Tag: NFU Mutual

Theft and violence costing retailers hundreds of thousands of pounds per year

Shopkeepers step up measures to combat rising crime

  • Almost three-quarters of retailers surveyed have suffered from crime in the last 12 months
  • Crime costing retailers nearly £60,000 per year on average – with some losing more than £500,000
  • Retailers forced to adopt protective measures like bodycams, panic alarms and self-defence training
  • British Retail Consortium says ‘scourge in retail crime must be stamped out’
  • NFU Mutual issues key prevent and protect advice

New figures lay bare the true cost of crime to the UK’s high-street, as retailers look to take desperate measures in the face of an alarming rise in theft and violence.

The research* from commercial insurer NFU Mutual shows that nearly three-quarters of retailers (74%) surveyed have suffered from crime over the past 12 months – costing shops an average of almost £60,000 in that time. Shockingly, NFU Mutual found that one in 20 retailers had lost half a million pounds to crime over the same time period.

In a bid to try and combat the costly and widespread issue, almost two-thirds of retailers say they have had to take security measures in the last year alone. That includes a variety of physical and technological protection, with a quarter employing full-time security and 66% installing CCTV.

Some businesses have resorted to more drastic measures to protect staff, with 32% training employees on safety and self-defence, and just shy of a quarter giving staff both bodycams (24%) and nearly as many giving staff panic alarms on their person and on counters (23%).

The rise in crime is felt beyond monetary loss alone, with more than a third of retailers (37%) saying it’s impacted their mental health and three in 10 admitting they live in fear of theft or violence on their store.

Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “Our study shows a worrying number of our retailers are falling victim to crime, which continues to plague our shops, and more than eight in 10 (81%) believe it has increased in the last year.

“With retailers on average suffering losses of around £60,000 a year as a result of theft, the results of this survey will concern the industry.

“And the impact of this ongoing crime wave clearly extends way beyond a cost perspective, with a worrying number saying incidents have had a negative impact on their mental health and others constantly living in fear they will be targeted.

“What is clear, and important to see, is people are making a huge effort to protect their stock, staff and premises. While it does come at a cost, we would urge all retailers to do everything they can to deter thieves to feel as protected and supported as they can, should the worst happen.”

The most common type of crime retailers have suffered was the theft of goods from the shopfloor or stockroom in working hours (48%), with verbal violence or assault against staff and customers (38%), overnight theft (23%), criminal damage (20%) and theft of money from tills or safe (13%) also featuring highly.

The British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) crime survey, revealed in February, further highlighted the issue and the action that needs to take place to tackle incidents in the sector.

Tom Ironside, Director of Business & Regulation at the BRC, said: “Violence and abuse take a huge toll on retail workers, their families, and their friends. While incidents might be over in a few minutes, victims can carry these experiences with them for a lifetime – and can have a severe impact on victims physical and mental health.

“Everyone has a right to go to work without fearing for their safety, and we must stamp out this scourge in retail crime once and for all for the sake of all the hardworking people in retail.”

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services’ advice for retailers to protect against shoplifting:  

  • Use customer service as a tool to deter thieves – greeting them lets them know they have been acknowledged and may deter them as they have been identified 
  • Make sure store layouts are organised and tidy, placing high-value or items which are more desirable for thieves in monitorable areas. Consider adding mirrors to the store to reduce blind spots 
  • If possible, limit the number of high value items on display and secure remaining stock within a robust, lockable area 
  • Train staff to recognise shoplifting tactics and ensure they know how to keep themselves safe from the risk of violence 
  • Consider displaying signage in-store notifying thieves that they will be prosecuted 
  • Try to minimise cash takings and use counter caches to deposit cash during opening hours. Install a good quality compliant safe which is fixed in place and preferably kept in an alarm protected area 

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services’ advice for retailers to protect against break-ins:   

  • Ensure all doors and windows have good quality locks (to BS3621) which cannot be opened from the outside or from the inside without the use of a key 
  • Always keep keys to doors, windows, and safes, in a secure location. Always remove them from your premises outside of business hours and limit their distribution amongst managers or staff.  
  • Consider investing in good shutters, grilles and bars on doors and windows. 
  • If investing in an intruder alarm, ensure it is installed by a NSI or SSAIB approved company, compliant to EN1350-1 and provides remote signalling to an alarm receiving centre 
  • If investing in surveillance (CCTV) ensure it provides good quality images, is recorded to the cloud with links to mobiles and/or remote monitoring, and meets requirements of GDPR 
  • Be aware of cyber threats and make sure you have cyber insurance in place should the worst happen 
  • Consider hiring data protection specialists to provide ongoing security of your data 
  • Have a robust policy in place for responding to intruder alarm activations – i.e. don’t let a keyholder turn up on their own 

Find out more about NFU Mutual’s information for retailers: https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/insurance-for-retailers/

CASE STUDY – BRADBEERS DEPARTMENT STORE

For Bradbeers Department Store, the issue of theft has been a problem which has cost thousands in both stock loss and prevention.

Over the last seven years, Bradbeers – which has five department and furniture stores in Hampshire and Wiltshire – has seen thousands of pounds worth of stock stolen and thousands of pounds spent on various deterrents.

A family-owned, independent retailer, Bradbeers stocks male and female clothing brands including Barbour, Gant, Joules, Ben Sherman, Hobbs and Phase Eight, while also selling high-end fragrance and beauty products, fashion accessories and homewares.

The most recent incident in December saw thieves smash through a toughened window in the early hours of the morning and make their way to steal men’s stock, including Gant and Barbour.

