 STEP 3 extended for 4 weeks
We remain at STEP 3 of the government's Covid Recovery Roadmap, as such the restrictions associated with this step continue to apply under law.
Businesses are reminded that any further relaxation of the current restrictions, will not occur until STEP 4 is confirmed by government, and are still subject to review.
Press Conference from the Prime Minister
On Monday 14th June 2021, the government announced that it's four tests for progression to the next step of the Covid Recovery Roadmap had not been met.
As a result, a 4-week pause at STEP 3 has been implemented, meaning the country will not reach STEP 4 on 21st June as originally forecast.
When should we reach STEP 4?
It is now expected that England will reach STEP 4 on Monday 19th July, though the data will be reviewed after 2 weeks in case the risks have reduced.
The government will continue to monitor the data and any move to STEP 4 will be confirmed one week in advance of the further lifting of restrictions. If the data rapidly improves this means the country could reach STEP 4 on, but no earlier than 5th July.
Links to all the current guidance can be found via the Council's 'Open For Business' webpage.
Restart Grants - 30th June Deadline
Applications to the Restart Grants, providing one-off payments to eligible local businesses will close on the 30th June.
Please note, the majority of businesses that are eligible for a grant payment under this scheme have already been paid. Businesses should refer to any remittance received from the Council confirming payments.
Furlough changes from July
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) will change from 1st July 2021, where businesses will be asked to further contribute to the cost of furloughed employee wages.
Employer contributions will increase even further in August and September, but employees will still continue to receive up to 80% of their wages for hours not worked, where they are furloughed 100% of the time.
From 1st July, employers will:
- Continue to pay furloughed employees 80% of their wages, but the Government's contribution for hours not worked will reduce from 80%, down to 70%.
- This means, under the scheme employers must contribute at least 10% of employee wages (capped at £312.50 per month), for hours not worked.
From 1st August, employers will:
- Continue to pay furloughed employees 80% of their wages, but the Government's contribution for hours not worked will reduce from 70%, down to 60%.
- This means, under the scheme employers must contribute at least 20% of employee wages (capped at £625 per month), for hours not worked.
A business can choose to top-up employee wages above the 80% total and £2,500 cap, for the hours not worked at it's own expense.
The level of grant available to employers under the scheme will stay the same until the 30th June 2021. Click 'Furlough Changes' below to find out more.
Euro 2020 - Guidance for businesses
Many businesses in Broxtowe may be planning to screen the upcoming Euro 2020 football matches at premises over the coming weeks.
It is important that businesses ensure screenings are compliant with the current 'COVID-19 Secure' regulations, and that good management practices are in place together with an up to date risk assessment.
Further guidance for businesses can be found by clicking 'Euro 2020' below.
 Test and Trace in businesses, venues and other settings
The following establishments must collect contact details of all customers, visitors and staff (over the age of 16) on their premises for the purpose of Test and Trace by law:
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hospitality businesses, including all pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés;
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tourism and leisure venues, including hotels, museums, cinemas and amusement arcades;
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close contact businesses, including hairdressers, barbershops and tailors;
- community centres, libraries and village halls;
All those listed above must hold records from all their customers and visitors for 21 days. This reflects the incubation period for COVID-19 (which can be up to 14 days) and an additional 7 days to allow time for testing and tracing. After 21 days, this information should be securely disposed of or deleted within GDPR guidelines.
 Skills Access Hub
Businesses can now access free impartial advice from experienced Skills Advisors and develop action plans to close skills gaps within the workforce.
The plan could focus on upskilling the existing team, or look at ways to bring new skills and capacity into the business via apprenticeships, Kickstart, internships and/or graduate placements.
The dedicated team of Skills Advisers work with businesses on a one-to-one basis, to ensure support it tailored and responsive to business needs.
For more information visit - https://d2n2skillsaccesshub.co.uk/
The Skills Access Hub is a 3-year project, part-funded by the European Social Fund, that offers skills advice and brokerage support to small and medium sized businesses based across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (D2N2).
Grant to help businesses tackle domestic abuse
Employers across Beeston and Chilwell can access help to support workers affected by domestic abuse thanks to a grant awarded to Broxtowe Women's Project (BWP) from The Rotary Club of Beeston.
With the grant of £1,000, BWP, which works across the Borough and beyond to support people affected by domestic abuse, will help local businesses focus on what they can do to address the problem.
How can my business support?
If you’d like your businesses to be part of the project contact: chris@broxtowewp.org at BWP, or secretary@beestonrotary.org
Find out more about:
HS2 Supply Chain Readiness event
This event is open to all businesses looking for business development opportunities, available as part of the HS2 supply chain.
It will provide practical information on what is required of businesses to access the wide-ranging procurement opportunities that HS2 will bring to the East Midlands.
This session will also be of interest to the education sector and those supporting people back into employment, with further information delivered by Mark Warrilow (Skills Stakeholder Manager - Phase 2 HS2 Ltd) on:
- providing training and employment for workless individuals;
- employing workless graduates;
- providing support for FE colleges;
- providing structured work placements;
- schools engagement activity to stimulate interest in STEM subjects and transport infrastructure related careers; and
- supporting the professional development of the HS2 Programme’s workforce.
Date: 18th June 2021
Time: from 10.00am
Venue: Online event
For further information and to book a place at this event, click 'HS2 Event' below.
 D2N2 Growth Hub - New Business Events Added
The D2N2 Growth Hub continue to offer valuable help and advice to businesses in Broxtowe. This includes various events delivered online due to the pandemic.
For a full programme of future events, click 'Business Events' below.
Reset. Restart
Get your business into shape for post-COVID trading with free webinars from the Nottingham City Libraries' Reset. Restart programme.
1:1 sessions with expert business mentors and a range of webinars are available to help you make the most of your time and money.
Here’s what’s coming up:
- How customer-focused is your marketing? - 17th June
- Digital Marketing & Social Media - 1st July
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PLUS 1:1 sessions every Wednesday morning
Council services during the COVID-19 pandemic
We have a Support for Business page on our website which has lots of useful information about grants, schemes and links to guidance.
We are also sharing regular updates about affected Council services at https://www.broxtowe.gov.uk/coronavirus
You can also get updates on our social media accounts.
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