We have compiled a list of key webpages from the Government website that can be of assistance to you during the current Coronavirus outbreak. (Last updated 28 May 2020)
Below are some key Government websites where you can access the latest information:
Guidance For Employees, Employers And Businesses
The Government has updated its Guidance on supports for businesses and the self-employed. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
This guidance will assist employers and businesses in providing advice to their staff on:
- coronavirus COVID-19
- how to help prevent spread of COVID-19
- what to do if someone has symptoms of COVID-19 has been in business settings
- eligibility for sick pay
This guidance also provides details of support available to businesses including:
- a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- deferring VAT and Self-Assessment payments
- Self-employment Income Support Scheme
- statutory sick pay relief package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
- a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, leisure and nursery businesses in England
- small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief
- grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
- the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to support long-term viable businesses who may need to respond to cash-flow pressures by seeking additional finance
- a new lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans
- the HMRC Time To Pay Scheme to help with tax
It is clear that this guidance will be updated regularly as the situation changes and you are asked to refer to the web page above regularly for updates.
Financial Support for businesses finder tool:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19
This page will help businesses find out how to access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply. It includes:
- Paying your employees
- Paying Sick pay
- Tax deferrals
- Business rates relief
- Business support grant funds
- Support for the Self Employed
- Support for larger businesses
Please contact us if you need help in applying for Government support.
Government action plan:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-action-plan
Guidance on social distancing and stay at home:
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Travel advice:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
Tax helpline to support businesses who are concerned about paying their taxes:
Guide for employees, employers and businesses:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Budget 2020: tax-related documents:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/budget-2020-tax-related-documents
NHS Coronavirus (COVID-19):
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Who are keyworkers?
What businesses are essential?
A detailed list of which businesses must remain closed:
Renting Guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities.
Guidance For UK Businesses Trading Internationally
The Government updated its guidance 22 April 2020 for UK businesses trading internationally with a new section on PPE support.
The Department of Health and Social Care have published guidance outlining the PPE export control process.
The guidance is aimed at economic operators, including manufacturers and distributors, wishing to export PPE goods to a destination outside of the EU, EFTA, or certain dependent and other territories.
British businesses that may face disruption due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) can visit the dedicated business support website for more information.
See: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Read more about financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19) from the
Department for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Guidance on phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation.
Staying safe outside your home
This guidance sets out the principles you should follow to ensure that time spent with others outside your home is as safe as possible. If you are clinically vulnerable or extremely vulnerable, you should follow the guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people and you can also get support.
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home
Guidance on accessing green spaces safely
This guidance sets out the key principles of enjoying the benefits of being outside, while protecting yourself and others from coronavirus. The risk of the coronavirus being passed on to others outdoors is considered to be low as long as people maintain social distancing.
In England you can leave your home to exercise and spend time outdoors for recreation.
When travelling to outdoor spaces, it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration.
In England, you can now:
- spend time outdoors, including exercise, alone, with your household, or with one person who is not in your household as long as you stay two metres apart
- exercise more than once a day
- take part in other outdoor sports and activities, including fishing – on your own, with your household, or with one other person while adhering to social distancing rules
- drive to outdoor open spaces, including beaches and beauty spots, irrespective of distance – you should travel in a private vehicle, alone or with members of your own household
- visit gardens and land maintained for public use as an alternative open space to spend time outdoors, although buildings and amenities such as cafes will remain closed and access may be limited to members or those with tickets to ensure social distancing. You should check ahead and follow social distancing guidelines
- go swimming in either lakes or the sea as part of daily exercise provided that social distancing guidelines are observed – you cannot use public indoor and outdoor pools
- all forms of water sports practiced on open waterways, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately-owned motorised craft (in line with the guidance issued by the relevant navigation authority) are allowed – you can continue to use towpaths for walking, running and cycling, being mindful of other users and people living in boats along the water
There are no restrictions on how far you can travel to get to the countryside. However, you should not stay overnight. Campsites and caravan parks are closed, and you cannot visit a holiday or second home.
To stay safe, you must:
- take hygiene precautions when you are outside
- wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors
- keep at least two metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times
- take hand sanitiser with you when you set off in case there are no handwashing facilities
See: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-guidance-on-access-to-green-spaces
March 19th, 2020