“Staff are called, and police alerted by the alarm monitoring company as soon as an incident happens, which can be at any time of the night,” Mark Hall, Bradbeers’ Property and Procurement Manager, said.

“The problem isn’t just the stock loss but it’s the whole process afterwards – getting the glass cleared, boarding up and re-securing, police reporting and forensics, quotations for repairs, alarm resetting – it is a time-consuming process.

“Attempted theft in our geographical area has been on the increase from what we have noticed. It could well be to do with the cost of living with thieves trying to get expensive goods they can then sell on easily – some stock has been recovered by police, but it’s often been the sort of items that criminals can move on fairly quickly, that never get found.”

A further incident in December last year highlighted another increasing issue in the industry – violence towards staff, as thieves engaged in an altercation with shop workers who tried to stop them from stealing vacuum cleaners.

“It was an afternoon incident and thieves took four vacuum cleaners and tried to run out with them,” said Mark. “Two of our female members of staff managed to recover some items after trying to fight them off.

“Staff safety is paramount, but sometimes the adrenaline kicks in. We are an independent, family business and people that work here feel upset that others would come in and try to steal from us.”

The company has installed metal roller shutter doors and smoke cloak fogging devices among a host of other protection measures, and extensive CCTV which has proved useful to police in identifying perpetrators.

“It really is a big issue and not just for us, but for the retail sector as a whole,” said Mark.  “However, we have certainly seen the benefit of the investments we have made to minimise incidents.”

Fear of theft and violence putting a strain on tradespeople with more than nine in 10 targeted by criminals

  • More than nine in 10 tradespeople say they or someone they know have been victims of theft
  • Research shows 88% of those surveyed are concerned about the ongoing issue
  • Almost a third of tradespeople admit the fear of theft contributes to negative mental health
  • 60% in the industry do not believe mental health is spoken about openly
  • NFU Mutual is a proud supporter of Samaritans, whose volunteers offer emotional support to anyone who is struggling

More than nine in 10 tradespeople have been targeted by criminals as the fear of theft and violence puts a strain on the industry, alarming stats reveal.

New research* from commercial insurer NFU Mutual found that more than nine in 10 tradespeople (92%) say they or someone they know have been a victim of theft.

In the last 12 months alone, 53% of those surveyed said they had experienced tool or equipment theft, just shy of half had materials pinched, almost three in 10 had a vehicle stolen and 23% were victims of organised crime.

And those figures clearly weigh heavily on those in the industry, with almost a third of tradespeople (29%) admitting that the fear of theft and violence on their business contributes towards difficulties with mental health.

The rising cost of living (42%), financial worries (41%), stress of the job (39%), long hours (35%) and a lack of regular work (33%) were the other factors.

With almost nine in 10 tradespeople concerned about the threat of their equipment being stolen, NFU Mutual is urging workers to remain vigilant.

Trade theft pie chart1

Zoe Knight, Commercial Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Theft of tradespeople’s tools or equipment continues to blight the industry and the fact 92% of people surveyed say they – or someone they know – have been a victim speaks volumes.

“Tradespeople rely on this equipment for their income and livelihood, with crime hitting not just their pocket but, as our research shows, also having a huge and negative impact on their mental health.

“To see a third of tradespeople fearing theft or violence in their day-to-day job is worrying and we would urge tradespeople to do all they can to offput the threat of that happening – via security measures and recording serial numbers of equipment.

“We want tradespeople to feel supported and protected should the worst happen and know there is also help available for those struggling.”

A report by Builders Merchants News* revealed in December that texts to a construction charity helpline had seen an increase of 105% after the launch of an initiative to take the mental health message across the UK.

That could pave the way for more open conversations, with NFU Mutual’s survey showing that more than half of respondents believe that mental health isn’t spoken about openly in the trades industry.

While more than three-quarters of tradespeople did say they were confident or fairly confident they would know where to go for support if they were struggling, worryingly,  almost four in 10 (36%) said it is unlikely they would seek help if they had mental health problems.

Trade theft pie chart2

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual is a proud supporter of Samaritans, a charity which offers round the clock emotional support to anyone struggling to cope.

Jason Jaspal, Assistant Director of Business Development at Samaritans, added: “Samaritans offers a listening ear and a safe space to share how you’re feeling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“It’s vital that tradespeople reach out for support when they are finding life tough, rather than letting things build up and potentially reaching a crisis point. It doesn’t matter what they’re finding challenging, Samaritans is here so they don’t have to face things alone.”

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services is sharing the following advice to tradespeople:

  • Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable. Consider intruder alarms for high value equipment.
  • If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.  
  • Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building) e.g. by leaving items on display and leaving tools around which may assist an intruder.
  • Store portable items within a robust, lockable store that is fixed in place.
  • Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
  • Consider video security system (temporary systems and temporary intruder alarm systems are available for site use).  
  • Security mark your tools and equipment (e.g. forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
  • Don’t stockpile high value materials such as lead and copper or leave them around for longer than necessary.
  • For construction vehicles use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
  • Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site e.g. alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction and security lights working.

For quality trades insurance to suit all sizes, search NFU Mutual Builders and Trades Insurance at www.nfumutual.co.uk/trades-insurance/.

For more information about Samaritans and the work the charity does, visit https://www.samaritans.org/

NFU Mutual pledges £3.25m charitable support during 2024

In response to the ongoing challenges faced by communities across the country, NFU Mutual has announced £3.25m of funding for local and national charities during 2024.

The leading UK rural insurer is pledging this support to help tackle the ongoing effects of the pandemic and assist with the impact of the rising cost of living.

