetings in smaller rooms with limited ventilation, and a third (33 per cent) concerned about social distancing not being possible.

Providing reassurance

Despite these worries, there are a number of solutions that would help reassure employees about returning to work, with three in five (62 per cent) saying they would like a ventilation system installed to improve air quality, circulation and flow.

Social distancing measures being in place and enforced would reassure two in five (42 per cent), while a third (33 per cent) would be reassured by regular cleaning of surfaces. Two in five (39 per cent) would be reassured if the majority of the company had been given a coronavirus vaccine – slightly higher than the 32 per cent who would be reassured if they had been given the coronavirus vaccine themselves.

Changes to the workplace would also help to provide reassurance, as three in ten (31 per cent) support changes to allow them to have their own office or workspace, 26 per cent supporting Perspex screens being added to their workspace, and a fifth (18 per cent) feeling reassured if gloves and PPE was provided.

Mike Gould, HVAC Manager at JD Cooling Group said: “This data clearly shows that while there are measures in place, such as face masks and social distancing, people remain concerned when it comes to the next stage of restrictions lifting, and it won’t be enough to simply open doors and windows to encourage better air flow.

“Even with the vaccine roll out, proper ventilation is coming out as the top way to help employees feel comfortable about returning to the office.

“Good ventilation can rid a workplace of contaminated and stale air. As people are still clearly concerned about catching the virus at work, it’s important that employers do what they can in order to protect, reassure and ultimately keep their workforce safe.”

The study also found a significant minority (42 per cent) said that they would be likely to consider looking for another job if their employer did not put in adequate measures to minimise the spread of Coronavirus before they returned to their normal workplace. This highlights the importance of employers taking steps to protect their workforce.

Beyond this, the pandemic will undoubtedly have far-reaching long-term impacts on workers’ attitudes, as a third (35 per cent) say that they will be more concerned about catching common colds and flu viruses at work than they were before the pandemic, even after the vaccination programme has been fully rolled out.

For more information, tips and advice on good ventilation go to www.jdcooling.com/covid-safe

Parking Lot Social brings carloads of comedy to Edinburgh

The Parking Lot Social has announced the line-up for its hugely popular “Parking LOL” sessions. Scottish comedy heroes Des McLean, Susie McCabe, Christopher MacArthur-Boyd and Ray Bradshaw will all be taking to the stage to entertain crowds at Dalkeith Country Park on Sunday 23 May.

The Parking Lot Social has been delighting audiences across the UK for the last two months with an unrivalled line-up of drive-in entertainment, adding additional dates in many cities due to demand. With comedy clubs across Scotland still closed due to COVID, Parking LOL is on hand to provide those longing for laughs with a hilarious night out. 

Here’s what to expect from Parking LOL in Edinburgh:

Des McLean – Des McLean is an award-winning stand-up comedian, presenter and actor.

Based in Glasgow, Des has toured extensively across the UK, America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. A regular on TV, Billy Connolly has cited Des as his favourite Comedian!

Susie McCabe – Susie took her first steps into comedy as part of a drunken dare. Most people have to do a shot or strip. Well, Susie was drunk with her clothes on and building a career out of it. After a successful career working in the construction industry Susie has cemented herself as one of rising stars of UK stand up.

Christopher MacArthur-Boyd – Born and bred in Glasgow, Christopher Macarthur-Boyd is a rising star of Scottish stand-up. Fast becoming a Fringe festival favourite, Christopher’s debut hour Home Sweet Home was officially the best reviewed of any Scottish stand-up at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Ray Bradshaw –  One of the brightest and most exciting acts on the UK Comedy circuit, Ray has performed sell out solo festival shows in Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, and Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Christopher MacArthur-Boyd (above) said, “I’m really looking forward to doing stand-up again. I think it’s brilliant that Parking Lot Social are booking Scottish comedians instead of shipping in acts from elsewhere.

“Some of my pals have worked with them before and they said it was class, so I’m really looking forward to it. COVID struck a real blow to live comedy, so it’s great to be out doing events like this in front of a live audience again.”

