COVID19 - Access Industry Forum

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.

You can also find business support information by region…

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES IN ENGLAND

This page helps businesses find out how to access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply.

Helpline number: 0300 456 3565

Monday to Friday 9.00am to 6.00pm

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES IN SCOTLAND

Information on support and grants to help with the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on your business.

Helpline number: 0300 303 0660

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES IN WALES

Navigate the latest guidance on the virus for people in Wales; including support and grants to help your business during this time.

Call Business Wales on 03000 6 03000

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES IN N.IRELAND

Understand what the measures announced by the Chancellor mean for people and businesses in Northern Ireland.

Call Invest NI on 0800 181 4422

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.

Coronavirus: advice for UK employers and employees from Acas

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