COVID-19 Guidance for Business

Businesses are advised to keep updated on the latest information and advice to inform their response to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Here follows links to advice and guidance. Latest information and advice: Find out the number of cases and risk level in the UK, what to do if you’re a returning traveller, and what the Government is doing about the virus. See the link below for further information.

Guidance for Employers and Businesses

This guidance will assist employers and businesses in providing advice to staff on:

• the novel coronavirus, COVID-19
• how to help prevent spread of all respiratory infections including COVID-19
• what to do if someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in a workplace setting
• what advice to give to individuals who have travelled to specific areas
• actions to take if staff come into contact with someone who is self-isolating or is a possible or confirmed case of COVID-19

See Government guidance below.

See Acas advice for employers and employees below.

Support for Those Affected by COVID-19

The Budget has announced a plan to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses affected by Covid-19.

The Chancellor has set out a £12 billion package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, individuals and businesses through the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.

This publication gives further detail on the measures announced by the Chancellor including additional funding, Statutory Sick Pay changes, and an increase in the Business Rates retail discount for one year.

See below for more information.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

This will temporarily replace the Enterprise Finance Guarantee (EFG); becoming available over the coming days. See the latest updates on the British Business Bank website below.

Other Finance Options

A number of private lenders are also making funds available to small businesses impacted by COVID-19, including £2 billion from Lloyds Banking Group and £5 billion from NatWest. Businesses can also access a range of finance through the Government-owned British Business Bank, visit the Bank's Finance Hub below for further information.

HMRC Covid-19 Helpline

Call 0800 0159 559

To support businesses and self-employed people concerned about not being able to pay their tax due to Coronavirus, call the above helpline.