NFU Mutual will be donating £1.92m to local front-line charities through its Agency Giving Fund. First launched in 2020 in response to the pandemic, the insurer is keeping this annual fund going into 2024 to further help local charities and communities across the UK.

Once again, NFU Mutual Agency and branch offices, covering more than 280 locations nationwide, will be invited to nominate front-line charities to receive a share of the fund. This will ensure that donations reach all corners of the UK and are directed where they are needed most.

To support national and regional charities, NFU Mutual is pledging £1m to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust.

The Trust is an independent charity the insurer set up in 1998 to support other charities and organisations working in the interests of agriculture, rural communities and the countryside. Since it was founded, the Trust has distributed donations totalling more than £8.6m and made a positive difference to education, research, social welfare and poverty relief. 

Alongside this, NFU Mutual has also committed £30,000 to its Community Champions scheme, to support causes close to the heart of its people, by donating to staff fundraising events and initiatives.

The £3.25m funding is completed with a £300,000 donation to the Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), an independent registered charity founded and funded by NFU Mutual.

As it celebrates its tenth anniversary, the 2024 support will help the Foundation to carry on delivering their education programme, award-winning campaigns, research and engagement throughout the UK, so they can continue raising awareness of, and addressing the attitudes and behaviours around, risk-taking and poor mental health in the industry.

Nick Turner, Group Chief Executive of NFU Mutual, said: “We’re proud to be maintaining significant levels of charitable giving in 2024. We recognise these are challenging times, and our initiatives will support national and local charities right across the UK who are delivering vital services to those in need.”

Businesses urged to ‘be prepared’ as Britain set for snow and cold snap

  • Snow and sub-zero temperatures predicted in parts of UK this week
  • Commercial insurer NFU Mutual issues advice to businesses and retailers with cold snap set to hit
  • Businesses warned of risks of frozen pipes and dangerous ice on premises

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual is urging businesses to be prepared for heavy snow and freezing temperatures as icy weather is predicted this week.

After weeks of unsettled weather, a cold snap is expected throughout the week, with the Met Office warning of plunging temperatures and snow.

A yellow warning for snow and ice was issued on Monday, with snow showers and sub-zero temperatures predicted – bringing risks for businesses and the high street.

Zoe Knight, Head of Commercial at NFU Mutual, said: “While businesses will have rightly been focusing on the potential flood risks due to recent storms, we are now facing a period of colder weather and possible snow showers, which will bring a different set of risks.

“Retailers, hospitality, and independent businesses should all be prepared and take essential steps to keep themselves, their premises and their customers safe during adverse weather.

“NFU Mutual urges business owners to clear and grit pathways and car parks, include warning signage for customers, check your boilers have been serviced, ensure pipes are insulated and check your roof in preparation for the strain caused by potential snowfall.

“Don’t be complacent about the risks cold weather can pose to businesses and customers. As well as causing disruption across the UK, cold weather and snow storms can bring devastating damage to businesses, so it’s well worth taking simple steps to reduce the risk.”

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual’s cold-weather and snow advice to businesses

Safe premises:

  • Clear and grit pathways and car parks to ensure the surface isn’t dangerously slippery.
  • Use warning signs if safe to do so and where they do not obstruct pathways
  • Check your boiler has been serviced as winter months will put more strain on parts
  • Ensure pipes are insulated in unheated areas to avoid the risk of costly damage due to frozen pipes often resulting in water leaks
  • Make sure your heating is on a temperature setting high enough to prevent freezing of pipework when the premises are unattended
  • If a pipe does become frozen, turn off the water supply and then gently heat the relevant area. Flame producing equipment should not be used for this.
  • Make sure you know where the stopcock is in case you need to turn off your water supply. Have buckets or other containers available in case of emergency
  • Maintain roofs, gulleys, gutters and downpipes in good condition. The weight of accumulated snow can put added pressure on roofs, particularly if they are in poor condition.
  • Clear drains or ditches outside your business to allow melting snow to run away.

Safe people:

  • Make sure there is a place for your staff to keep warm or warm up, such as a rest room or kitchen where they can make a hot drink
  • If work rooms are cold, consider providing temporary extra heating – make sure they are in good working order and checked for electrical faults
  • Provide your staff with warm weather clothing if their work involves long spells of exposure to the cold
  • Avoid making non-essential business journeys in your vehicles unless it is safe to do so
  • If you decide to close your premises, notify customers and keep in touch with staff to avoid unnecessary journeys
  • Make sure you assess the risks from cold and adverse weather for all the work that is done as part of your business – don’t carry out a task if it’s not safe to do so.

NFU Mutual: Five tax tips for self-assessment returns 

After HMRC revealed 5.7million people still need to submit their tax return before the January 31 deadline, NFU Mutual Chartered Financial Planner Sean McCann shares five top tips:

1. Don’t forget to claim higher rate tax relief on pension contributions

Sean said: “Millions more people are paying a higher rate of income tax thanks to the long-term freeze on the £50,270 threshold, and the Office for Budget Responsibility estimate six million paid higher or additional rate income tax in 2022/23.

“When you pay into your pension, for every £80 you pay in, your pension provider will get another £20 direct from HMRC. If you pay 40% or 45% income tax you’ll need to claim the extra 20% or 25% tax relief via your tax return.

“Many higher and additional rate taxpayers do not do this, potentially missing out on thousands of pounds in unclaimed tax relief. Those who crossed the 40% threshold for the first time in the last tax year may be unaware that they are entitled to a rebate.

