As the nation inches toward the vaccination levels for restrictions to be safely lifted, our industry’s commitment to ensuring ethical and sensitive debt recovery practices continue.
These remain very stressful times. As always, we should be acting with compassion and understanding.
We must never forget that many families, communities, and businesses have lost loved ones to this pandemic. Others continue to care for those who are recovering from Covid infections, or are themselves struggling to restore their health.
Whilst we welcome the re-opening of operations that will see the rehiring of new and long-term staff – many of whom lost income during these last 18 months – we are also aware that some businesses and livelihoods have been lost forever.
Sadly, rates of debt and the inability to service debts, will continue. This time calls for compassion and understanding, we need to be reasonable, flexible, and helpful.
The AICR has always maintained that no one should ever be harassed in debt recovery. Litigation is always a last resort.
Now is not the time to be complacent. We have come so far in these unprecedented times and faced restrictions and limits on our lives not seen since times of war. It is vital we continue to work and live safely, obeying the recommended hygiene, mask wearing and social distancing rules that have become part of our normal way of life.
The AICR thanks our members and friends for their commitment to the ethics and values outlined in our code, and we look forward to better times.
Yours sincerely,
Brian Carter,
Chairman