Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Businesses and Employers Bulletin  13 May 2020

This bulletin has been provided to us by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19). All coronavirus business support information can be found at gov.uk/business-support

• Now Open: Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
• Roadmap taskforces to plan how closed sectors can reopen safely
• Government to support businesses through Trade Credit Insurance guarantee
• Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance

Now Open: Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

From 8am today, Wednesday 13 May 2020, self-employed individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been adversely affected by coronavirus will be able to apply for a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant, worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500), paid in a single instalment.

Check if you are eligible for the scheme here.

People will be able to make their claim on a specified date between 13-18 May, based on their Unique Tax Reference number. HMRC has assigned eligible self-employed individuals a specific date to apply on and this can be checked on HMRC’s online checker at any time. People will not be able to apply before their claim date but can make a claim after that day.

The claims process is simple, and those eligible will have the money paid into their bank account by 25 May 2020, or within six working days of completing a claim.

Roadmap taskforces to plan how closed sectors can reopen safely

Five new ministerial-led taskforces have been set up to develop plans for how and when closed sectors can reopen safely, following publication of the UK’s roadmap to rebuild Britain. Each taskforce will lead on developing new COVID-19 secure guidelines for the reopening of public places and businesses, where and when it is safe to do so. The taskforces will look at the following sectors:

• pubs and restaurants
• non-essential retail
• recreation and leisure, including tourism, culture and heritage, libraries, entertainment and sport
• places of worship, including faith, community and public buildings
• international aviation, reflecting the unique challenges that sector is facing.

As part of the science-led approach, each taskforce will work across Government and engage with key stakeholders in public health, industry, trade unions and devolved administrations to:

• ensure that COVID-19 secure guidelines are developed in line with the phased approach and public health directions, building on the existing guidance and providing intelligence and sector-specific expert input
• agree and ensure alignment of all relevant sectoral guidance
• provide key sector stakeholders direct access to Ministers to shape the guidance.

Government to support businesses through Trade Credit Insurance guarantee

Businesses with supply chains which rely on Trade Credit Insurance and who are experiencing difficulties maintaining cover due to Coronavirus will get support from the government. The Government will temporarily guarantee business-to-business transactions currently supported by Trade Credit Insurance, ensuring the majority of insurance coverage will be maintained across the market. This will support supply chains and help businesses to trade with confidence as they can trust that they will be protected if a customer defaults on payment. HMG's Trade Credit Insurance (TCI) guarantee will cover over £171 billion business activity currently insured and the transactions between around 13000 suppliers and 650,000 buyers. You can find further information here.

New updates and guidance

New

Business Secretary's statement and slides: 12 May 2020.

Government expands expert team to rapidly roll out coronavirus test and trace programme

The Government has announced the expansion of the expert team leading on the rapid nationwide roll-out of the coronavirus (COVID-19) test and trace programme. Find out more here.

Coronavirus: safer public places – urban centres and green spaces

New guidance for the owners and operators of urban centres and green spaces to help social distancing. This guidance applies in England only. Measures suggested in the guidance include:

• introducing new cycle paths or extending existing paths
• making high-streets streets pedestrianised or introducing one-way traffic
• separate entry and exit routes in shops
• changing car parking layouts
• widening footpaths, temporary barriers or spray markings outside shops to support queuing
• signs to encourage people to wait to allow others to pass on footpaths

New guidance on spending time outdoors

Details on a range of outdoor activities which will be allowed in England from 13 May 2020 subject to social distancing rules.

Updates

Closing certain businesses and venues in England

Guidance has been updated to reflect current regulations.

Other useful links

Some aspects of business support are devolved. Specific information for businesses and employers in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales is available. In England, Growth Hubs can advise on local and UK Government business support.