During these uncertain times, business resilience and continuity
is at the forefront and directors of companies will be feeling
mounting pressure to be dynamic and adapt to an unprecedented and
rapidly changing situation. Directors, whilst seeking to minimise
the impact to the business, should also be mindful of their own
personal exposure whilst continuing to trade through the COVID-19
pandemic.
The UK Business Secretary recently announced a temporary
suspension of wrongful trading rules, meaning that company
directors would not be personally liable for their decisions during
the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst plans are in train to adopt
equivalent measures in Jersey, the legal position in Jersey remains
that a director has a duty not to allow the company to trade if
they know (or is reckless as to whether) the company will not avoid
insolvency.