# Unite Group plan to operate reduced programme of summer business due to Coronavirus

- Link: https://www.directorstalkinterviews.com/unite-group-plan-to-operate-reduced-programme-of-summer-business-due-to-coronavirus/412808822
- Published: 2020-03-16T07:13:03+00:00
- Author: Giles Arbor

**Unite Group plc** (LON:UTG) noted today the statements by a number of UK universities
in response to Coronavirus, confirming that some face-to-face teaching has been 
suspended in the weeks leading up to Easter. University campuses, libraries and 
halls of residence remain open.

The safety and wellbeing of the students who live with us and our employees remains
our top priority. The Company continues to operate all of its properties and has
implemented advice from the World Health Organisation and Public Health England.
We are in active dialogue with our university partners and will continue to provide
our students with support and access to the most up-to-date information.

There has been no noticeable impact to date on Unite’s sales performance for the
2020/21 academic year. Reservations are currently 77% (77% at the same time last
year) and sales to and enquiries from international students remain in line with
prior years.

Unite Group plc now plan to operate a reduced programme of summer business in 2020
given the risk of disruption to bookings. The removal of variable costs associated
with our summer business will help to mitigate the impact on earnings, which we 
do not expect to be material. Summer business accounted for 3% of rental income 
in 2019.

We will provide a further update in relation to Coronavirus as appropriate. The 
quarterly valuation update for USAF and LSAV is scheduled for 8 April.

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