“Additionally, if you haven’t claimed on previous year’s tax returns, you can go back up to four years and claim any higher rate relief due by contacting HMRC direct.”

You can claim it here

2. Get help with the cost of professional subscriptions

Sean said: “If you need to be a member of a professional organisation to do your job, and your employer hasn’t paid the subscription for you, you may be able to claim tax relief on the cost. There is a long list of approved professional organisations on HMRC’s website.”

Available here.

3. Watch out for the Child benefit tax trap

Sean said: “If you’re the highest earner in your household with an income of more than £50,000, and you or your partner claim child benefit, you’ll need to pay the child benefit tax charge. For every £100 of income you have over £50,000 you pay back one per cent of the child benefit. Once your income reaches £60,000 you repay the full amount.

“You can become subject to the charge if you moved in with someone who is claiming child benefit, even if they’re not your children. The good news is anything you’ve paid into your pension is knocked off your income before the charge is assessed. If it reduces your income below £50,000 you won’t need to pay the charge.  

“HMRC sent out more than 127,850 reminders in 2022/23 to people who needed to pay the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge. Ignoring these letters could land you with interest payments and a fine. HMRC has collected nearly £20m in fines from people who failed to pay this tax since its introduction in 2013.”

4. Charitable donations

Sean said: “If you’ve given to charity via gift aid and you pay higher rate tax, you can claim back additional tax relief through your tax return.

“For example, if you donate £100 via gift aid, the charity will claim an additional £25, to make the total gift £125. If you pay 40% tax, you can reclaim up to an extra £25 for yourself (£125 x 20%).

“Previous research has indicated that only 22% of higher and additional rate taxpayers who donate to charity claim this relief because the perceived effort involved puts many people off.

“However, it is relatively simple to do via a self-assessment tax return and could be worth a lot of money for those who donate significant sums.

“Because more people are being dragged into paying higher rate of income tax, the amount of charity tax relief claimed by higher rate taxpayers has rocketed 34.5% in the past two years from £550m in 2020/21 to £740m in 2022/23.”

5. Don’t forget any capital gains

Sean said: “If you sold or gave away shares in the 2022/23 tax year, you need to declare and pay any tax due on gains made.

“Many people don’t realise that they can face a Capital Gains Tax bill when they gift shares or property – other than their main home – to anyone other than their spouse or civil partner.

“It’s worthwhile checking if you have any losses available to offset any potential bill. Any shares or investment held within an ISA or Pension are normally exempt from Capital gains tax.”

Further severe weather warning as rain continues

Update 7pm Sun 8th October – Flooding focus remains on north as SEPA warn communities to stay alert

Alerts and Warnings as at 19:00 – check floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates for latest situation

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have warned communities to stay vigilant as the weekend of severe weather continues across Sunday evening and into Monday morning. 

Multiple Flood Warnings and Alerts are in place across Scotland, with the focus remaining on the Spey and Tay catchments.

While local Flood Warnings in some areas of Scotland may start coming off over the evening as rivers fall, others will stay in force as some waters continue to rise and the agency continues to warn of likely impacts as communities count the cost of the weekend’s flood damage. 

Ruth Ellis, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: “Today the focus turned to communities across the North, with a particular concern for severe flood impacts to communities along the Spey and Tay rivers. I want to be clear that communities in these areas should stay alert over the evening as some rivers will continue to rise over the course of the evening. The risk to life remains.

“It’s been a difficult weekend across Scotland, with severe weather causing widespread travel disruption to road and rail networks and impacts in communities all over Scotland. Across many areas of the country there is still some deep standing water and it’s really important people understand the danger.

“Hazards can be hidden, so please don’t walk or drive into flood water. Remember that not only is flood water likely to be dirty, 30 cm of fast flowing water can move an average family sized car, and just 15 cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet.

“Our teams have been working around the clock with partner agencies, including Scottish Government, the Met Office, emergency services and local authorities across this major weather event. We will continue to provide information and support in the coming days and weeks to ensure Scotland recovers from this event and becomes more resilient to future flooding.

“We’ll be continuing to issue further updates across the evening to communities across northern Scotland and our advice remains for people to keep up to date with information from sepa.org.uk and follow guidance from emergency services.” 

Update 9am, Sun 8th Oct – Flooding focus turns north as SEPA warn communities to stay alert

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have warned communities to stay vigilant as the weekend of severe weather continues across Sunday. 

Multiple Flood Warnings and Alerts are in place across Scotland as the agency continues to warn of likely impacts on Sunday and communities count the cost of Saturday’s flood damage. 

Vincent Fitzsimons, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: “It’s been a rough weekend across Scotland, with severe weather causing widespread travel disruption to road and rail networks and impacts in communities from Greenock to Aviemore. 

“Our teams have been working around the clock with Scottish Government and the Met Office in the lead into and across this major weather event. We have been issuing Alerts and Warnings to communities at risk and supporting first responders.  

“Today the focus continues to turn to communities across the North, with a particular concern for severe flood impacts to communities along the Spey and Tay rivers. It’s a day to stay alert, not stand down. The risk to life remains.

“We’ll be issuing further updates across the day to communities across northern Scotland and our advice remains for people to keep up to date with information from sepa.org.uk and follow guidance from emergency services.” 

People are being urged to avoid travel by road in Argyll and Bute and to consider carefully travel in other areas most impacted by the weekend’s severe rainfall.

SEPA has indicated up to a month’s worth of rain could fall in some areas over the course of the weekend.  Rainfall is causing significant disruption in parts of Scotland, including road closures and rail service cancellations.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1710746869255520617

On Saturday afternoon the Met Office issued an Amber Warning for rain extending across Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland until 2pm on Sunday.