Josh Kinnersley, Chief Operating Officer at XL Event Lab, added: “Parking LOL is always a popular session for us, and it’s been great to work with such incredible comedians up and down the UK, giving people access to live comedy while the clubs are sadly still shut.

“Scotland has a fantastic scene and we’ve got four of the country’s best loved performers on this bill for this event, so laughs are guaranteed!”

As well as Parking LOL, drive-in tickets are also on sale for a host of other live entertainment. Legendary party night The Big Weekender takes place on May 21, live spring panto The Wizard of Oz is May 22 and there’s two chances to catch the interactive family fun of Social Kids, taking place on both May 22 and 23. Classic films will play over the three days too.

Audiences will be entertained in their cars from a vast custom made stage. Shows are broadcast across two 60ft screens and audio is transmitted from the stage directly to each vehicle through a dedicated FM radio channel. Food comes from street food masters The Big Feed with orders made online and delivered straight to each car.

For tickets, live updates and information visit The Parking Lot Social website at https://theparkinglotsocial.co.uk/tour/edinburgh/

Quarriers launch appeal to ‘Bring Back Smiles’

Quarriers has launched its ‘Bring Back Smiles’ appeal to support vulnerable young people and to help them to recover from the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic.

As a leading social care charity, Quarriers already provides vital support for children, families and young people and has launched the fundraising campaign to support over 1000 children across Scotland and to provide positive experiences and resources.

Dr Ron Culley, Chief Executive of Quarriers, said: “For many young people the changes brought by the pandemic have been overwhelming and the world has seemed a scary and unpredictable place.

“Every day our highly experienced staff are seeing children who have high levels of anxiety, low mood, lack of motivation and loss of confidence.

“As restrictions are relaxing, many of us are getting back to the activities that we enjoy. However, poverty, disability and disadvantage will make it too hard for many families to give their children positive experiences over the summer to support their mental health and that is why we have launched the ‘Bring Back Smiles’ appeal.”

Donations can be made at www.quarriers.org.uk/smiles and just £5 could support vulnerable youngsters in the following ways:

  • Boost independence – help to cover transport costs for teenagers in rural areas to meet up with friends over the summer.
  • Build confidence – provide funding for a child to take part in an activity they have never done before such as paddle boarding.
  • Lift spirits – help to fund safety equipment to help youngsters have fun, such as a bike helmet.

Quarriers provide essential support across Scotland through their work with young carers, children with complex needs and young people who are in care or have experience of care, and families coping with poverty.

Quarriers also provides mental health support through school-based services and they have first-hand experience of the help children need to move on from the difficulties of recent times.

Beautiful little girl in a blue dress eating an ice cream.

Christine Dow, Project Worker, Quarriers Let’s Talk Service, said: “COVID has changed the experience our children have had of childhood, and we don’t know the long-term impact this will have on our youngster’s development.

“But what we do know is that we are seeing a huge effect on their mental health right now and we want to help them. Throughout the pandemic, Quarriers frontline workers have kept support going and by using video calls, telephone calls or sometimes just texting we have learned that many of the children we support are anxious.

“Some children can’t stop thinking about the dangers of the virus and some feel frightened of the outside world or find going outside stressful. Lockdown saw family routines break down, sleeping patterns disrupted and appetites affected. Some children have experienced low moods and lack of motivation whilst others have experienced panic attacks.

“We know mental health services have seen a huge increase in referrals and supporting our young people at this crucial time is vital. We hope to help as many youngsters as possible across Scotland through the Quarriers Children’s Fund.”

