COVID
19
As we are all aware, unprecedented measures are being implemented across the globe to prevent the further outbreak and spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). This makes it a very challenging time all round for businesses and individuals as we do everything within our power to ensure the health and safety of our staff, our customers and the wider community.
We’ve had a number of enquiries from members looking for advice on what steps they should be taking within their businesses. The situation is changing, and often changing fast. As a result, we’ve highlighted a number of key websites to bookmark, as these will be providing the most up-to-date guidance.
Note: These resources are UK-focused, so we recommend you follow the advice from the government in your own country.
Latest Updates...
Support for Businesses:
- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (to claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave ‘furlough’ due to COVID-19) online claim form now LIVE – click here.
SMEs can apply for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) – for full details, list of lenders and to apply click here.
- SMEs can apply for the Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF) ENGLAND ONLY – for full details click here.
Claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – click here.
Deferral of VAT payments – click here.
For the Self-Employed and Sole Traders:
Claim a grant through the Coronavirus Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – extended – click here.
Get help with living costs through Universal Credit – click here.
Delay your second payment on account for your Self-Assessment Tax Payments – click here.
Your first point of call for guidance is gov.uk
COVID-19: guidance for employers and businesses is a key source of up-to-date guidance from the UK Government. There you can find a host of information for employers, employees and businesses. If you want to jump straight to the support announced by the Chancellor for UK businesses, including Job Retention Scheme, VAT and Income Tax Deferral, reclaiming of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Business Rates Holiday and the temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme click here.
Other useful Government advisory services:
- 5 Step Guide from HM Government
- The Budget included new measures in response to COVID-19, including a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme for SMEs, a grant scheme for small businesses and a dedicated helpline for those who need a deferral period on their tax liabilities.
- Guide to business continuity planning from Business Gateway
- You might also want to subscribe to the Businesses and Employers e-Bulletin from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS)
- HMRC’s dedicated helpline: 0800 0159 559
NHS / Public Health resources:
- Information and guidance from the World Health Organisation on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for the public from the National Health Service in the UK
- Dashboard that visualises coronavirus data from across the UK (from Public Health England)
Industry guidance:
- Information from the Health & Safety Executive
- Up-to-date COVID-19 guidance from the Construction Leadership Council
- COVID-19: Can employers be prosecuted if employees are exposed? (Safety & Health Practitioner)
- Commercial insurance guidance from the Association of British Insurers.
These links are provided for information only and the list is not exhaustive.