In Argyll and Bute, the Local Resilience Partnership has established a Care for People Sub-Group, led by the local Health and Social Care Partnership, which is working to identify and reach vulnerable people that may be difficult to reach, with assistance from the voluntary sector. Argyll and Bute Council is assisting by contacting community groups in affected areas with a view to initiating local support, such as opening up community halls.

On Friday the Met Office issued an amber warning for rain, covering Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Lochaber, parts of Stirling, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands. It is in place until 6 am on Sunday. Yellow warnings for rain remain in place for other large parts the country and are updated on the Met Office website.

The greatest impacts earlier on Saturday were experienced in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Lochaber, parts of Stirling, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands. In Argyll and Bute, several roads have been closed due to flooding and landslides, including:

  • the A83 between Tarbet and Inverary
  • the A815 between Dunoon and the A83
  • the A816 between Lochgiphead and Oban
  • the A85 at Loch Awe

Road operating companies are assisting Police Scotland with the closures and clear up operations, however due to the continuing rainfall it will not be possible to make an assessment of the landslides or undertake clear up operations until conditions improve.

Network Rail has reported many incidents of severe flooding across the network, resulting in widespread cancellations to services. This includes suspension of services between Inverness and Perth. Services running across the whole ScotRail network have been cancelled, delayed or revised.

On Saturday afternoon Justice Secretary and Minister for Resilience Angela Constance chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Committee (SGoRR), which was attended by First Minister Humza Yousaf, Transport Secretary Màiri McAllan, Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop and key responder agencies.

They discussed the immediate response to the local impacts, as well as further actions being taken to support those communities most affected.

Ms Constance said: “As the weather warnings outline, heavy rainfall is expected to continue in many parts of the country into Sunday and some areas will have a month’s worth of rain over the course of the weekend.

“I would urge everyone across the country to heed the travel warnings being issued by Police Scotland and others – in particular, drivers in Argyll and Bute should avoid travel due to the significant disruption across the road network.  

“We are aware that the initial, most severe impacts have been felt by people and businesses in Argyll and Bute, as well as other areas in the west and north of the country.

“Ministers are receiving regular updates on the situation from partners, including SEPA, the Met Office, and Police Scotland as it unfolds. This afternoon I convened SGoRR in recognition of the severity of the situation which will continue to develop over the next 24 hours.

“I am grateful for the efforts of partners and volunteers to help the public stay safe and where possible to restore services.

“Anyone seeking live updates should follow these partners organisations on social media, and can also consult the Ready Scotland website for general advice.”

Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “Officers have been dealing with significant disruption on the roads caused by the heavy rainfall and we would expect this to continue into Sunday.

“It is important that we do everything we can to keep people safe and officers are out in communities helping those who need us.

“Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve. If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and take extra time for your journey.”

Vincent Fitzsimons, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said yesterday: “SEPA has issued Regional Flood Alerts and more locally specific Flood Warnings across Scotland due to the major rainfall event that is bringing prolonged, heavy rain throughout the day and into Sunday.

“I want to be very clear that this is not a normal Autumn day for Scotland. We’re expecting extensive river and surface water flooding in affected areas. There is a danger to life. There will be widespread impacts to road and rail. There is a risk of more significant community scale property flooding.

“Rain will move across central and western parts this morning, moving northwards through the day. Many areas will see heavy rain for well over 24hrs before it clears on Sunday. Of particular concern are communities in the amber area that extends from west central Scotland northwards.

“Further Local Flood Warnings are likely to be issued, people can always check our Flood Updates for all the latest information. We advise people living, working and travelling in the affected areas to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts and consider whether their journey is necessary.”

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues flood alerts and warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.

Updates on ScotRail services and road conditions are available online.

Advice on preparing for severe weather can be found on the Ready Scotland website.     

SEPA UPDATE – SATURDAY 6pm   

Vincent Fitzsimons, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Scotland is experiencing a major rainfall event that is bringing prolonged, heavy rain throughout the day and well into Sunday.

“I want to be very clear that this is not a normal Autumn weekend for Scotland. We’re expecting extensive river and surface water flooding in affected areas. There is a danger to life. There are widespread impacts to road and rail. There is a risk of more significant community scale property flooding.

“Heavy rain has been falling since Friday night in many areas and will continue in northern Scotland throughout Saturday evening and well into Sunday. Some areas will have seen more than a month’s rain by the end of the weekend.

“Of particular concern are communities in the Met Office amber weather warning area that extends across much of northern Scotland. Examples include Aviemore and communities down the Spey Valley, but many more communities are also at risk. SEPA has been working closely with partners to help them target support for these areas.

”People should check our live Flood Updates for all the latest information. We advise people living, working and travelling in the affected areas to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts and consider whether their journey is necessary.

“We will continue to keep a very close eye on the situation, monitoring 24/7 as well as working closely with the Met Office and other partner agencies.

“We would strongly advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates and heed emergency service and local authority advice.

“As well as checking our live Flood Updates for all the latest information, people can view the three-day Scottish Flood Forecast to see what conditions are expected further ahead.”

NFU Mutual is issuing flood advice as the Met Office issues an amber warning for heavy rain across many Scottish communities.

Up to 180mm of rain could fall throughout Saturday and into Sunday, with Grampian, Central, Tayside, Fife, Strathclyde and the Highlands all in danger of disruptive and dangerous downpours and flooding.