To help to ‘Bring Back Smiles’ please visit: www.quarriers.org.uk/smiles

Zoopla Quarterly Rental Market Report: Renters revive central Edinburgh housing markets

  • One year on since the housing market reopened, and the Covid-led decline in rental demand for city centre housing is bouncing back
  • As the UK emerges from lockdown, renter demand is up 26% in central Edinburgh, 12% in central Leeds, 7% in inner London and 5% in central Manchester in the month since Easter
  • London’s rental demand is being fuelled in part by a sharp improvement to affordability; with rents down -9.4%, affordability is running at a ten year high
  • Average rents in the City of London, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster, are running at their lowest for a decade, with average Westminster rents running at £2,259 pcm – down from £2,617 pcm in February last year
  • By contrast, UK rents outside of London are up 3% on the year, signalling the highest level of growth in four and half years
  • Rents are rising fastest in the North East (+5.5%) and the South West (+5.3%) yoy – the strongest rates of growth in a decade in these regions amid increased demand and constrained supply
  • Rental performance outside of London is being driven by a 59% uptick in demand for rental properties in the 28 days to the end of April, compared to the average demand recorded during the same month in the more  ‘normal’ markets of 2017 -19

One year on since the housing market reopened and the Covid-led decline in rental demand for city centre housing is starting to bounce back, as the UK emerges from lockdown and affordability for renters improves.

These are the latest findings from Zoopla, the UK’s leading property portal, in its quarterly Rental Market Report:

City centre rental markets finally revived

The impact of Covid was felt most acutely in the city centre rental markets of the UK’s major regional cities. Central Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester and London were at the forefront of the rental slowdown, as offices remained closed and an extended hiatus in tourism took hold. 

Stock moving over from short-term lets into the rental market, and more rental stock coming back to the market amid easing demand, led to a softening in rents in city centres, which are still down by  0.7% in Leeds, -1.1% in central Manchester, -3.2% in central Edinburgh and -9.9% in inner London (see figure 1).

However, the city centre downturn is starting to reverse as the economy opens up, workers start to return to their offices, leisure activities restart, and renters return in search of a rental bargain and restoration of their social life.

Renter demand is up 26% in central Edinburgh, 12% in central Leeds, 7% in inner London and 5% in central Manchester in the month since Easter – and is starting to absorb the supply surplus that characterised the market over the past year.

Figure 1: Rental growth in inner and outer cities in March 2021

Source: Zoopla Research

London’s rental affordability reaches ten year high

Rental declines in London bottomed out in February of this year, down -10% year on year, with overall London rents now running at -9.4%. Average monthly rents are now at the same level as they were in December 2013.

The fall in rents in London over the past year has resulted in rents being at their most affordable for ten years. Average rents now account for 42% of an average single-earner income in London, down from 49% in March 2020, and a peak of 53% in Q4 2016

Average rents in the City of London, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster, are running at their lowest for a decade, with the average monthly rent in Westminster at £2,259 – down from a high of £2,617 in February last year.

Many of London’s renters are looking to future-proof current rental affordability, locking in cost savings for as long as possible, with agents reporting an increased number of longer-than-average tenancies (in excess of 12 months) being agreed.

Regional rents rising 3% year on year – but affordability remains unchanged

The rental market outside of London paints a starkly different picture, with rents rising at 3% year on year, signalling the highest level of growth in four and half years (see figure 2).

Despite rent rises, average affordability remains broadly unchanged as wages rebound from the dip recorded last summer, keeping pace with rental growth.

Rents are rising fastest in the North East (+5.5%) and the South West (+5.3%) year on year – the strongest rate of growth in a decade in these regions amid increased demand and constrained supply. However, the North East remains one of the most affordable regions in the country, with average rents absorbing 21% of the income of the average single earner (pre-pandemic, compared to the UK average of 32%.

Northern towns of Wigan and Barnsley are seeing some of the highest rental growth in the country, at 8%, with Rochdale at 7.8%; this outperforms average annual rental growth in these towns of around 1.5% between 2011 and 2019 by some margin.

Current rental performance is being driven by a 59% uptick in demand for rental properties in the 28 days to the end of April, compared to the average demand recorded across the ‘normal’ markets of 2017 -19. In the first quarter of the year, demand for rental property outside of London was 32% higher than the same period last year.

