As the Covid-19 outbreak continues, businesses are facing severe challenges and we are ensuring those in Waltham Forest are aware of government guidance for employers and support for businesses.

At the local level, we will do our upmost to see businesses survive and we have convened an Economic Emergency (Resilience and Recovery) Task Group within the Council - working closely with businesses to tackle this immense challenge and respond to what’s needed where possible.

Support for local businesses and the self employed 

Based on government announcements made since the budget, information on support available to businesses and the self-employed has been updated and a guide on what’s available, based on circumstances, can be accessed here.

Please note, if you are a business eligible for rate reliefs announced this week, the Council will identify you, automatically apply all new reliefs and issue adjusted bills.

If you are anticipating a grant based on recent government announcements, please also note, government has not yet made it clear when or how businesses will be able to access these, but we will keep you informed.

Information for commercial tenants 

The Council is quickly and proactively reviewing how it can and will support tenants within its commercial property portfolio. We will be contacting our tenants early next week to confirm what that support will be and how it will be managed.

Commercial tenants can find information about government grants and business rates relief here. These will help maintain your business and workforce and assist with rent payments. 

Advice for private tenants 

We will also aim to work with those engaging with private sector landlords to give as much flexibility to the borough’s retail, hospitality, leisure and creative sectors and tenants who will be most impacted by the Covid-19 related closures.

We are aware that this is a fast moving situation and we will be sending out regular updates as announcements are made. Please expect to receive a newsletter with further updates early next week. If you have any specific concerns or questions relating to Covid-19, please email here. For all the latest general information on Covid-19, you can visit the council website and sign up to our newsletter.

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In recent days, the government advice has changed.

Advice for employers from government

• Businesses and workplaces should encourage their employees to work at home, wherever possible.
• If someone becomes unwell in the workplace with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, they should be sent home and advised to follow the advice to stay at home.
• Employees should be reminded to wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently and catch coughs and sneezes in tissues

More info here

Advice for employees from government

• If you have either a continuous cough or a temperature, please stay at home and self-isolate.
• If you live alone, the advice is to isolate yourself for seven days. If you live with others, the whole household is advised to self-isolate for 14 days from when the first person develops symptoms.
• To help prevent the spread, please do not go to a GP or A&E if you are feeling unwell.
• You can use the NHS 111 service if you are worried about the severity of your symptoms or they have lasted longer than seven days.

More info here

In the coming days and weeks, we are aware that as more people self-isolate, this will place a huge strain on local businesses - including shops, cinemas, restaurants, museums, art galleries, theatres, gyms, small hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses, sports clubs, night clubs and more.  

The Council is working hard to ensure we do everything we can to support them. 

For an hour each day, we will highlight the amazing local businesses on Twitter and Instagram in Waltham Forest who are still operating at this time of community need.

If you're a small business with a social media profile, make sure you tag us in your offers, opening hours and more using #ShopLocalWF.

We will continue to update you as new information is available. We know that this is a fast-moving situation, but we are confident staff will continue to provide support and guidance to local businesses in Waltham Forest.

You can sign up to our email newsletter with up-to-date information about Covid-19 below.

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