Southwark Businesses: COVID-19 update

 

Welcome to this latest update for Southwark businesses affected by COVID-19.

Learn about how to apply to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and an update on the Southwark Business Hardship Fund.  Please continue to share these updates with your local business networks. 

For comprehensive information on available support check our business pages regularly.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme goes live today

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is now open to applications for funds via HMRC from businesses that have placed employers on furlough.

Apply online at www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wages-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

To make a claim, you will need:

• to be registered for PAYE online
• your UK bank account number and sort code
• your employer PAYE scheme reference number
• the number of employees being furloughed
• each employee’s National Insurance number
• each employee’s payroll or employee number
• the start date and end date of the claim
• the full amount you’re claiming for including employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum pension contributions
• your phone number

The scheme should pay out funds within six working days of an application.  HMRC will pay 80 per cent of furloughed employees’ wages up to a maximum of £2,500 gross per employer per month.

The scheme has also been extended by one month to run until the end of June.

Last chance to apply to the Southwark Business Hardship Fund

As expected, the Southwark Business Hardship fund – our fund for small businesses unable to get a government grant or self-employment income support – has seen a very high level of demand.  We may need to close the fund to new applications in the next few days, so if you are still planning to apply, please get your form in today at www.southwark.gov.uk/businesshardshipfund    

Small business and retail, hospitality and leisure grants

We have distributed over 2,800 grants totalling £42 million, which is around 75 per cent of the number we expect to pay out.  If you have applied for a grant and have not yet heard back, the team is working flat out to get funds out as quickly as possible.

Avoid companies charging a fee to help you access a grant – the council will provide advice free of charge. If you believe you are eligible for a grant, you must fill out the online form and provide as much detail as possible. This will help us process your claim quicker.

Thank you

Thank you once again to all businesses for continuing to do your bit to help save lives by following public health guidelines. Please check our online guidance if you are unsure about what steps you should be taking. We know this is a very worrying and challenging time for you all and if you do have any concerns or require further information please contact us at SouthwarkBusinessDesk@southwark.gov.uk