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Information Summary: Covid-19 issues July 2020 The Advice Partnership is a group of agencies that provide information, advice and guidance across both Dorset’s local authority areas. Agencies involved include Ansbury Guidance, Citizens Advice, Dorset Race Equality Council, Age UK and Shelter, and partners also work closely with local authority teams. The core advice areas are employment (work), welfare benefits, housing, and money advice (including debt); other areas include relationships, health and community care, education, immigration, consumer and energy advice.The Coronavirus pandemic has meant a huge number of changes to policies and systems, many happening at great speed; some of the vulnerable people we all work with are finding this immensely challenging. This leaflet provides a summary of key issues and where to get help. It will be of use to both clients/service users, and to employees working in various settings. It is up-to-date as at 3 July 2020. NB: Government guidance on what can be done from Saturday 4 July 2020: areaOverview and common issuesLinks to further adviceWorkJob Retention Scheme: FurloughingPhase 2 – from July 2020: ‘Flexible furlough’[CJRS] Your employer will only be able to use the scheme to pay you if either:you’ve already been furloughed before 11 June 2020you’re returning from?maternity leave, adoption leave, paternity leave, shared parental leave or parental bereavement leaveIf you’re returning from one of these types of leave, your employer must also have used the scheme to furlough other employees. You can be furloughed full-time or part-time. For example, you could work 3 days a week and be furloughed for the other 2 days. More on this: info updated 2 July 2020: you don’t get your furlough pay:: at employers: problems at workChanges to terms and conditions (‘varying’ a contract)Lay-offs and short time workingDismissal and redundancy: processes that should be followed from homeEmployers and employees should be practical, flexible and sensitive to each other's situation when working from home because of the pandemic workingReturning to work, working safely. On-line H&S guidance checker for employersHSE: working safely guidanceIf you are worried about going back to workWhistleblowing: support for those who want to raise concerns, including additional information on returning to work. Statutory Sick PayEmployees/workers may qualify for SSP depending on earningsNB: from 1 August 2020 the rules are changing for those who are shielding[SEISS]Self-employment income support scheme: claim a grant if:you traded in the tax year 2018 to 2019 and submitted your Self Assessment tax return on or before 23 April 2020 for that yearyou traded in the tax year 2019 to 2020you intend to continue to trade in the tax year 2020 to 2021you carry on a trade which has been adversely affected by coronavirusFor first grant: claim by 13 July 2020A second and final grant can be claimed if your business has been adversely affected on or after 14 July 2020; claim from 17 August 2020. You can make a claim for the second grant if you’re eligible, even if you did not make a claim for the first grant. searchNew DWP website: JobHelpAnsbury Guidance: independent careers and employability information, advice, guidance and training to benefit young people, adults, the economy and community. benefitsUniversal Credit: the main benefit for those under state pension age, but some people need to consider carefully whether it is their best interest to claimTax credits: staying on Working Tax Credits even if hours of work have reduced Pension Credit for those over state pension age and on a low incomeHousing Benefit: generally replaced by UC (housing element) for those under 65 Council Tax Support for those on a low income – claimed from the local authority [plus: Hardship Fund - additional ?150 reduction for those on local CTS]July 2020: Claimant conditionality has re-started, those required to will have to accept a ‘claimant commitment’. See link for info on UC. of the other key benefitsEmployment and Support Allowance if signed off sick and not getting Statutory Sick PayPersonal Independence Payment (PIP) if long-term health issues/disability Carers Allowance if you provide regular care to someone receiving a qualifying benefitJobseeker’s Allowance based on National Insurance contributions (‘new-style’) for those out of work – will be included as income in a Universal Credit claim calculationsNB: the interaction between benefits can be complex – seek specialist advice for those needing to understand options. Government link to three on line calcualtors: UK: from eviction for private tenants – on hold until 23 August 2020Shelter website – good summary of all Coronavirus related housing advice: shout not start, or continue, court action before 31 October 2020Borrowers can ask for a 3 month payment holiday up until 31 October 2020HomelessnessLocal authorities providing temporary accommodationMoneyDebtsThe Government is encouraging lenders to pause enforcement action during the pandemic. However getting early advice on debt options, identifying priority payments, and looking at other help is still vital. Maximisation Checking for any grants availableDiscretionary housing payments to help with rent if not fully covered by UC or Housing BenefitUtilities: looking at cheaper options.uk issuesRelationshipsDomestic Violence: in emergency call 999 and use the ‘silent solution’ system Domestic Abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247Locally: SupportCruse bereavement care Health and wellbeing For employeesOverview of local services informationLocal support: Dorset Race Equality CouncilMaternity Rights: Covid19 FAQs Nationals: settled statusContact for local help with settled status applicationsOther immigration issues: may need specialist advice you can look out for, and an online scams helper to get advice that’s specific to your situationReport a scam. further information contact Caroline Buxton: caroline.buxton@.uk ................
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