Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Businesses and Employers Bulletin 3 June 2020

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

• The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill debated in the House of Commons
• Update from the Small Business Commissioner on late payment support through the coronavirus virus
• Upcoming and on-demand business webinars
• New Updates and Guidance
• Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill debated in the House of Commons

The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill will implement reforms to the insolvency and corporate governance framework, together with temporary measures to support continued trading through the crisis. This Bill will help companies by:

• Giving them breathing space in this uncertain time of coronavirus;
• Ensuring they are temporarily protected from creditor action during the coronavirus emergency; and
• Reducing pressures on directors so they can focus on keeping their businesses going.

You can view factsheets for more information on the Bill here.

Update from the Small Business Commissioner on late payment support through the coronavirus virus

It is more important than ever to ensure small businesses are paid on time. Many small businesses are reaching out for assistance, with disputes over delayed payments or in some cases, non-payment because of the financial hardship being experienced by all sectors during this difficult time. As many small business owners are directly or indirectly impacted by Covid 19, they will be eager to get back on their feet, so keeping on top of the business basics and maintaining cash flow by getting the money in for work carried out or goods supplied is paramount.

The Small Business Commissioner has helped small businesses recover over £7.2 million owed to them (Dec 17 - May 2020) and £500,000 specifically during the coronavirus crisis. If you’d like more information or help:

• Click here if you are looking for general advice;
• Click here if you have a complaint against a firm regarding non-payment;
• For further information, visit the Small Business Commissioner website;

Read case study examples on our website.

Upcoming and on-demand business webinars

Selling services overseas during and after COVID-19, 10 June 2:30pm: This Department for International Trade webinar will look at formulating your international plan, how to market your service, where in the world should you focus, developing effective relationships, and the top success factors. Register here.

HMRC Business support videos during COVID-19: Watch HMRC videos on running your business through coronavirus, coronavirus job retention scheme, self employment and income support scheme, statutory sick pay rebate scheme, helping employers support employees and other help available. Find videos here.

Working safely during coronavirus – find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure: Watch recordings of webinars covering 8 types of workplace settings here.

New Updates and Guidance

New

Coronavirus: Environment Agency

The Environment Agency has provided an update to businesses and communities on its services, to support those they regulate during the coronavirus pandemic. You can find the update here.

Updates

Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus outbreak

Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations has been updated with information on which apprentices should be prioritised in the offer of face-to-face training from 15 June, and details of the flexibility that enables apprentices to take end-point assessment ahead of receiving their calculated functional skills qualification results.

Advice for Tier 2, 4 and 5 sponsors

Advice for Tier 2, 4 and 5 visa sponsors in the UK who are sponsoring those affected by coronavirus has been updated to add information on scanned documents.

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak

Guidance for early years and childcare providers has been updated including: in relation to the Competition and Markets Authority and insurance, on infection prevention and control, attendance section, use of community centres and before and after school clubs, a new section of safeguarding and welfare including provisions for children with SEND and a clarification on paediatric first aid certificates. Find out more here.

Farmers, landowners and rural businesses – Basic Payment Scheme (BPS): update to land change requests

The deadline to accept email requests to link land parcels to a customer’s SBI, or requests to change the land tenure of a land parcel, has been extended until midnight on 9 June. You should therefore continue to submit land change requests as quickly as possible. More information here.

Coronavirus support from Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations

Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations are providing coronavirus related support for specific sectors. The list of organisations you can speak with to get advice has been updated. Find out more information here.

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.