Heavy rain could lead to flash flooding with fast moving water, cutting off transport routes, and leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging home and business owners in Scotland to fortify their properties if possible but make safety their priority.

If they are affected by flooding, people should look at how they can work with their insurer to repair their property to be more resilient to flooding in the future.

Andrew Chalk, home insurance specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Time and again we’ve seen how destructive and disruptive flash flooding can be for communities, and NFU Mutual Agents in Scotland stand ready to rapidly assist people impacted by these predicted downpours – including facilitating rapid payments for smaller claims and mobilising our network of loss adjusters and repairers.

“But the best way to avoid disruption, if possible, is to take some sensible steps provided by NFU Mutual to protect your property. If you have flood defences, activate them now, move valuable possessions and electrical items to higher ground and prepare a flood or extreme weather pack.

“Have your insurer’s details to hand and if you are impacted by flooding, be sure to ask your insurer and loss adjuster about flood resilient repairs. Since 2017, NFU Mutual has offered its Flood Resilient Repair scheme to all home insurance customers. As part of the scheme, customers who suffer flood damage above £10,000 receive a contribution from NFU Mutual to implement repairs which will protect the property from future flooding.

“According to NFU Mutual claims data, the average damage to a home caused by floods in 2022 was £20,706. A flood resilient home, using things like non-return valves, tiling, and resilient materials on lower floors can massively reduce this bill, and many resilient repairs will cost no more than like-for-like repairs.

“With more insurers also now offering flood resilient repairs under the Government-backed Build Back Better scheme, it is worth checking if you can access extra help if you suffer a flood.”

NFU Mutual flood advice

NFU Mutual’s flood preparedness checklist:

  • Check if your property is at risk of flooding on the Government website.
  • Sign up for flood alerts on the Government website – these can be sent by text, email or delivered by phone call.
  • Put a flood plan in place, including:
    • Moving valuables – including electric items – to a safe space
    • Thinking about vulnerable members of your household and neighbours
    • Noting down useful numbers like gas and electricity suppliers, the National Grid, local council and insurer
    • Ensuring you know how to switch off your mains electricity and gas supply
  • Consider procuring sandbags or other flood defence systems
  • Prepare a flood or storm back, including:
    • Bottled water and snacks
    • Food for vulnerable household members like babies, children, and elderly relatives
    • Pet food
    • Torches with charged batteries
    • Mobile phone power banks and chargers

What to do if your home is flooded:

  • Make safety your priority. Keep your family and pets away from the flood water and move to another part of the property.
  • Call your insurer immediately, asking about alternative accommodation if your property is unsafe.
  • Contact family and friends.
  • If you can, switch off mains gas and electricity supplies in the affected area.
  • Have a pack with essential items like prescriptions, other medicines and food, paying particular attention to items like baby food.
  • Have a torch and charged mobile phone on hand in case of power cuts.
  • When it’s safe to enter the flooded area again, catalogue all damaged items for insurance claims and begin clearing and drying out the area, seeking advice from your insurance company.
  • Business owners should remain in contact with employees and customers.

NFU Mutual’s flood resilient repairs checklist

Flood resilient repairs are repairs carried out following flood damage which help prevent extensive damage in any subsequent flood. Some may come with additional cost, but many will cost no more than restoration. Resilient repairs to ask your loss adjuster or insurer about include:

  • Raising electrical sockets and white goods away from floor level.
  • Replacing flooring with waterproof tiling and grout.
  • Waterproof paint.
  • Installing flood-resistant, self-sealing air bricks.
  • Fitting non-return valves to drains to prevent backflow flooding.
  • Replacing doors with waterproof doors to prevent floodwater spreading.
  • Fitting flood barriers to doors or air brick covers.
  • Permeable paving or driveways.
  • Inflatable toilet pan seals or bungs to prevent backflow.
  • uPVC skirting boards and kitchen units.
  • Removable doors.
  • Basement tanking or pump systems (integrated or portable).

West Lothian Teenager Wins Inspirational Young Person Award 2023

Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon praises teen for inspiring others as winner announced during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight (4-19 September)

Sophie Mackenzie, a 19-year-old hotel supervisor from West Lothian has won NFU Mutual’s Inspirational Young Person Award.

The award, which is in its fifth year, was launched by the commercial insurer in partnership with industry leadership organisation Scotland Food and Drink, seeking to uncover inspirational examples of talented 16 to 26-year-olds who own, work or study in the food and drink sector.

With a prize of £500, the award aims to highlight not only the enormous contribution that young people make to Scotland’s food and drink businesses, but also the importance of the sector to the wider economy.

First-place winner Sophie took on the role of general assistant at The Watchman Hotel in Gullane, East Lothian on its opening in 2021, aged only just 18. It was Sophie’s first ever job and her outstanding dedication to service, standards and excellent feedback from patrons, led to her promotion to hotel supervisor in March 2022.

Sophie, who is studying for a HNC in Event Management, was nominated by hotel manager Neil King. He said: “Sophie is the perfect example of what hospitality can do for a young individual. She is a leading light for our industry and our hotel. Our business would not be the same without her.”

Alongside Sophie, runner-up for the award was Joanne Kerr, 21, of the Coo Shed in Ayr, who wins £300. The Coo Shed is a farm-themed coffee shop and milk vending machines, set on a dairy farm on the outskirts of the popular seaside town. Joanne was praised for her fantastic work ethic and her friendly ‘can-do’ attitude.

Sophie Mackenzie, this year’s first place winner said: “I’m extremely thankful to my manager Neil for nominating me and feel really proud of myself for achieving this accolade – and in my first job!

