Still locked down due to shielding - UK holiday rights

jemimap45

My partner has been shielding and we have just received a letter today to say that the government advice is that the restrictions for him will be lifted completely on 1 August - not the end of June as we had originally believed. We have a UK cottage holiday (Cornish Horizons) booked for the w/c 25 July. I have emailed them to advise we won't be able to go and they have replied offering to move our booking or issue a voucher. We would prefer a refund due to the uncertainty of the future and the company, given that there is a risk many travel companies could go under, but as national lockdown will technically be over with restrictions being lifted for most on 4 July, where do we stand? Their website says they will offer a full refund for those that want it who can't travel due to lockdown, and for us we are technically still being locked down so surely the rules should be the same?

JGB1955

The cottage is available - it is YOU that has chosen not to go on holiday.  I would grab the chance to move your booking or accept a voucher - other companies may well have taken your email as a cancellation - in which case you would be entitled to nothing. AIUI the shielding letter is 'advice' not 'legislation'.

or... try and claim on your travel insurance, but suspect you're on a hiding to nothing on that score.

[Deleted User]

Can't really see you wouldn't be able to go to the cottage on 25 July if there are no restrictions on travel. Lockdown is completely different to shielding.    Being in a cottage you can both shield as much as you want to.   I think social distancing will still be advised.  All you have to do is be sensible about it all.  

Otherwise take their offer of a rebook.   You would only be entitled to a refund if the cottage is unavailable for Occupancy.   

Mrsn

The rules aren’t the same unfortunately. Shielding was only ever advice given to those who were the highest risk, lockdown was something for the whole of the UK and those that couldn’t work from home had to still go to work whereas those with the shielding letter didn’t.

Your accommodation provider have offered 2 very reasonable options, they don’t actually have to offer anything because it is classed as disinclination to travel on your part.

Im sorry that this won’t be the answer you were hoping to receive.

mattyprice4004

Lockdown and shielding aren't the same thing - they're now allowed to operate but you're choosing not to go.
Unfortunately that's on you - it's good they're offering anything at all as technically they could just tell you to lump it. 

Take the voucher / rebooking graciously  

unforeseen

Considering shielders will have the same conditions as everybody else from 6 July (apart from the advice not to return to the workplace) then there is no reason not to go.
The end July date is when shielding officially ends and the additional support such as SSP, food parcels, advice not to attend work etc cease.

As a shielder, I am looking forward to 6 July to do the normal things that everybody else is currently doing such as going to the shops instead of relying on somebody else, picking up my own prescriptions etc.
I will be going back to work on 3rd August

onwards&upwards

Go and have your holiday, if you were going to drive there you can essentially shield him the whole time just as you can at home.  You might need to get a urine bottle for the journey if you want to be sure!

I bet a break would be just what you need after the last few months anyway.

sheramber

While shielding is advised until 1 August it is being relaxed. Details here
https://www.theguardian.com/world/202 0/jun/22/coronavirus-what-changes-mean-for-people-shielding-in-england
If you can enjoy your break under these conditions then go. 
If you don't think it will be 'holiday' then take one of the  options offered, which is a generous offer. People who are unable to go due to lockdown are having problems getting any options or a refund. 
Would you be happy to go a week later as it would be after 1 August? If so,  remember  the virus will not suddenly disappear for 1 August. It will still be around for many months to come,  at a lower level hopefully.