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Plan for Jobs: Chancellor increases financial support for businesses and workers

The government announced it will significantly increase the reach of its winter support schemes to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected in the difficult months to come, supporting jobs and helping to contain the virus.

  • Open businesses which are experiencing considerable difficulty will be given extra help to keep staff on as government significantly increases contribution to wage costs under the Job Support Scheme, and business contributions drop to 5%
  • Business grants are expanded to cover businesses in particularly affected sectors in high-alert level areas, helping them stay afloat and protecting jobs
  • Grants for the self-employed doubled to 40% of previous earnings

In recognition of the challenging times ahead, the Chancellor said he would be increasing support through the existing Job Support and self-employed schemes, and expanding business grants to support companies in high-alert level areas. Further info here.


The Greater Lincolnshire LEP Employment & Skills ESF Grant Programme

To celebrate the launch of Bishop Grosseteste University's 2nd round of funding for Employment & Skills ESF Grant Programme they will be hosting a special virtual event on Thursday 5 November to provide information on the grant programme, how it can benefit you and how to apply.

The next round of funding begins in December and is a fantastic opportunity for any third sector organisation and other small organisations who meet the eligibility criteria in the Greater Lincolnshire area .

The Greater Lincolnshire LEP Employment & Skills ESF Grant Programme is funded by the European Social Fund and available to third sector and other small organisations who meet the eligibility criteria.

Preference will be given to projects which support people who are long-term unemployed (although any length of unemployment is permitted) or who are distant from the labour market and face multiple disadvantages and profound barriers to work.

The event will be taking place over Microsoft Team and you can sign up for your place through the registration form.


Export Academy programme

The Export Academy from the Department for International Trade will help you grow your business by showing you how to sell to new customers around the world. 

The course is free, and you’ll learn directly from experts in international trade who are on hand to provide support across a range of sectors and businesses, from selling children’s clothes to Spain, to providing PR services for clients in the US.

The programme is designed for owners and senior managers of businesses with a turnover of up to £500,000 and are located in either North of England, Midlands or South West. For more information please see here.


Immigration Rules Changes

The way you hire from the EU is changing. Last week legislation was laid in Parliament setting out a number of changes to the Immigration Rules. 

These changes provide the foundation for the UK’s new Points-Based Immigration System, which will apply from 1 January 2021 when hiring anyone from outside the UK’s resident labour market.

The Points-Based Immigration System will provide simple, effective and flexible arrangements for UK employers to recruit skilled workers from around the world through a number of different immigration routes.

The Skilled Worker Route will open for applications from December 2020. In order to recruit overseas workers through the Skilled Worker Route, you must be registered as a licensed sponsor.

Getting a licence normally takes around 8 weeks and fees apply. You can find all the information you need here.


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If so, join our Business NK group here or follow us on twitter. We share information, support and advice on each platform.

Introducing our new retail adviser

NKDC now offer the service of a Retail Adviser, In addition to his role as business support adviser Phil Means has recently taken on a new position as Retail adviser. He has previously worked in retail management with companies such as Sainsbury’s and Homebase.

Phil’s main responsibility is to support high street businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure, working with them to discuss the challenges they face and what support they require in the current climate, to provide retailers with targeted support.

If you operate a high street business and wish to get in touch with any queries please contact Phil. Either call him on 07920 472671 or email phil_means@n-kesteven.gov.uk..


Guidance for working at home

If you are considering operating a business from home, there are certain considerations you should look into:


#GoDigital2020 – Get Future Ready, Survive and Thrive

#GoDigital is back, and this year, it’s virtual. Business Lincolnshire’s annual conference dedicated to all things digital, 2020’s event will demonstrate how technology can help your business to recover after COVID-19.

Listen to digital professionals share their wisdom in keynote speeches and on expert panels, pick up new skills in specialist-led workshops, or discover the support available to businesses like yours at their SME funding expo, all fully-funded at no cost to you.


Webinars for the week ahead

03/11/2020 8:30-10:00 Manufacturing Made Smarter

04/11/2020 09:00-13:00 GAIN Food Defence

04/11/2020 10:00-11:30 Integrating Facebook into your Business

05/11/2020 10:00-11:30 Employment after Furlough

05/11/2020 10:00-11:30 Get more website visitors by ranking higher in Google

06/11/2020 09:00-15:00 Built Environment Recruitment Fair