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
- Essential workers: apply for a coronavirus test
- New Updates and Guidance
- Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance
Essential workers: apply for a coronavirus test
All essential workers and members of their households who are showing symptoms of coronavirus are now able to get tested.
Booking the test has been made simpler via a new online system. Employers can register and refer self-isolating staff and employees are able to book a test directly for themselves or members of their household who are experiencing symptoms.
Essential workers using the new portal can enter their details and will then receive a text or email the same day inviting them to book an appointment at one of more than 30 drive-through testing sites across the country, or to receive a home testing kit. Please note more allocations of tests are made available everyday.
Test results from the drive-through sites will be sent out by text within 48hrs, and within 72hrs of collection of the home delivery tests.
Anyone who thinks they are eligible and has symptoms and would like to be tested should speak to their employer or use the self-referral website to request a test. Find further information here.
New Updates and Guidance
New
New measures to protect UK High Street from aggressive rent collection and closure
New temporary new measures are being introduced to safeguard the UK High Street against aggressive debt recovery actions during the coronavirus pandemic. Statutory demands and winding up petitions issued to commercial tenants will be temporarily voided and changes will be made to the use of Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery, building on measures already introduced in the Coronavirus Act. Find more information here.
Furloughed workers to receive full parental leave entitlement
Furloughed workers planning to take paid parental or adoption leave will be entitled to pay based on their usual earnings rather than a furloughed pay rate. Find out more here.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - How to make a claim: webinar
View a recording of the HMRC webinar here.
Vital routes for supplies and people kept open through coronavirus support package
Action will protect the transport links the country relies on. Find out more here.
Capacity Market: proposal to relax the rules temporarily in response to COVID-19
We would like views on proposals to introduce temporary rules to modify the application of the Electricity Capacity Regulations 2014 and CM Rules during the pandemic. Find out more information here.
Councils given flexibility with free childcare funding
Councils can move free entitlements funding between settings in exceptional cases to meet demand during Coronavirus outbreak. Find out more here.
HM Treasury announces revision to the UK Debt Management Office’s financing remit 2020-21
The government has announced an unprecedented package of measures to provide the critical support needed by individuals, families and businesses, through the economic disruption caused by COVID-19. Find out more here.
Updates
PPE export control: guidance for UK businesses
Guidance for UK businesses trading internationally includes a new section on the PPE export control process.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding – guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authorities setting out details of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF). Updated with clarification of whether grants are subject to tax.
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Updated information on furloughed apprentices, end-point assessment, functional skills apprentices and qualification certification.
What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for critical workers has been updated.
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 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.
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.
Published on Monday 27th April 2020