Following the announcement from the Prime Minister of another full lockdown for England, starting on Thursday 5th November, the Livestock Auctioneers’ Association (LAA) has confirmed that its member markets will remain open, and has set out updated security guidance for the continuation of all livestock sales.
LAA executive secretary Chris Dodds says, “Livestock auction markets have been acknowledged as essential and critical businesses in the food supply chain. However, we have a responsibility to conduct our sales in a way that minimises the risk to both clients and staff of contracting Covid-19.”
The LAA has set out a series of new guidelines to all of its members, aligned to latest Government advice. Markets will adopt the following changes:
- Attendance at markets WILL be restricted to those conducting business, and only one representative per business will be allowed to enter the site
- Re-introduction of a “Drop and Go” policy where possible
- Market sales will be restricted to the sale of livestock – sales of machinery, poultry, fur & feather, furniture etc. will be postponed, or cancelled
- All on farm sales of machinery and/or non-livestock goods will be postponed, or cancelled
- Markets will ensure strict Social Distancing
- Face coverings must be worn at all times. The wearing of face coverings is NOT a substitute for the need to maintain Social Distancing at all times
- Market canteens/catering facilities will only offer a takeaway service
- Markets will continue to provide hand washing facilities
- Markets will continue to keep a register of all attendees to their site
Mr Dodds adds, “It is imperative that we provide a safe and bio-secure environment, as we did during the first full lockdown period, and we encourage buyers and vendors to liaise with their local auctioneer to check the specific safety protocols implemented at their particular market.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our clients for their support over the past 6-months and beyond. With your understanding and vigilance, we look forward to continuing to offer all livestock sales through our markets,” he concludes.
- ENDS -
Notes to Editors:
- The Livestock Auctioneers' Association Ltd is the national organisation representing auctioneering firms that occupy and run the livestock auction markets of England and Wales.
- Its members handle the vast majority of all auction sales of farm livestock and, in addition, most member firms conduct non-livestock sales, such as agricultural, farm, contractor's plant and machinery, vehicles, horticultural goods, furniture and fine arts, land and property.
- LAA member firms are also recognised for the wide range of rural professional practice work that they conduct, which often includes valuations, rent reviews, planning, compensation and environmental work.
- The Association is supported by representatives of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) and by the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV). The Association is a member of the European Association of Livestock Markets (EALM) for Europe, which is based in Brussels near to the EU Commission offices.
Further Information:
Chris Dodds, Executive Secretary
Livestock Auctioneers Association
07885 731502
[email protected]
Press Enquiries:
Stuart Booker, Kendalls PR
Tel: 07841 655379
[email protected]
Juliette Tompkins, Kendalls PR
Tel: 07833 777518
[email protected]