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BCFA COVID RISK INFORMATION REGISTERPerson ResponsibleNotesUseful ResourcesLivelinksNotes12th August 2020BUSINESS SUPPORT HELPLINEBusiness Support Helpline numberFREEPHONE 0800 998 1098. The helpline provides free, impartial business support and signposting services to businesses in England – which currently includes business advice onCovid-19. You can also find free support, advice and sources of finance through your local growth hub or speak to an advisor on webchat about support for your business. The Business Support Scotland helpline is 0300 303 0660,Business Wales helpline is 0330 060 300 and the Invest Northern Ireland helpline is 0800 181 4422. support-helplineBUSINESS CONTINUITY MATTERSOvertime and the Coronavirus Job Retention SchemeGuidance on calculating how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been updated with a new section on how to calculate your claim for fixed pay employees who have worked enough overtime (in the tax year 2019 to 2020) to have a significant impact on the amount you need toclaim. culate-how-much-you-can-claim- using-the-coronavirus-job- retention-schemeCompanies House to resume the compulsory strike off processFrom 10 October 2020, Companies House will resume the process to strike off companies they believe are no longer carrying on business or in operation. From this date, they will resume the process to remove a company from the register if there’s reasonable cause tobelieve it’s no longer carrying on business or inoperation. news/companies-house-to- resume-the-compulsory-strike-off- process?Coronavirus (COVID-19) business support webinarsCoronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick PayRebate Scheme webinar – Thursday 20 August12:45-1:30 e=Apr-HMRC-GOVJob Retention BonusThe government is introducing a new Job Retention Bonus to provide additional support to employers who keep on their furloughed employees in meaningful employment, after the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends on 31 October 2020. The Job Retention Bonus is a one-off payment to employers of ?1,000 for every employee who they previously claimed for under the scheme, and who remains continuously employed through to 31 January 2021. Eligible employees must earn at least ?520 a month on average between the 1 November 2020 and 31 January 2021. Employers will be able to claim the Job Retention Bonus after they have filed PAYE for January and payments will be made to employers from February 2021. Full guidance will be published by the end of September. publications/job-retention- bonus/job-retention-bonusWorking from home guidanceFrom 1 August employers will have more discretion over how employees can work safely– whether by continuing to work from home orattending a Covid Secure workplace. rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19New law to ensure furloughed employees receive full redundancy paymentsFurloughed employees who are then made redundant will receive redundancy pay based on their normal wage, under new laws which come into force on 31 July. The changes will also apply to statutory notice pay and other entitlements. news/new-law-to-ensure- furloughed-employees-receive- full-redundancy-paymentsCoronavirus Job Retention Scheme GuidanceNew guidance has been published for those who have claimed too much or not enough from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. youve-claimed-too-much-or-not- enough-from-the-coronavirus-job- retention-schemeSelf-Employment Income Support SchemeGuidance has been updated with information for those who have made a claim in error, have been overpaid or would like to make a voluntary repayment. im-a-grant-through-the-self- employment-income-support- schemeReporting outbreaks of coronavirusNew guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus has been published. COVID-19 early outbreak management information has been created to make sure that people who run businesses or organisations: know how to recognise and report an incident of coronavirus; are aware of measures local health protection teams may advise in order to contain it.Li publications/reporting-outbreaks- of-coronavirus-covid-19Action cards for specific advice on issues faced by easing of lockdown restrictionsAction cards have been developed to cover a range of businesses and organisations to provide specific advice on the issues each type of organisation may face now lockdown restrictions have been eased. The cards are designed to be printed or downloaded to keep on hand in your business or organisation. publications/reporting-outbreaks- of-coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19- early-outbreak-managementLocal restriction areas - listing and informationA list of areas with additional local restrictions is available covid-19Companies House phone line has reopenedCompanies House telephone contact line has reopened on 0303 123 4500 and enquiries can be emailed toenquiries@.uk onavirus-guidance-for-companies- house-customers-employees-and-suppliers?Working in vehicles guidance has been updatedUpdates include the change in working from home, when to wear face coverings and workrelated travel. rking-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/vehiclesStaying COVID-19 Secure in 2020 notice updatedThe notice to display to show you have made your workplace COVID-secure has been updated to reflect the change in guidance ofworking from home. publications/staying-covid-19- secure-in-2020-notice?The next chapter in the plan to rebuild: The UKGovernment’s COVID-19 recovery strategy 17 7 2020The Prime Minister has set out the plans for moving to the next phase of the UKGovernment’s response to the virus. