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
- Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
- Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
- Business Support Helpline
- Department for International Trade Webinars
- New Updates and Guidance
- Transition - the future relationship between the UK and EU
- Coronavirus - Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors. The fund will be open for applications from Wednesday 20 May 2020.
These convertible loans may be a suitable option for businesses that typically rely on equity investment and are unable to access other government business support programmes because they are either pre-revenue or pre-profit.
The Future Fund was developed by the UK Government and is being delivered by the British Business Bank.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
Employers will be able to make claims to the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme through a new online service. Employers will receive repayments at the relevant rate of SSP that they have paid to current or former employees for eligible periods of sickness starting on or after 13 March 2020.
HMRC has published online guidance which includes information about who can use the scheme and the records employers must keep. Click here to find out more.
Business Support Helpline
The Business Support Helpline number in England has changed to FREEPHONE 0800 998 1098. The helpline provides free, impartial business support and signposting services to businesses in England – which currently includes business advice on Covid-19.
You can also find free support, advice and sources of finance through your local growth hub or speak to an advisor on webchat about support for your business.
The Business Support Scotland helpline is 0300 303 0660, Business Wales helpline is 0330 060 300 and the Invest Northern Ireland helpline is 0800 181 4422.
Department for International Trade Webinars
The Department for International Trade are running a series of webinars to help businesses through coronavirus.
Logistics and movement of goods during COVID-19 - 20 May
Risk management when considering new markets - 21 May
Managing disruption of supply chains during COVID-19 – 22 May
New Updates and Guidance
New
Larger businesses to benefit from loans of up to £200 million
Government extends maximum loan size available through the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme from £50 million to £200 million.
- loans under the expanded scheme will be made available to large businesses affected by coronavirus from next week
- changes also mean companies receiving help through CLBILS and the Bank of England’s Coronavirus Corporate Financing Fund will be asked to agree to not pay dividends and to exercise restraint on senior pay
You can find more information here.
Everyone in the United Kingdom with Covid-19 symptoms is now eligible for coronavirus tests
Everyone in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with coronavirus symptoms can now get a test. Find out more information here.
Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
New information about coronavirus symptoms has been announced. Individuals should now self-isolate if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or anosmia. Anosmia is the loss of, or a change in, your normal sense of smell. It can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked.
Legionella risks during the coronavirus outbreak
Employers, the self-employed and people in control of premises, such as landlords, have a duty to identify and control risks associated with legionella. Find out further information here.
Get a payment deferral or deregister from money laundering supervision due to coronavirus
Check if you can get a payment deferral or deregister if you are a business with an annual fee due between 1 May and 30 September 2020. Find out more information here.
Support for care homes
New guidance sets out the support package to keep care homes safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Care providers can find the details of the support package and additional advice and resources to help stop the spread of infection here.
Government invests £35 million to protect critical freight routes
Ensuring there is enough freight capacity to prevent disruption to the flow of critical goods, such as food and medical supplies. Find out more here
Updates
Guidance for employees, employers and businesses
Added clarification on guidance and legislation.
Advice for the freight transport industry
Added clarification on guidance and legislation.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak in England
Guidance has been updated, including a new section clarifying the position on welcoming back all children to early years settings from 1 June 2020, information on when childminders can reopen to more children, and what provision they can currently provide, information on testing for essential workers, and information for parents on temporary changes to the 30 hours free early education entitlements.
Recreational general aviation
Updated UK Government coronavirus advice means that recreational general aviation (GA) flying is now allowed from English airfields or flying sites and if social distancing measures are strictly observed.
Recreational general aviation is currently still not allowed in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales, where there are different public health and safety requirements.
Transition - the future relationship between the UK and EU
The UK is in a transition period until the end of 2020 while the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements. The current rules on trade, travel, and business for the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period up to 31 December 2020. New rules will take effect on 1 January 2021. To help businesses keep up to date, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy publishes a free, sister Transition Bulletin alongside the Covid-19 Bulletin for Business. Details of how to subscribe can be found below. The next Transition bulletin will be published on Thursday 21 May 2020.
Subscribe to the Transition Businesses and Employers Bulletin by visiting Gov Delivery Subscriptions: i) Add Subscriptions, and ii) check 'Transition Bulletin' to subscribe to receive regular email updates.
Coronavirus - Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance
Offer coronavirus support
Tell us how your business might be able to help with the response to coronavirus by using our online service.
Share the impact coronavirus is having on your organisation
Let us know how the outbreak is impacting your business. Please send your intelligence, including information and feedback on the safer workplace guidance, to intel@beis.gov.uk. Commercially sensitive information will be treated accordingly. Please note that this inbox is only for receiving intelligence and does not provide business advice.
Help us shine a light on the stories of key workers
Tell us about key workers you know that are helping to keep the UK moving during the Coronavirus pandemic. Please fill in this online form for key workers in the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, consumer goods, scientists/researchers, servicing, postal workers, and oil/gas/electricity/water/sewage/chemical workers.
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. You can also find helpful business case studies and other useful information on the Coronavirus Business Support Blog.
Published on Tuesday 19th May 2020