Latest updates for Southwark businesses affected by COVID-19 - 2 June 2020
Southwark Council sent this bulletin at 02-06-2020 12:35 PM BST
This bulletin has news about additional grants aimed at small businesses that have not benefitted from other grant schemes, plus changes to the furlough scheme and self-employment income support. Please continue to share these updates with your local business networks.
For comprehensive information on available support check our business pages regularly.
Local Authority Discretionary Grants Scheme
The government has announced the Discretionary Grant Fund to support businesses that are not eligible for other grant schemes. This funding will be administered by local authorities and Southwark Council will announce further details of how to apply soon.
Grants will be available to small and micro businesses at a range of amounts based on the number of employees, up to a maximum of £25,000. Businesses will need to demonstrate a significant loss of income as a result of COVID-19 and ongoing fixed costs.
Changes to the Job Retention Scheme (furlough)
From 1 July, the following changes will be made to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme:
- Employers will be able to bring furloughed employees back part time, while still being able to claim from the CJRS
- Employers will only be able to furlough employees who have previously been furloughed for a full three week period. Therefore the final date for furloughing an employee for the first time will be 10 June.
From 1 August, the level of government grant will be tapered and employers will be asked to contribute towards salaries of furloughed staff as set out below to make up 80% of total wages, up to a cap of £2,500.
- August: The government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500. Employers will pay NICSs and pension contributions
- September: The government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50. Employers will pay NICs and pension contributions and 10% of wages
- October: The government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875. Employers will pay NICs and pension contributions and 20% of wages
The scheme will end on 31 October 2020.
You can check if you can claim for your employees’ wages and make a claim online.
Changes to the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
The deadline for making your first claim is 13 July 2020.
You can check if you are eligible and you can make a claim online.
The scheme has been extended and you will be able to make a claim for a second and final grant in August 2020. This grant will be worth 70% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering a further 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total. The online service for the second grant has not yet been released.
Advice on safely returning to work
The government has produced guidance for employers on providing a safe environment for employees to return to work. The guidance covers 8 different types of workplace.
TfL has announced plans to help Londoners travel safely including guidance for travel to and from work.
National guidance remains clear that everyone should continue to work from home wherever possible.
Help vulnerable people stay connected with your old smartphones
Community groups in Southwark have partnered with O2 and green charity Hubbub to provide vulnerable and isolated people in Southwark with used smartphones, securely wiped and sterilised, plus access to data and support, to stay in touch with family and friends and access essential services. If you can help by donating your unused phones please visit the Community Calling website to find out how.
Thank you
Thank you for continuing to follow guidance and helping to save lives. As restrictions begin to ease, please continue to 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