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.The roadmap will be kept constantly under review as the epidemic, and the world’s understanding of it, develops. publications/our-plan-to-rebuild- the-uk-governments-covid-19- recovery-strategy/the-next-chapter-in-our-plan-to-rebuild-theuk-governments-covid-19- recovery-strategy--2Lifting restrictions from businesses in England - more discretion to employers on how employees can work safely.In England, from 1 August, if prevalence remains around or below current levels, and COVID-19 Secure guidelines are followed, the government will give employers more discretion on how they ensure employees can work safely. Working from home is one way to do this, but workplaces can also be made safe by following COVID-19 Secure guidelines. Public transport may be used widely but people are encouraged to consider alternative means of transport where possible. rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19Face coverings at workGuidance on face covering, their role in reducing the transmission of coronavirus, the settings in which they are recommended, and how they should be safely used and stored is available here. It is not compulsory for shop or supermarket staff to wear face coverings in England, although employers should consider recommending their use where appropriate and where other mitigations are not in place. There is no universal face coverings guidance for workplaces because of the variety of work environments in different industries. Employers should continue to follow COVID-19 secure guidelines to reduce the proximity and duration of contact between employees. publications/face-coverings-when- to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your- ownCompanies House authentication code can be sent to a home address temporarilyUsers can request to have the authentication code sent to a home address instead of the company’s registered office. This is a temporary service in response to the coronavirus outbreak. onavirus-guidance-for-companies- house-customers-employees-and- suppliers?FREE Online webinar: Digital security following Covid-19 and keeping your business secure onlineJoin a free webinar on Wednesday 22 July at 11am to find out more about the most common cyber threats faced by businesses and how to mitigate being the victim of a cyber incident. A representative from the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will provide an overview of the cyber security risks facing businesses during and after COVID-19, as well as a look at the range of resources freely available from the NCSC for businesses. Please register via the link. 113091864812?How to dispose of your business waste, including face coverings and PPEProvide extra bins for your staff and customers to throw away their waste face coverings and PPE used for social distancing, and any other additional waste, such as takeaway packaging and disposable tableware. Make sure that staff and customers do not put face coverings and PPE in a recycling bin as they cannot be recycled through conventional recycling facilities. Make sure bins are emptied often so they do not overflow and create litter. You can put used disposable face coverings and PPE in an ‘offensive waste’ collection (yellow bags with a black stripe), if you have one. Ask your waste contractor if there is anything else you need to do. Further information via link. onavirus-covid-19-disposing-of- waste?Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) - updates to guidanceNew guidance has been published on claiming for individuals who are paid through PAYE but not necessarily employees in employment law publications/individuals-you-can- claim-for-who-are-not-employeesGuidance on calculating how much you can claim has been updated with information on claim periods ending on or before 31 August 2020. culate-how-much-you-can-claim- using-the-coronavirus-job- retention-schemeInformation has been added to clarify that employers can continue to claim for employees while they are serving a statutory notice period. eck-which-employees-you-can- put-on-furlough-to-use-the- coronavirus-job-retention-schemeInformation has been added about the process HMRC is developing to recover overclaimed grant amounts through the tax system. im-for-wages-through-the- coronavirus-job-retention-schemeSelf-Employment Income Support SchemeThe scheme is now closed for the first grant. The scheme allows you to claim a second and final taxable grant. You can make a claim for the second grant if you are eligible, even if you did not make a claim for the first grant. Find out more via the link. im-a-grant-through-the- coronavirus-covid-19-self- employment-income-support- schemeProviding apprenticeships during the coronavirus outbreakGuidance has been updated to confirm that from 13 July 2020 providers can welcome back 19+ apprentices into educational settings, that the flexibility to suspend level 2 functional skills for level 2 apprentices has been extended, and to provide more information on support for redundant apprentices. responseAccess free support from experts and help your business recover from the impact of CoronavirusThe Recovery Advice for Business scheme, supported by the government and hosted on the Enterprise Nation website, gives small firms access to free, one-to-one advice with an expert adviser to help them through the coronavirus pandemic and to prepare for long- term recovery. Thousands of expert professional and business services advisers are on hand to offer free advice, until 31st December. Small and medium sized businesses can sign up, take