Figure 2

The supply challenge

The supply of rental properties in most markets is failing to keep up with demand, and the new supply of property coming to the market outside of London is 5% lower than in Q1 last year.

Supply constraints are being driven by a multitude of factors. Firstly, many renters were unable or reluctant to exit the rental market and buy a property during the pandemic, limiting the flow of renters out of the sector, and absorbing more supply. At the same time, investment into the private rental market, which is predominantly made up of independent landlords, has not recovered to 2015 levels, before the additional 3% stamp duty levy was introduced for investors.

The number of properties purchased using a buy-to-let mortgage was 45% lower in 2020 than in 2015, and the number of homes in the private rented sector has fallen slightly since 2016 as landlords rationalise their portfolios in the face of tax changes and additional regulation.

Private outdoor space remains top priority for renters

Increased demand for private outdoor space has characterised renter behaviour throughout lockdown, but even as we emerge from pandemic restrictions, it remains a priority.

The proportion of renters searching for rental properties with gardens has doubled since the pre-pandemic period last year. The good news for renters is that nearly half of properties available to rent currently have a garden or access to a shared garden, and the number of these properties available to rent has risen during Q1 to levels seen last summer. 

David Ross, Managing Director, Hometrack, comments: ““Rental demand will continue to rise in city centres as offices start to re-open and this, coupled with increased affordability levels in many cases, will start to counter the negative pressure on rents seen over the last 12 months.

“In London, where rents are down 9.4% on the year, a modest reversal in rental declines has begun, but it will be a slow build back to pre-pandemic levels in inner London. 

“The recovery will be uneven and we expect new or recently refurbished properties to attract higher levels of demand in H2.”

Marketing Society Scotland launches new campaign to support the hospitality industry

The Marketing Society Scotland (MSS) has launched a new ‘Marketing on Tap’ campaign to support the Scottish hospitality industry.

The new campaign has been initiated by the MSS to support pubs, bars and restaurants across Scotland through free marketing and promotion advice, training and downloadable toolkits spanning social media, PR, influencer engagement and digital marketing.

Timed to coincide with the latest lifting of restrictions, Marketing on Tap aims to equip small to medium sized hospitality businesses across Scotland as they finally reopen their doors and prepare to welcome more guests across the summer months.  

MSS Director, Graeme Atha, says: “Scotland has a vibrant marketing community, full of bright, creative minds and a collective vision to do good.  It’s also a community that not only works closely with the hospitality sector, but has also relied on it as the birthplace for great creative ideas, award wins, pitch celebrations and of course, commiserations, and we owe it a great debt.

“Our Advisory Board felt strongly they had an opportunity to give back and add real value to the hospitality sector in a time of need, so have pooled resources to proactively create and launch Marketing on Tap to support businesses with free, trusted advice, real support, and a suite of tangible assets.”

Emma Pollock, Communications Manager with Diageo, who helped initiate the campaign added: “Hospitality venues in Scotland have been closed for the majority of the last year and prior to the pandemic, this was a buoyant industry, contributing £1.8bn to Scotland’s economy and supporting over 83,000 jobs. 

“It’s now an industry that needs support to recover and the Marketing Society Scotland has the will and the expertise to help make a difference to these businesses.

“Marketing on Tap shows the power of action and the collective support across the Scottish marketing sector to share knowledge and expertise to support our hospitality industry and help get these businesses back on their feet.”

In addition to practical guidance, MSS is also encouraging its members to deliver grassroots support and ‘make your work more social by heading down your local’. 

The intention is to drive increased custom at a local level through word-of-mouth promotion, social media support and even justifiably holding meetings over lunch or a pint.

Over a seven-week period Marketing on Tap will provide:

  • Practical, downloadable how to guides to
  • Brand building
  • Digital presence
  • Social media management
  • ­Photography
  • ­PR / Media Releases
  • ­Influencer engagement
  • In-depth weekly online clinics (based on the above topics) and the opportunity to ask the marketing experts
  • Online signposting to financial support and associated links

For more information, visit www.marketingsociety.com/marketingontap

Scotland’s Colleges commit to working together to tackle climate emergency

As Scotland looks forward to hosting the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, Scottish colleges have come together to support a new and ground-breaking statement of commitment on the Climate Emergency.

