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With changes to its advice around coronavirus announced on Sunday, the government has released new guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the pandemic.
The steps for businesses to take are focused on five key points, which should be implemented as soon as it is practical:
- Work from home, if you can
- Carry out a coronavirus risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unions
- Maintain two metres social distancing, wherever possible
- Where people cannot be two metres apart, manage transmission risk
- Reinforcing cleaning processes
The guidance covers eight different types of workplace, and many businesses may need to use more than one of the guides:
- Construction and other outdoor work
- Factories, plants and warehouses
- Labs and research facilities
- Offices and contact centres
- Other people’s homes
- Restaurants offering takeaway or delivery
- Shops and branches
- Vehicles
The detail can be found on the GOV.UK website.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October.
Furloughed workers across the UK will continue to receive 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500 a month.
From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.
The employer payments will substitute the contribution the government is currently making, ensuring that staff continue to receive at least 80% of their salary, up to £2,500 a month.
Read more on the GOV.UK website.
HMRC are running webinars TODAY on how to make a claim for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. The webinar provides an overview of the scheme and gives information on:
- who can claim
- how to make a claim
- what you’ll need
- what happens after you’ve claimed
- support available
To register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/5519151854575348993?source=May-HMRC-GOV
If you are unable to attend, there is a step-by-step guide to applying on the HMRC YouTube channel.
Your business may be eligible for the new government backed loan scheme for small and medium-sized businesses, the Bounce Back Loan scheme.
Businesses will be able to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 and access the cash within days.
Loans will be interest free for the first 12 months, and businesses can apply online through a short and simple form.
Find out how to apply on the GOV.UK website.
Grants are still available for eligible small businesses or those in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
We have issued grants to more than 1,000 businesses in the borough, but there are still a number who are yet to apply.
If you run an eligible business and are yet to confirm your details, please visit our website.
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