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
- UK Government launches NHS Test and Trace service
- Reminder: Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) business webinars – find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure
- New Updates and Guidance
- Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance
UK Government launches NHS Test and Trace service
From today, anyone who tests positive for coronavirus in England will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions. This could include household members, people with whom they have been in direct contact, or within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes.
People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, to stop unknowingly spreading the virus.
If those in isolation develop symptoms, they can book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. If they test positive, they must continue to stay at home for 7 days or until their symptoms have passed. If they test negative, they must complete the 14-day isolation period. You can find further guidance here.
There is specific guidance on the NHS test and trace service for employers, business, workers and the self-employed which can be found here.
Test and Protect in Scotland has also been launched today. Test, Trace, Protect in Wales will launch on 1 June 2020 and contact tracing in Northern Ireland is currently up and running.
Reminder: Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) business webinars – find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure
Join a free webinar, hosted by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, find out more about how to make your workplace COVID-secure. The webinars cover a range of different types of workplace settings which are allowed to be open in England. You can also find the full written guidance for a range of different types of work and practical actions for businesses to take based on 5 main steps here.
Recorded business videos and webinars are available on a range of topics. You can find links to them here.
New Updates and Guidance
New
French border restrictions in response to coronavirus
A summary of the border restrictions in place for travelling to the UK and to France.
Furloughed drivers and recording mobile working time
For operators and furloughed drivers on EU mobile working time rules and EU and AETR drivers’ hours and tachograph rules.
Updates
Changes to notifying an option to tax land and buildings during coronavirus (COVID-19)
HMRC have extended the time limit for notifying of a decision to opt to tax land and buildings, to 90 days from the date the decision to opt was made. This applies to decisions made between 15 February and 30 June 2020.
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 Thursday 28th May 2020