The ‘Scottish Colleges’ Statement of Commitment on the Climate Emergency’, which has been produced by CDN’s college Climate Emergency Expert Group, in partnership with Colleges Scotland and Energy Skills Partnership (ESP), highlights how college staff and students are working together to achieve a more sustainable future for Scotland.

The statement of commitment establishes 10 key actions, which colleges have committed to delivering, with the aim of speeding up efforts to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

10 Key Actions

Support Scotland’s efforts to achieve net-zero climate emissions by 2045 or earlier if possible, with Scotland’s colleges aiming to achieve net-zero by 2040 or earlier.

Embed environmental sustainability in our institutional strategies and set measurable targets.Address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in our strategies.

Address the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in our strategies.

Share best practice within and beyond the college/ university sector.

Deploy our expertise and experience to combat climate change.

Contribute to public debate on climate change and use the power of our example to encourage others.

Work with Scottish industry, employers, public sector bodies and others to improve working practices and find practical solutions to climate change and to make our planet safe for future generations.

Encourage, where appropriate, colleges to adopt the UK HE/ FE Climate Commission’s ‘Climate Action Roadmap for FE Colleges.’

Each college will publish action plans to address on-campus and supply chain emissions, setting out what steps they will take over a five-year horizon and beyond where possible, and what they aim to achieve to address the climate emergency.

Educate staff, students, employers and communities on the impact their daily lives and working practices have on the environment/ climate. While working with our partners, local employers and communities to ensure everyone is aware of their personal responsibility to our planet.

Scottish scientists to cover 500 mile distance between labs for dementia research

A team of over 20 dementia researchers will run the distance between dementia research labs across Scotland to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.  

Dr Josie Fullerton at Glasgow University, Dr Fiona Mclean from Dundee University and Dr Mike Daniels at the UK Dementia Research in Edinburgh will lead the event in efforts to raise thousands for dementia research in the country.

The challenge comes during Dementia Action Week (17 – 23 May), a week dedicated to raising awareness of dementia and encouraging people to join efforts to bring about a future free from the fear, harm, and heartbreak of the condition.

Dementia is the UK’s leading cause of death and affects over 90,000 people in Scotland. 

There are currently no treatments that can stop the diseases that cause dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s. Research is the only way to change this for the growing number of people living with the condition.

The team is challenging fellow scientists in the Alzheimer’s Research UK Scotland Network Centre to cumulatively run, walk, or cycle the distance between the Universities leading dementia research efforts in Scotland. 

The Alzheimer’s Research UK Scotland Network is one of 15 Network Centres across the UK which aim to unite the brightest minds in dementia research. The Scotland Network, which has over 200 members from five leading institutions in the country, works to fund new ideas, power collaboration and build capacity in dementia research.

The virtual route is 813 km, just over 500 miles and will start at the University of Dundee. The route takes the team up the coast to Aberdeen, across to the University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness, before taking the scenic route down to Glasgow.

Stopping by at Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow via the University of Stirling, before heading across the central belt to Edinburgh to take in Napier, Heriot Watt, The University of Edinburgh and Queen Margaret University.

It will then go into Fife to St Andrews University, before the final stretch back to the University of Dundee to complete the challenge.

The team aim to raise thousands for dementia research. To sponsor them visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/runthenetwork


Dementia researcher, and organiser of the event Dr Mike Daniels, (above) said: “Alzheimer’s Research UK has supported scientists like me and dementia research in Scotland for many years.

“We know that this funding comes from dedicated members of the public who have decided to take action to tackle dementia by supporting our work. We wanted to set ourselves an ambitious fundraising challenge to give something back to them during these difficult times.

“Dementia researchers from all over Scotland have come together and we’re really looking forward to seeing how everyone gets on with their challenge and hearing their stories. I think it’s going to be tough but it’s totally doable and will raise money for such an important cause!

