H&T GROUP PLC (LON:HAT) has unilaterally declared an interest holiday on outstanding secured loans while its stores are closed or until further notice.
The pawnbroking company is doing its bit to support its customers during what it described as a “challenging period”.
In the meantime, it is in the process of arranging to be able to accept online repayments and to make cash advances via an online portal.
In line with many other companies, especially those operating on the high street, H&T has instigated a number of cost-saving measures, including the withdrawal of the recommendation to pay a final dividend in respect of the fiscal year just ended.
The chief executive officer and the chairman will have their remuneration halved for as long as the group’s branches remain closed.
“H&T has cash on hand and unutilised headroom on its banking facility, together with stocks of gold jewellery; however, in the current extraordinary climate the board believes it is prudent to maximise the group's resilience in the face of this exogenous shock,” the company said.