the diagnostic tool and access support. Advice will focus on key areas - accounting & finance, people & building a team, planning, strategy and pivoting, PR & social media & technology & digital tools. See link. m/freesupport/Job Retention BonusThe Job Retention Bonus is a one-off payment of ?1,000 to employers that have used the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for each furloughed employee who remains continuously employed until 31 January 2021. The bonus will provide additional support to retain employees. To be eligible, employees will need to: earn at least ?520 per month (above the Lower Earnings Limit) on average for November, December and January, have been furloughed by you at any point and legitimately claimed for under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, have been continuously employed by you up until at least 31 January 2021. Employers will be able to claim the bonus from February 2021. More information about this scheme will be available by 31 July and full guidance will be published in the rmation for businesses in ScotlandThe Scottish Government published Phase 3 of its route map through and out of the crisis on 9 July. scotlandHow to treat certain expenses and benefits provided to employees during coronavirusInformation about ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19)tests’ has been added here. If you’re providing testing kits to your employees, outside of the government’s national testing scheme, either directly or by purchasing tests that are carried out by a third party, no Income Tax or Class 1A National Insurance contributions will be due. w-to-treat-certain-expenses-and- benefits-provided-to-employees- during-coronavirus-covid-19Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – Reminder of key datesClaiming for employees furloughed on or before 30 June. Claim by 31 July for employees furloughed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for periods ending on or before 30 June. Get ready for changes from 1 August. Employers will no longer be able to use a CJRS grant to cover National Insurance (NI) and pension contributions for furloughed employees from 1 August. You can submit August claims in advance, from 20 July.Working out your claims. Use HMRC’s online examples and calculator to help work out what you can claim, for claims ending on or before 31 July. From 10 July you will also be able to use these to help you work out claims ending on or before 31 August. Made a mistake on your claim? You can now delete a claim online within 72 hours of submitting it. Visit link. collections/coronavirus-job- retention-schemeSummer Economic Update: A Plan for Jobs 2020The plan includes: A Job Retention Bonus that will be introduced to help firms keep furloughed workers. UK Employers will receive a one-off bonus of ?1,000 for each furloughed employee who is still employed as of 31 January 2021; A new ?2 billion Kickstart Scheme will be launched to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country. Funding available for each six-month job placement will cover 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week – and employers will be able to top this wage up; A total of ?1.6 billion will be invested in scaling up employment support schemes, training and apprenticeships to help people looking for a job. publications/a-plan-for-jobs- documentsHow to treat certain expenses and benefits provided to employees during coronavirusFind out about taxable expenses and benefits when they are paid to employees because of coronavirus and how to report them to HMRC. The guidance has been updated to include information about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). w-to-treat-certain-expenses-and- benefits-provided-to-employees- during-coronavirus-covid-19?Sending your forms to Companies House during the coronavirus outbreakAs an emergency response to coronavirus Companies House developed a temporary online service to upload a number of completed forms and send them to Companies House digitally. The “upload a document” service will now allow users to upload more form types, including Scottish limited and qualifying partnerships, articles and resolutions. publications/sending-your-forms- to-companies-house-during-the- coronavirus-outbreak?Exemptions to the global advice against non-essential travelOn 4 July the travel advice changed, with exemptions for travelling to certain countries and territories that no longer pose a highrisk?for?British travellers. View the?list of exempted destinations.? UK Government continues to advise against non-essentialinternational travel, except to countries andterritories listed. vel-advice-novel-coronavirus?Test and Trace: Keeping a record of staff, customers and visitorsThe opening up of the economy following the COVID-19 outbreak is being supported by NHS Test and Trace. Organisations in certain sectors should assist this service by keeping atemporary record of customers and visitors for 21 days. Find out more here. A privacy notice describes how the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) will process personal data from venues and establishments to support contact tracing. customers-and-visitors-to-support-ernment/publications/pri vacy-notice-for-nhs-test-and-tracemaintaining-records-of- staff-customers-and- visitors-to-support-nhs- test-and-traceStaying COVID-19 Secure in 2020: noticeA notice to display to show you have made your workplace COVID-secure is available and has been updated to reflect the change in the 2m social distancing rule. publications/staying-covid-19- secure-in-2020-notice?MHRA warning that temperature screening products not reliableMHRA warns that “temperature screening” products are not a reliable way to detect if people have the virus. