New restrictions to limit the spread of Covid-19; NHS Test and Trace service app launches and more

Having trouble reading this email? Click here to view in browser

Covid-19: Update for businesses

Walthom Forest
business newsletter

In this issue...

Welcome to this week’s Covid-19 business newsletter. This issue features the following articles:

  • New restrictions to limit the spread of Covid-19
  • NHS Test and Trace service app launching
  • London Councils calls for business rates holiday extension
  • Retain employees to be eligible for the job retention bonus
  • New grants for businesses affected by local lockdowns
  • Brexit - EU Transition Business Resource Hub
  • Free online masterclass sessions – book now

New restrictions to limit the spread of Covid-19

The Northcote, social distancing

The Prime Minister has announced new national restrictions for businesses to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Guidelines for hospitality venues:

  • All bars, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues must close at 10pm.
  • From Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate table-service only, except for takeaways.
  • Pubs, bars, restaurants and other venues should take details of all customers and hold them for 21 days.

More for hospitality venues here 

In addition, the Council is instructing that tables must be spaced a minimum of two metres apart or one metre apart when separated by a barrier or screen. 

Back-to-back seating is acceptable with tables spaced a minimum of one metre apart. If there is no screen or barrier, facing customers from different groups must be a minimum of two metres apart.

Guidelines for other businesses:

  • Office workers who can work from home are being asked to do so.
  • More people must wear face coverings, including staff working in retail; all users of taxis and private hire vehicles; and staff and customers in indoor hospitality venues (except when seated at tables to eat or drink).
  • In retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors, Government’s Covid-secure guidelines will become legal obligations.
  • Business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events will not be able to reopen from 1 October.
  • Stronger penalties for failing to adhere to government restrictions: a fine of up to £10,000 for businesses that break the rules and the penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will now double to £200 for a first offence.

Check the Government's website for full details 

NHS Test and Trace service app launching

test and trace

The NHS Test and Trace app, which launches today (Thursday 24 September 2020) is a new way for the NHS to control the spread of Covid-19.

There are two main ways local networks and businesses can help towards its success.

  • Start generating and displaying NHS QR posters, so visitors and customers can start checking in safely and securely. 

Download a poster for your premises

  • Use communication channels to promote the app and drive awareness amongst your local communities when it is launched. This will help to inform as many people as possible about the app.

The more people use the app, the better it will work – and it could help avoid further local lockdowns and disruption to the local economy.

We would be grateful to have the support of businesses in Waltham Forest.

More on Test and Trace

London Councils calls for business rates holiday extension

london councils

London Councils and the Mayor of London are calling for the Government to extend the business rates holiday and help protect thousands of jobs in London and across the country, as the capital’s economy continues to struggle from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In a joint press release, Clare Coghill, London Councils' executive member for Business, Europe and Good Growth, and Waltham Forest Council Leader, said: "Despite the government's welcome initiatives, many businesses remain fragile, still reeling from the long-term impacts of Covid-19. There is still a need for targeted emergency support.”

Read the full press release 

Retain employees to be eligible for the job retention bonus

Raid Employment Service

Employers will be able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every employee they have previously received a grant for under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), and who remain continuously employed to the end of January 2021.

To be eligible, the employee must have received earnings in November, December and January, and must have been paid an average of at least £520 per month, and a total of at least £1,560 across the three months.

As the employer, you will be able to claim the bonus after you have filed PAYE information for January 2021, and the bonus will be paid from February 2021. More detailed guidance, including how you can claim the bonus online, will be available by the end of September.

Information on the CJRS

New grants for businesses affected by local lockdowns

grants

Businesses in England required to close due to local lockdowns or targeted restrictions will now be able to receive grants worth up to £1,500 every three weeks.

Sectors remaining closed due to national restrictions (e.g. nightclubs) will not be eligible. Local authorities will also receive limited additional funding for local discretionary grant schemes. 

Each payment will be made for a three week lockdown period and each new three week lockdown period triggers an additional payment.

The new grant scheme will be administered by local authorities once guidance is provided.

Grant scheme information 

Brexit - EU Transition Business Resource Hub

How can businesses prepare for the end of the transition period until the end of 2020, while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements?

The London Growth Hub and the Mayor of London have launched a new online portal where key resources can be found to help your business understand and prepare for the end of the transition period.

Find a list of workshops and events

FREE online masterclass sessions – book now

Save The High Street

We have an exciting and valuable programme of online support for all Waltham Forest businesses, in partnership with SaveTheHighStreet.org. 

Here are the latest opportunities:

Shop Window and Visual Merchandising Masterclass.  Renowned expert John Abbate will help you to show the world your best face. 

Thursday 24 September at 5.30pm – book here

Customer Loyalty Masterclass.  Learn how to build long term relationships with your customers and secure profitable new business.

Tuesday 29 September at 5.30pm – book here

Masterclass in Effective Use of Local Search.  Learn how to grow your customer groups and increase sales using local search.

Thursday 1 October at 5.30pm – book here

Register now for one-to-one support

Sign up and Stay Connected

Stay Connected square banner

We will continue to update you as new information is available. We know that this is a fast-moving situation, but we are confident staff will continue to provide support and guidance to local businesses in Waltham Forest.

You can sign up to our email newsletter with up-to-date information about Covid-19 below.

Sign up here

Choose which emails I receive

Want to stop getting emails from Waltham Forest Council? Unsubscribe.

Privacy Policy

Contact us

Help

TwitterFacebookYoutubeInstagram