Wokingham Borough Connect
 Protecting your workforce
While Covid case rates have stabilised over the past week, the numbers of new infections remain high in the borough, particularly in school-age children.
Employees who are also parents, don't put off getting your Covid-19 booster jab. Regular self testing is also recommended.
You can book your vaccination appointment on the NHS website, or visit a local vaccine walk-in clinic at Waitrose Sports Hall, Bracknell and Broad Street Mall, Reading. Remember to check the NHS website for opening hours for these locations.
 Omicron Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG)
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) funding scheme aims to support businesses severely impacted by coronavirus restrictions and the rise of the Omicron variant.
Who will receive this funding?
Your business must have been actively trading as of 30 December 2021 and meet other eligibility criteria to apply for funding under this scheme.
- Funding will be distributed on a first come first serve basis.
- Each business who meets the eligibility criteria will receive a one-off discretionary payment of £1,000
- Did not receive a payment from the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant (this grant is still open to applications to eligible businesses)
- Only one discretionary payment will be paid per businesses irrespective of the number of properties / premises they have
- All payments will be made by the 31st of March 2022
Please ensure you have read the policy document to confirm your eligibility under this scheme. You can start the application process using the button below.
 Help shape the green future of our borough
We are looking for a wide range of business representatives to take part in Let’s Talk Climate peer groups. If you own, manage or direct a business that operates in the Borough, we want to hear from you.
Whether you care about climate change and have made changes to your business to be more sustainable, or are still not sure about how climate change affects you or your business, we are open to all views.
We want to hear from a wide variety of industries and business sizes so if you’re interested and want to take part then please express your interest on our Engage Wokingham Borough platform.
The peer groups are going to be made up of two in-person sessions with independent, expert facilitators. The sessions will be long enough to both learn about the key issues and solutions surrounding the impacts of climate change and to have discussions amongst your peers to come up with recommendations for the council.
The sessions will be starting soon, register your interest by Thursday 3 February.
 Get hiring for National Apprenticeship Week
Have you thought about hiring an apprentice? Would you like to improve productivity, employee satisfaction and retention - and reduce recruitment costs?
Consider attending a National Apprenticeships Week event soon to find out more.
Apprenticeships are an effective way to recruit, as well a good route to developing a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce.
Employers report apprenticeships help them to develop skills relevant to their organisation, and improve service or product quality.
 Got staff who cycle to work? Sign up for Love to Ride
We're inviting all workers and their families to take part in Love to Ride, an engaging community to help get more people enjoying cycling in Wokingham Borough.
Anyone, anywhere can register for Love to Ride. Once you have registered you can record your mileage, set yourself goals and earn badges too - with chances for prizes for doing so.
When you log your rides on your Love to Ride profile during any of the campaigns, you will be entered into a draw for amazing prizes including bikes, bike gear, vouchers and more!
|
