NHS Homes, the scheme launched by the short-term accommodation sector to offer free homes and amenities to NHS key workers, now has over 2,500 properties available for use across the UK.
The scheme is operated by a number of professional management companies, under the umbrella of trade body the UK Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA). It enables NHS staff to stay in homes near the hospitals they work in for free during the COVID-19 crisis.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive downturn in bookings in the short-term rental market, so a number of companies in the sector have joined forces with their customers - homeowners who rent out their properties while they are away – to offer homes to NHS workers to stay in that would otherwise be empty. It started with a handful of companies including UnderTheDoormat and onefinestay and has grown in just a few weeks to more than 30, including Sykes Holiday Cottages, with more companies joining every day, from holiday homes companies to serviced apartment businesses.
The scheme enables NHS staff to protect vulnerable family by choosing not to return home potentially taking the virus with them. Being closer to the workplace has also enabled some staff to take extra shifts and have the comfort of knowing they do not have a long journey home after a long, tiring shift.
Some of the companies that are supporting the scheme include UnderTheDoormat, Laundryheap, onefinestay, Homes & Villas by Marriott International, Altido, LoveHomeSwap, Veeve, Air Peace of Mind, Dreams Unlimited, Mason & Fifth, Park Lane City Apartments, Hemmingfords, CityRelay, Portfolio Serviced Apartments, Sykes Holiday Cottages, Pikl Insurance, Guardhog and Airlinen.
Click here for more information – including to request accommodation or if you have a property to offer to the scheme.
