Coronavirus: RICS to offer vacant space to key workers

RICS has said it will work with its members to provide vacant commercial and residential space to key workers such as NHS staff, in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The organisation said that since its members represent hundreds of clients across the built environment – many with vacant rooms and buildings – the move could see hundreds of empty hotel rooms, flats or commercial space repurposed to temporarily house key workers so they can be located closer to hospitals and workplaces. Matthew Howell, managing director of RICS UK, said: “We would be keen to meet with government to discuss this and ensure the space and any vacant beds are put to good use.” The organisation has also teamed up with the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Royal Town Planning Institute to sign a letter to the prime minister to seek relief for firms in the built environment. The letter urges government to extend emergency measures to include property professionals, as businesses struggle to deal with the impact of the virus. Requests include:  The introduction of emergency loan funding for all firms in the build environment sector ‘Fiscal support’ to aid in consultancy firms to invest in work from home technology, allowing people to stay at home and reduce the burden on transport services Support for lost wages of employees now on reduced time or who face being made temporarily redundant Howell said: “Whether you’re a chartered surveyor, architect or town planner, the growing coronavirus pandemic is one of the biggest threats to the property industry since the financial crash, and we need serious action now to prevent job losses and businesses shutting down. “RICS has been supporting its members, including keeping them updated on the changing advice from government, but we are hearing more support is needed. “That’s why we’re joining with RTPI and RIBA to call on the prime minister to open up a range of emergency measures to help property professionals deal with the effects of this virus, including support for firms to allow staff to work from home and wage relief for individuals on reduced hours or facing temporary redundancy.  “We also stand ready as a profession to do our part to aid the UK in getting through this together.” To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@egi.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @estatesgazette