“I get a real buzz working at The Watchman and seeing the delight our customers get from enjoying our food and facilities. I will be putting the money towards a car which will be a huge help for me with getting to college and work.”

Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual Regional Manager: “Selecting a winner and runner up from the high quality of entries this year was very difficult, but I am delighted to be congratulating Sophie and Joanne, both worthy winners and wonderful ambassadors for our world-famous food and drink industry.

“I know that this will inspire other young people to explore the exciting opportunities available in one of Scotland’s most successful sectors.

“The award also coincides with Food & Drink Fortnight during which we celebrate Scottish produce and encourage people to discover what is available right on their own doorstep.”

Iain Baxter, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, added: “Scotland has a proud reputation nationally and internationally for its food, drink and hospitality. Supporting the future of our sector by recognising up and coming talent is crucial to its long-term success.”

97% of car insurance products charging at least one extra fee

  • Millions could be paying more than they think for their car insurance
  • Customers paying extra to pay by direct debit and for set up fees, adjustment fees, cancellation fees and even renewal fees
  • NFU Mutual, which does not charge any extra fees, analysed data from Defaqto and found only 9 of 321 products – 3% – don’t charge any extra fees

Data from 321 insurance products shows that millions of people in the UK could be paying extra fees for their car insurance.

NFU Mutual, which does not charge any extra fees, analysed data from Defaqto and found that only 9 of 321 products – just 3% – do not charge any extra fees to customers.

Data table

Number of products – 321

Number of products charging a fee of some kind – 312 (97%)

ChargeNumber of products chargingPercentage of products chargingHighest feeAverage fee
Direct debit30695%n/an/a
Set-up fee14645%£350£58
Adjustment fee23974%£175£39
Cancellation fee28990%£400£57
Cooling-off cancellation fee16551%£400£42
Renewal fee13341%£100£47
Telematics disconnect and removal fee14 (out of 62 products)23%£100£68
Telematics documentation fee2 (out of 62 products)3%£60£60
Telematics missed appointment fee14 (out of 62 products)23%£60£51

The most common fees charged are direct debit fees, with 95% of products charging customers more to spread payments throughout the year, and cancellation fees, which are present in 90% of products.

The average cancellation fee is £57, with the highest charge a massive £400, which includes a broker fee and a charge for installing the related telematics device.

Adjustment fees are also charged in over three quarters of car insurance products, reducing the ability of consumers to make changes to their insurance without incurring costs. The highest adjustment fee was £175, which includes a broker fee and a charge for installing a new telematics device, with the average fee coming in at £39.

Well over 40% of products charged set-up and renewal fees, effectively penalising customers for setting up insurance. From products which charge the fees, the average set-up cost is £58 and the average renewal fee is £47.

Many insurance providers – 51% of products analysed – also charge customers for cancelling during the 14-day cooling-off period. This cooling-off period is a legal requirement during which a customer can cancel their policy for any reason. However, over half of insurance products charge customers to do this, at an average of £41 and reaching £400 at the higher end, with this covering cancellation, a broker fee and the cost of installing the related telematics device.

With so many car insurance products charging for common things, with the average fees representing not-insignificant amounts, customers could find themselves on the hook for substantial costs on top of their insurance premiums.

Wendy Yeomans, car insurance expert at NFU Mutual, said: “With the cost of living crisis hitting all our pockets, it’s more important than ever to keep on top of our budgets.

“Many households have cancelled media subscriptions or altered their buying habits to keep spending under control, but many will not be aware they are paying the equivalent of this in extra fees for their car insurance.

“Extra fees like this, which many consumers aren’t aware of, make budgeting more difficult and effectively mean the prices many pay for their car insurance creep up beyond what they expected.

“That is why, at NFU Mutual, we are proud to say we don’t charge any extra fees at all, nor do we penalise customers for paying in the way that suits them best – whether this is a monthly direct debit, lump sum or by cheque.”

NFU Mutual: A third of people worried that poor road conditions are a barrier to rural living

New research by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual shows that almost one quarter of people – and just under one third of those living in the countryside – are worried that the quality of rural roads presents a barrier to country living.

The research comes during the most dangerous time of year on the UK’s rural roads, as uncertainty over increased harvest traffic leads to a significant increase in collisions.

The United Kingdom is in the middle of harvest season, with high volumes of agricultural traffic on the road throughout summer – including many tractors pulling heavy silage and grain trailers or wide agricultural machinery.

Unfortunately, the latest claims data from NFU Mutual shows that collisions between agricultural vehicles and third parties were 52% more likely between the start of May and the end of September 2022 than in any other months. On average, there were 423 of these accidents per month during the silage cutting, hay making, and harvesting season, compared to 249 per month between October and April.    

As well as an increase in agricultural traffic, the summer months also coincide with the school holidays and a greater amount of leisure traffic, with road users not necessarily used to rural roads, which can further increase the risk of accidents.

Andrew Chalk, rural road safety specialist at NFU Mutual, calls for greater awareness and respect from all rural road users: “Rural roads come with unique hazards, including narrow lanes, fewer road markings and often less well-maintained surfaces.

“NFU Mutual’s new research shows that a significant number of people are uncomfortable on rural roads, and sadly this is only more acute as agricultural machinery traffic increases in summer.

“Our claims data shows that accidents involving these agricultural vehicles and third parties are over 50% more likely in the harvesting season, so it’s more important than ever that road users are patient and considerate for their fellow road users.

“Agricultural vehicles are generally large, wide and slow, which can tempt road users to overtake, but it’s vital that you remain patient and only overtake when it’s safe to do so – when you can see a clear road ahead, there a no field openings, and you have space to pass. With narrow rural roads, you may need to wait for a suitable opportunity.

