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Maritime sector response is ‘remarkable’, says minister


UK Shipping Minister Kelly Tolhurst says the maritime sector’s response to the current health crisis has been ‘remarkable’. She said: “The coronavirus outbreak is among the


biggest challenges our transport industry has ever faced. While it is essential that the vast majority of the population stays at home, I recognise that it is not possible for many maritime and supply chain workers. But despite the unprecedented difficulties, the industry has responded magnificently, working round the clock to keep the nation fuelled, fed and supplied with vital goods. “That means we have the medicines we need. It


means supermarket shelves across the country can be replenished every night. It means the nation is provided with energy. And it means our ports can keep operating safely and efficiently. So I want to pay tribute to all those in maritime who have gone out to work during this time of national crisis, from every port employee to every seafarer. “As workers doing a job of national importance, rest


assured that your own health and safety remains of utmost importance. That is why we have issued guidance for those working at ports and at sea to protect themselves and minimise the potential for further infections. Thanks to your diligence and professionalism in following these guidelines, you have not only helped reduce the spread of the virus. You have also strengthened the resilience of the country and saved countless lives. “I also know how hard the virus has hit the cruise


sector. I am immensely grateful to all the operators who have worked tirelessly with us to bring passengers home safely.


“We are in constant dialogue with the maritime


industry to monitor progress and the changing nature of the outbreak. We have already made £330 billion available across the economy to help companies stay afloat, and we are providing non-working employees with up to 80% of their wage. And we stand ready to take further action and bolster our support for the industry as the pandemic develops. I know how challenging these past few weeks have


been for every part of the maritime sector. But the way in which you have rallied and risen to the challenge has been remarkable. There will be more difficult months ahead. But when we recover from this crisis, the whole nation will owe you a debt of gratitude for your outstanding service.


Source: Department for Transport Whilst the source is the DfT, this was an op-ed by the Maritime Minister, Kelly Tolhurst, published in Lloyd’s List on 22 April.


What to do when you are told you will not be paid


EFTA has been passed copies of a number of letters from customers to suppliers in which extended credit (normally going from 30 to 90+ days) terms are being sought, or simply taken without apology. This appears to be a growing


problem and has been identified by some businesses as a quick, cheap and easy source of finance. Why go to the trouble of approaching your bank when you can simply convert your debtor’s ledger into an interest free loan facility? The relationship between the


forwarder and the customer can be 6


delicate and it is for each forwarder to decide its own course of action. However, some EFTA members,


when they are told the credit is being unilaterally extended, are taking the following stance: “In order that we can give consideration to your approach to vary our credit terms, please can you advise (yes or no), by return of email, if you have made an application for any of the government sponsored funding facilities that are being promoted. “If you have, can you provide


documentary evidence that your approach for such funding has been


declined. Upon receipt of your response we will then be in a position to further evaluate your request.” Before looking to a forwarder to


finance its business, a customer should approach its bank or explore the government business support schemes.


This information was provided by the European Freight Trades Association (EFTA). EFTA is a BIFA Associate Member and is a not-for-profit credit forum that costs less than one pound a day.


www.bifa.org


Planning a return to work


In May, BIFA published Planning Return to Work – post- Coronavirus guidance seeking to clarify considerations and help Members prepare their businesses and workplaces for a return to work. The guidance includes:


• Management responsibility • Facilities and equipment • Review of premises • Review of your business activities • Hygiene • Additional equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)


• The human element • Specific areas for employers to consider


• Cargo handling procedures • When to seek expert advice • Ongoing monitoring, review and amendment. The document can be found at


www.bifa.org/media/4463787/retu rning-to-work-01052020.pdf It is likely that the post-


lockdown situation will be an evolving picture and it is important that companies monitor staff feedback and ongoing government advice/regulation to adjust their initial policies and procedures as applicable. Any procedural changes will have to be promptly advised to staff and implementation monitored. Salutary lessons can be learnt


from recent experiences. All seem to agree that greater resilience and flexibility will have to be built into business processes; there will also have to be new realities about areas such as credit control procedures and level of cash reserves held by businesses. There is an old saying that is as


true today as ever – “if something does not break you, it makes you stronger”. BIFA extends its best wishes to


all its Members in recovering from the international impacts of the coronavirus.


June 2020


Courtesy of the Port of Felixstowe


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