The Government has announced a new three tier system of local Covid Alert Levels in England.

• The “medium” alert level will consist of the current national measures including the ‘Rule of Six’ and the continued closure of hospitality at 10pm.
• The “high” alert level will see measures that prevent all mixing between different households or support bubbles indoors – This will include, for example, within hospitality settings
• The “very high” alert level will see measures prohibiting social mixing further, including closing pubs and bars. Additional local measures may also be implemented which could lead to further restrictions on the hospitality, leisure, entertainment or personal care sectors.

Waltham Forest is within a “medium” alert area, but should the borough move to the “very high” alert status, certain businesses which are legally required to close will have access to a Local Restrictions Support Grant of up to £3,000 per month.

In addition, employers will also be able to claim under an Expanded Job Support Scheme, where two-thirds of an employee’s salary (capped at £2,100 per month) can be claimed from the Government.

The Expanded Job Support Scheme is distinct from the standard Job Support Scheme (details below) which can be accessed by employers not required to close.

More details on the Government's three tier system

The new Job Support Scheme replaces the current Coronavirus Job Retention (Furlough) Scheme, from 1 November.

Employers will continue to pay the wages of staff for the hours they work - but for the hours not worked, the Government and the employer will each pay one third of the remaining equivalent salary.

Employees must be working at least 33% of their usual hours. The level of grant will be calculated based on employee’s usual salary, capped at £697.92 per month.

The Job Support Scheme will be open to businesses across the UK even if they have not previously used the furlough scheme.

In the event of a business being required to close by the Government, an Expanded Job Support Scheme will then come into effect with two-thirds of an employees salary (capped at £2,100 per month) able to be claimed from the Government.

Job Support Scheme factsheet

Expanded Job Support Scheme factsheet 

From Friday 16 October, eligible SMEs will be able to apply to the London Business Hub for grants of between £1,000 – £5,000 to help them access professional, legal, financial or other advice; and/or new technology and other minor equipment to address their immediate needs in response to the impact of Covid-19.

Interested business should first read the project information page and FAQs.

As part of the grant application support, a webinar will be run on Thursday 15 October 2020, from 10.30am to 1.30pm, covering more detail.

Access the project information page

FAQs

Webinar registration

The latest webinars from Save The High Street Waltham Forest are open for bookings. 

This week’s topics include new technologies, finance and promoting your business.  Click on the links below to book a place.  You’ll receive a link to take you to the live event.

Wednesday 14 October  – 5.30pm
Managing your business' finances and accessing sources of finance - top tips

Thursday 15 October – 5.30pm
Promoting your business - top tips

Remember, you can view the full programme of pre-recorded sessions quickly and easily online by visiting the Save the High Street Waltham Forest website.

Visit the Save The High Street Waltham Forest website

HMRC tax Self-Assessment customers can now apply online to spread the cost of their tax bill into monthly payments, without the need to call HMRC.

Once you've completed your tax return for the 2019-20 tax year, you can use 'Time to Pay' to set up a direct debit and pay any tax that is owed in monthly instalments, up to a 12-month period.

If you wish to set up your own self-serve 'Time to Pay', you must meet the certain requirements, but you might still qualify but will need to call HMRC to set this up.

Access Time to Pay

Businesses that occupy commercial premises and office spaces in London have always faced challenges which have been exasperated by COVID19 and its ongoing impact.

The London Business Hub’s Property Advice Service Programme offers free property advice for London businesses. The support comprises of:

• A series of free masterclasses on topics such as Business Rates, Lease Negotiations and more
• The provision of 1:1 sessions, lasting 1 hour, for a selected group of London based micro or small/medium size businesses with Gerald Eve (International Property Consultants) and/or other legal professionals

Find out more and book

The UK is leaving the EU single market and customs union. The end of the transition period means businesses should take action now to prepare for confirmed changes and new rules from January 2021. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is hosting free live and recorded webinars to help businesses check the new rules and understand the actions they need to take. The live sessions will take place at the following times:

• Metals and other materials – 11am, Tuesday 20 October
• Electronics and machinery – 11am, Wednesday 21 October
• Consumer goods – 11am, Thursday 22 October
• Life Sciences – 11am, Tuesday 27 October
• Construction – 11am, Wednesday 28 October
• Aerospace – 11am, Thursday 29 October

Following the initial broadcast the webinars will be available on demand.

More information and registration 

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.

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