“Setting up this challenge is a fantastic way to help Alzheimer’s Research UK fund more research in Scotland and make breakthroughs possible. Please support us in our efforts to raise money for an incredible charity!”

The team will be tracking people’s progress and at the end of every day during the week the researchers will tally up the total distance covered by the team and calculate how far the group have travelled.

Stacy Rowan, Scotland Fundraising Officer for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:
“We’re so grateful to these researchers and their incredible efforts supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK. 

“Scotland is a hotbed for dementia research and our scientists have continued to make pivotal strides in research throughout the pandemic, in spite of the restrictions they have faced. Alzheimer’s Research UK has funded over £8 million of research in Scotland, all of it targeted towards transforming lives and bringing an end to the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.

“Dementia Action Week is not just about raising awareness but about taking action, and I would urge anyone who wants to get involved in fundraising for dementia research to contact me at stacy.rowan@alzheimersresearchuk.org

“If anyone as a question about dementia, or the research going on in Scotland to help make breakthroughs possible contact our Dementia Research Infoline. Our team have already handled over 25,000 enquiries and are here to help you.

“Ring us on 0300 111 5111 or email us at infoline@alzheimersresearchuk.org.”

Lothian Lockdown: Take part in the Lothian Video Diary Project

Are you a resident in Edinburgh? Would you like to take part in a project by telling us about your experience of the Covid-19 pandemic?

Researchers at the University are looking for participants to take part in their project Lothian Lockdown Diaries, which aims to find out how Covid-19 has impacted people living in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Take part

Confusion over travel insurance could leave travellers at risk of being out of pocket, says Which?

A lack of clarity from travel insurers over how much protection their policies offer for Covid-related disruption could lead to consumers losing money as international travel reopens, Which? research has found. 

New research from the consumer champion suggests that many travel insurance customers are being left with a false impression about the level of protection they would benefit from if the pandemic was to impact on their holiday plans. 

Which? believes some of this is down to poor communication by some travel insurance providers and the use of often confusing, blanket terms such as ‘Covid Cover’ or ‘Enhanced Covid Cover’ on insurers’ websites.

The consumer champion’s survey of over 2,800 travel insurance customers, conducted between February and March 2021, found that three in 10 respondents (29%) had committed to bookings or arrangements for international trips this year – with around one in 10 (12%) saying that while they’d not booked or arranged travel, they did have specific plans.

Which? asked the survey respondents if they believed that their policies would cover them in the following six scenarios: 

  • Cover for costs if – after booking my trip – the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against travel to my destination;
  • Cover in the event that a local or national lockdown prevents me from travelling;
  • Cover in the event I can’t travel because I have to self-isolate at home because of NHS Test and Trace;
  • Cover in the event I can’t go on my trip because I’m diagnosed/test positive with COVID-19;
  • Medical cover if I catch COVID-19 overseas; and
  • Cover if my airline or holiday company postpones my travel but will only offer a rebooking or credit and not a cash refund.

Half of survey respondents (50%) believed that they’d be covered should the government’s travel advice change after a trip was booked, and nearly half (47%) thought their policy would cover them in the event that local or national lockdowns prevented them from travelling. Almost half (46%) believed their policy would cover them if their airline or holiday company postponed their travel, but wouldn’t offer a cash refund. 

However, when Which? analysed 73 travel insurance providers between October and November 2020, cover for those three such eventualities – particularly for when government travel advice changes – was very rare, with large discrepancies between what policies included. The consumer champion has been continuing actively to monitor Covid-related cover offered and believes little has changed to improve this situation in recent months. 

Since March 2020, most insurers have considered the pandemic a ‘known event’, and excluded FCDO cancellation cover from new policies and for newly booked trips. However, Which?’s survey found that customers with policies bought after March 2020 were more likely to believe that they were covered for this type of disruption than ones that had bought policies before then. 