“Farmers and contractors cannot drive too quickly, but they will generally either be going a short distance to an adjacent field or will – and should – pull over to allow built-up traffic to pass. Motorists and cyclists should be patient, give agricultural vehicles room to turn and not drive too closely to them, which can be dangerous and can obstruct your view before overtaking.

“It’s important to remember that rural roads are vital arteries for our agricultural industry, allowing farmers to bring in the harvest which helps feed the population, as well as valued spaces which allow us to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

“Mutual respect from those who use rural roads for work and for pleasure will ultimately help keep our motorists, cyclists, horse riders and walkers safe this harvest season.”

NFU Mutual’s guide to respecting rural roads during this year’s harvest season 

All road users 

  • Give plenty of space when overtaking. Vulnerable road users, such as walkers, runners, horse riders and cyclists, should be given as much room as motorists where possible.
  • Always check for other road users, particularly at the entrance of fields and junctions.
  • Be patient with fellow road users and only overtake when it is safe for all road users. 
  • Consider where you park to avoid blocking field entrances or obstructing the road for wide agricultural machinery, such as combine harvesters, as they will often need to drive across two lanes. 
  • Be aware of mud on the road. Rural roads are essential to our farming industry and therefore some mud will be dragged from fields to the road. 
  • Familiarise yourself with the Highway Code.
  • Avoid unnecessary distractions like looking at your phone or listening to music through headphones, allowing you to be aware of your surroundings.  

Farmers

  • Ensure all equipment is road worthy and pay particular care to things like trailers which may not have been used for months. Check brakes and indicators and make sure you have reflectors and a beacon for your vehicle. Use the Tilly Checklist to inspect your trailer. 
  • Be aware of vulnerable road users or hidden junctions, making contractors aware of these junctions and commonly-used walking, cycling and riding routes.
  • Familiarise yourself and your contractors with the speed limits for your vehicles.
  • If your agricultural vehicles leave mud in the road, remember to clean it up.
  • When turning, indicate in plenty of time and check more than once for road users on your inside.
  • Be respectful to fellow road users, but only allow them to pass when it is safe to pull over.  

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists

  • Speed limits are not targets. Always drive appropriately and remember rural roads are likely to have hazards such as tighter carriageways, blind corners, and animals in the road.
  • Pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders should consider wearing appropriate clothing which enables them to be seen. 
  • Respect that rural roads are vital to our farming industry and expect to encounter tractors, farm machinery or animals in the road.
  • Signal correctly and in plenty of time, whether you are a motorist, cyclist or horse rider. 

NOT sure road conditions are an awful lot better in cities, mind! – Ed.

Search is on to find young stars in Scotland’s food and drink sector

NFU MUTUAL INSPIRATIONAL YOUNG PERSON AWARD 2023

The search is on for the young stars of Scotland’s food and drink sector with entries for the ‘Inspirational Young Person Award’ open now until midnight 3 July 2023.

The award is designed to shine a light on the inspiring stories of people aged 16-26 who own, work, or study within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution in Scotland.

The winner will receive £500, with the second and third places finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively. 

The award is a joint initiative between Scotland Food & Drink and leading insurer NFU Mutual. Business owners can nominate their hardworking young staff members – from waiting staff, chefs, bar team members, to bakers, produce makers and behind the scenes crew. 

Young people running their own food or drink ventures can nominate themselves and showcase their business and produce. Previous entries have included artisan bakers, gin makers and confectioners. 

Entries and nominations are now open and the closing date is midnight 3rd July.  The first, second and third place winners will be announced during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight (5-20th September) and awarded cash prizes of £500, £300 and £200 respectively.  

Judges are looking for entrants who have a passion for their sector and who are keen to continue to be a future shining example to Scotland’s food and drink sector.

Last year’s winner was 23-year-old Craig Chambers, a Distiller at Dunnet Bay Distillers based in Thurso. He impressed the judges with his natural flair for the distillery business.

Craig identified improvements and helped create new recipes designed to reduce energy consumption during distilling by 90%, which helped the business during energy price increases.  

Since winning the award, Craig has expanded his horizons and is presently on a placement at a distillery in South America.

Craig said: “Winning this award was an amazing high-point for me. I have since been on a placement at a distillery in Argentina to learn even more about the industry and other food and drink cultures.

“The prize money of £500 came in very handy for my travels too.”

Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual’s Regional Manager in Scotland and one of the judges for the award, said: “The importance of young people to Scotland’s food and drink sector cannot be overstated.

“This special award illustrates just how wide a contribution they make and how valuable their drive and innovation are to business success.”

Iain Baxter, Chief Executive at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “I am really looking forward to discovering the wealth of talent – both culinary and business-focused – among the younger generation in our industry. 

“Scotland has a proud reputation nationally and internationally for its food, drink and hospitality. Supporting the future of our sector by recognising up and coming talent is crucial to its long-term success.” 

How to Enter 

The NFU Mutual and Scotland Food & Drink Inspirational Young Person Award 2022 is open for entries until midnight 3rd July 2023. Submit your entry or make a nomination here

Any individual between the ages of 16 and 26 who owns, works, or studies within a food and drink related business, organisation or institution can be nominated or enter on their own behalf. The winner will receive £500, with the second and third place finalists receiving £300 and £200 respectively. Winners will be announced in September 2023. 

For more information on the range of NFU Mutual insurance services, visit: 

https://www.nfumutual.co.uk