UK government and local government have established many initiatives to help support businesses and employers who are affected by COVID-19. We have tried to answer some of your questions below
What are the latest coronavirus updates?
The government has published the Covid-19 Response: Summer 2021 guidance setting out step 4 of the roadmap.
Guidance for ‘working safely during coronavirus’ has been updated to reflect the move to step 4 of the roadmap.
What are the government’s latest support packages and schemes for businesses?
This government tool allows employers and the self-employed to determine their eligibility for loans, tax relief and cash grants.
The Government Covid-19 – Business Support Hub provides all the latest information on business support direct from the government.
The Chancellor announced the Build Back Better plan for growth and the Recovery Loan Scheme to support businesses as we come out of lockdown.
The government unveiled a £200m package to help innovative businesses bounce back. The Sustainable Innovation Fund will help companies to keep their cutting-edge projects and ideas alive.
VAT registered businesses can apply for a temporary reduced rate of VAT to certain supplies relating to hospitality, holiday accommodation and visitor attractions.
Guidance has been updated on how to repay deferred VAT payments.
The North of Tyne Growth Fund is available to SMEs planning an expansion project in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland with costs of at least £134,000. The Fund is specifically open to tourism and leisure businesses. The fund will pay a capital grant of between £40,000 and £200,000 to cover up to 30% of eligible expenditure provided that the project generates increased employment in the area.
The government introduced the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill Act, which will put in place a series of measures to amend insolvency and company law to support business to address the challenges resulting from the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).
There is also a detailed paper available on business rates information.
There is also a tax helpline to support businesses.
Guidance on claiming back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay is available here.
What is the Kickstart Scheme?
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.
Terms and conditions for the scheme.
Tips for making a successful Kickstart application.
How can I check whether my business’ insurance policy covers business interruption losses due to coronavirus?
The FCA has produced a Policy Checker which takes businesses through a process whereby they can check to see whether their insurance policy covers business interruption losses due to coronavirus.
They have also developed FAQs which give businesses further information on:
- How to make a claim
- The disease clauses in policies
- What to do if they have already made a claim or complaint
- What they can claim for.
I’m self-employed, is there any help available for me?
Claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
The government has updated its guidance on support for self-employed people getting little or no work as a result of restrictions.
This government tool allows employers and the self-employed to determine their eligibility for loans, tax relief and cash grants.
My business is interested in implementing our own coronavirus testing regime, is there any advice on this?
Guidance for getting lateral flow tests for your employees has been updated and the Government has established a site whereby you can report the results of lateral flow tests. You should report the result:
- Every time you use a lateral flow test kit
- As soon as possible after you get the result – you cannot report a result after more than 24 hours.
To use this service, you need:
- The barcode on the test strip or the ID number printed under it (the test strip is the part of the kit that shows your result)
- A mobile phone number so they can text you to confirm they have your result
Is there any advice on social distancing in the workplace or adapting to different styles of working?
The government continues to publish updated advice on working safely during coronavirus.
Download CBI’s practical guide for adapting to hybrid working.
Is there any support available to help businesses respond to supply chain demands in healthcare and PPE?
Supply Chain North East has made some significant changes to its programme to work with businesses that want to diversify and move into the PPE market. They can help your business establish the networks, materials and infrastructure you need to supply PPE quickly and effectively. Grants of up to 80% for up to £40,000 are available for businesses looking to make a long-term commitment to supply PPE.
What is the latest on the furlough scheme and supporting my staff as we come out of lockdown?
The government has announced the extension of the furlough scheme until the end of September. Read the government’s latest updates on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and whether you business is eligible. The government has published a step-by-step guide for employers on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
In May 2020 the government issued new advice on holiday entitlement and pay during coronavirus.
The government has updated the Guidance for Employers by adding new detail on the treatment of pension payments for furloughed workers. Specifically, you cannot claim for:
- Additional National Insurance or pension contributions you make because you chose to top up your employee’s salary
- Any pension contributions you make that are above the mandatory employer contribution
ACAS (The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) have pages dedicated to employer & employee information to provide guidance on all things related to coronavirus.
NGI partner, UNW has provided a great FAQ document on this issue.
I run a small businesses and am concerned that we can’t keep up with the pace of digital change, can I access any support for this?
Digital Boost has been created to provide much-needed digital support for small organisations and charities affected by the Covid-19 crisis. The platform hosts a community of digital experts, who offer free one-to-one digital support to help small businesses improve their digital capability to grow and prosper.
How can my business offer Coronavirus support to the government?
The government needs help increasing its testing capacity. For further information on how your business can help click here.
Businesses can share the areas they can offer support through the online portal.
Is there any legal advice or guidance for employment issues as we move out of lockdown?
The government has issued a list of rules that can be relaxed during the Covid-19 crisis.
NGI partner Ward Hadaway has a range of helpful FAQs on employment (as well as other legal issues).
What business advice and support is available in my local area?
Many local authorities have dedicated pages where they have brought all of their Covid-19 support information together in one place.
Who is defined as a key worker?
Government guidance on critical workers who can access schools or educational settings.
Is there any specific support out there for heritage organisations?
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has a page dedicated to supporting heritage organisations through the pandemic.
The Heritage Alliance launched the Heritage Lottery Funded ‘Rebuilding Heritage’ support programme. This free programme offers mentoring, advice, and training to help individuals and organisations respond to the challenges that have arisen as a result of the impacts of COVID-19.
Is there any guidance available for charities?
The Government website has charity-specific information available here.
I run a food business, what’s the latest guidance for our sector?
New guidance for food businesses has been added to the government website including information about coronavirus and food, food hygiene guidance, managing employee sickness, social distancing and maintaining social distancing in specific food business settings.
NGI Partner information:
To find out more about how we are supporting our partners, including ways to contribute to intelligence gathering and how to update your information for our leisure visitor channels, please visit our dedicated partner page.
Resources:
Check out our COVID-19 Business Resources page for the most useful COVID-19 resources we’ve seen (webinars, blogs, guides etc), alongside our own content which is designed to help our partner organisations and other businesses across North East England.