For instance, two thirds (65%) of respondents that had bought travel insurance less than six months prior to participating in the survey believed that they would be covered if FCDO travel advice changed and advised against travel after they had booked their trip, whereas less than half (48%) of respondents that bought policies over a year ago did.

While some insurers give upfront information about how extensively they protect against Covid-related disruption on their webpages and in their FAQs, some providers only state key benefits that their ‘Enhanced Covid Cover’ provides, and are less clear about what is excluded.

Other providers describe their policies as covering a ‘range’ of Covid-related scenarios, and direct prospective customers to the FAQs for further detail. 

Which? submitted evidence to the Department for Transport (DfT) ahead of today’s publication of the Covid Passenger Charter calling for travel insurance providers to be clear about Covid-cover terminology.

Which? believes providers should present what is included and excluded in their Covid policies clearly on their websites, and not bury exclusions in their FAQs. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) should be monitoring terminology used by travel insurers in their Covid-19 policies and marketing material to ensure they provide sufficient clarity. 

The FCA should also issue guidance to providers on the use of blanket terms such as ‘Covid Cover’ and ‘Enhanced Covid Cover’, which often overlook what kind of cover is not included – without qualifying them clearly. Doing so would help consumers to make a much more informed choice when booking a trip abroad, and could save them money. 

Which? is also urging the DfT to work closely with the Treasury and sector regulators including the FCA, Civil Aviation Authority and Competition and Markets Authority, as well as with industry, to ensure all travellers adequately understand their travel insurance cover and can access cover that protects them against FCDO advice related to the pandemic when international travel restarts.

Jenny Ross, Which? Money Editor, said: “The ongoing threat of Covid-related disruption means that  getting the right travel insurance for your holiday is more important than ever. 

“Without closer scrutiny from government and regulators of how clearly insurers present their policies, there is a very real chance that many travellers will be left out of pocket yet again this summer.”

Which? advice for consumers before booking travel insurance 

– When looking online for travel insurance policies, consumers should be wary of the variation between the amount of information insurers give on their websites about their core levels of cover, especially when it comes to how covered you are in scenarios related to the pandemic. 

– Terms such as ‘Covid cover’ or ‘Enhanced Covid cover’ mean different things for different insurers, so consumers should avoid making assumptions. Extra caution should be taken if information provided only lists the benefits of the policy, but does not describe what is not included. 

– Some protections will only apply to customers that insured their trip before the pandemic was declared last year.

– The best way to find out about what a policy offers is to spend some time reading the policy document – in particular check the medical expenses, cancellation and the policy’s general conditions and exclusions. If there are protections that you want from your travel insurance, but you find the policy document confusing, contact the insurer directly to confirm before booking.

– A quicker way to check key areas of your policy’s cover is to consult the Insurance Product Information Document, which is designed to provide information on key areas of cover and exclusions, although it will not tell you everything about the policy – so be sure to check with the insurer if you have any concerns. 

– Anyone who is booking a holiday should look for a flexible booking policy that covers them against countries changing from green to amber or red between booking and travel.

The Ivy on the Square Summer of Love installation

The Ivy on the Square has been transformed into a floral paradise, complete with a colourful two-seater love swing, to celebrate Edinburgh’s move to Tier 2 restrictions from today (Monday 17 May).

Embracing 2021 as the Summer of Love, guests will walk through a stunning floral ‘tunnel of love’ to reach the brasserie entrance where they can enjoy bespoke 1960s themed cocktails and new summer dishes, with dining until 10.30pm.

Cocktails include the Electric Kool-Aid (£9.75) which blends Absolut Elyx, Plymouth Gin, Havana Club 3 Year Old Rum, Italicus Bergamot Aperitivo and Blue Curacao with lemon juice and Fever-Tree Lemonade; and the refreshing San Francisco Spritz (£9.95) featuring Plymouth Gin, Lillet Rosé, pink grapefruit juice, Fever-Tree Soda Water and prosecco.

To view the full menu and make a reservation, visit TheIvyEdinburgh.com.