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has issued a warning that thermal cameras and other such “temperature screening” products, some of which make direct claims to screen for COVID-19, are not a reliable way to detect if people have the virus news/dont-rely-on-temperature- screening-products-for-detection- of-coronavirus-covid-19-says- mhraReopen your business safely during coronavirus – guidancetoolEmployers in England that want to reopen their business have a legal responsibility to protect their employees and other people on site. Use this guidance to help you carry out a risk assessment and make sensible adjustments to the site and workforce. If you do not carry out a risk assessment, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or your local council can issue an enforcement notice. Employees can use this guidance to check what their workplace needs to do to keep people safe. This guidance is only for businesses that are allowed to reopen in England. business-reopeningEmployee return-to-work toolThe Government has developed a tool to help employees in England easily assess if they can return to work. The tool guides employees through questions that may influence their ability to go back to work safely. Employers can share this tool with employees to aid discussion on how employees can return to work safely. employee-risk-assessmentGovernment unveils ?200 million package to help innovative businesses bounce backThe Sustainable Innovation Fund will help companies across all parts of the UK recovering from the impact of coronavirus keep their cutting-edge projects and ideas alive. The Sustainable Innovation Fund will help power the UK’s economic recovery and develop new sustainable opportunities for businesses in any sector following the coronavirus pandemic, while helping the UK meet its ambitions to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.Businesses can apply for support through the Sustainable Innovation Fund by visiting the Innovate UK website from Monday 29 June. funding..uk/competitio n/searchMore firms can now benefit from the Future FundChanges to the Future Fund’s eligibility criteria will mean that UK companies who have participated in highly selective accelerator programmes and were required, as part of that programme, to have parent companies outside of the UK will now be able to apply forinvestment. news/more-firms-can-now- benefit-from-the-future-fundCoronavirus job retention scheme: video with details on flexible furloughingWatch a video on the coronavirus job retention scheme with information on flexible furloughing and watch other videos about the support available to help deal with the economic impact of coronavirus. p-and-support-if-your-business-is- affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19?Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020 - webinarThe measures introduced by the Act will relieve the burden on businesses during the coronavirus outbreak and allow them to focus all their efforts on continuing to operate. Please see details on the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill Webinar via the link: how the new rules on moratoriums, restructuring and winding-up petitions will affect companies and their associated parties, join the Insolvency session at 10.30am on 7th July. training/?Mandatory MOT testing to be reintroduced from 1 AugustMandatory MOT testing is to be reintroduced from 1 August 2020. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, drivers were granted a 6-month exemption from MOT testing in March.However, as restrictions are eased when safe to do so, all drivers whose car, motorcycle or van is due for an MOT test from 1 August will be required to get a test certificate to continue driving their vehicle. news/mandatory-mot-testing-to- be-reintroduced-from-1-augustPay Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back if you have over-claimedFind out how to pay all or some of your grant back if you've overclaimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. You can: correct it in your next claim or make a payment to HMRC (only if you are not making anotherclaim). You’ll need your 14 or 15 digit payment reference number that begins with X – follow the link for more information. y-coronavirus-job-retention- scheme-grants-backApplying for a moratorium under the Corporate Insolvancy & Governance Act 2020How to apply for breathing space to consider a rescue plan for your company, under measures to support companies and other types of business in financial difficulty. The directors must file for or apply to court for a moratorium. It will give the company 20 business days to consider rescue options. plying-for-a-moratorium-under- the-corporate-insolvency-and- governance-act-2020?Easing of lockdown restrictions in England – reopening offurther businessesFrom Saturday 4 July 2020, all businesses and venues except for a small number of ‘Close proximity’ venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, bowling alleys and spas, which will need to remain closed for now. The UK Government is continuing to work with these sectors to establish taskforces to help them to become COVID Secure and reopen as soon as possible. Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers and accommodation sites will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID Secure guidelines. Some leisure facilities and tourist attractions may also reopen, if they can do so safely – this includes outdoor gyms and playgrounds, cinemas, museums, galleries, theme parks and arcades. See specific sector guide links below ening-certain-businesses-and- venues-in-england-from-4-july- 2020New hotel & guest accommodation guidance link rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19/hotels-and-other-guest- accommodationThe new visitor economy (hotels, guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions, business events and consumershows) guidance link rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19/the-visitor-economyThe updated restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services guidance link rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19/restaurants-offering- takeaway-or-deliveryChange to the two-metre social distancing ruleFrom 4 July 2020, newly updated guidance recommends that you keep two metres away from people as a precaution or one metre when you can mitigate the risk by taking other precautions. Find the updated guidance and further details on mitigating risks on the link publications/staying-safe-outside- your-home/staying-safe-outside- your-homeCorporate insolvancy and governance bill webinarsThe Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill will reform the insolvency and corporate governance framework in light of the COVID emergency. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has planned two webinars to explain different aspects of this new legislation. To find out how provisions on AGMs and filing extensions will affect companies, please join thr Corporate Governance session at 10.30am on 30th June. To find out how the new rules on moratoriums, restructuring and winding-up petitions will affect companies and their associated parties, join the Insolvency session at 10.30am on 7th July. Registration via link. training/New plans to get Britain building in coronavirus recoveryNew measures to help the construction industry boost building and return to work safely have been announced. Planning permission deadlines will be extended, planning appeals will be sped up and builders will be allowed more flexible working hours following agreement with their local council. news/new-plans-to-get-britain- building-in-coronavirus-recoveryCoronavirus Job Retention Scheme: step by step guide for employersNow updated with more information about flexible furlough and overpayments. publications/coronavirus-job- retention-scheme-step-by-step- guide-for-employersCoronavirus: MOTs for lorries, buses and trailersYou can book a lorry, bus or trailer annual test (MOT) from 4 July 2020 - the deadline to get the test done depends on when the MOT was originally due. The update includes that lorry, bus or trailer annual tests (MOTs) will restart from 4 July 2020 but vehicles in June, July and August will be issued 3-month exemptions.This applies in Wales, England and Scotland. tool to help businesses identify whether they can reopen safelyThe UK Government has developed a tool to help businesses in England to reopen safely during coronavirus. This tool encourages businesses to carry out a risk assessment and helps to identify the workplace adjustments that they should make. Employers have the legal responsibility to protect their employees and other people on site, such as customers and visitors. This tool will help businesses to easily find out what they should do. Employees can also use this tool to check what their workplace needs to do to keep people safe. business-reopeningDeferral of VAT payments due to CoronavirusThere have been temporary changes to VAT payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 to help businesses manage their cash flow. The update includes information regarding the end of the VAT deferral period. ferral-of-vat-payments-due-to- coronavirus-covid-19?Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Updated guidance to include details on how the scheme will change from 1st July.The first time you will be able to make claims for days in July will be 1 July, you cannot claim for periods in July before this point. 31 July is the last day that you can submit claims for periods ending on or before 30 June. im-for-wage-costs-through-the- coronavirus-job-retention-schemeGuidance update on border measures & self-quarantiningPlease see the two links. Businesses need to read the legislation (first link) and then the Exemption Letter Guidance (second link). The second attachment (which contains links to complete information on gov.uk) and Annex B (a list of exemptions) will help you decide whether or not your workers/contractors should qualify for an exemption i.e. it is for individual companies to consider. Where businesses think exemptions do apply, businesses should then produce a letter (Annex A of the second attachment or draft your own) for the employee/contractor to show on arrival in the UK. Please note that numbers 6, 26, and 37 of Annex B’s exemptions will be of particular relevance to businesses. default/files/the_health_protect ion_regulations.pdf emptionletterguidancedocx-0Final date 10 June for furlough scheme 4 06 2020The final date by which an employer can furlough an employee for the first time will be 10 June 2020, in order for the current three- week furlough period to be completed by 30 June 2020. Employers will have until 31 July to make any claims in respect of the period to 30June. im-for-wages-through-the- coronavirus-job-retention-schemeTrade Credit Insurance backed by ?10 billion guarantee - update 4 06 2020Trade Credit Insurance, which provides essential cover to hundreds of thousands of business-to-business transactions, will receive up to ?10 billion of government guarantees. The Trade Credit Reinsurance scheme, which has been agreed following extensive discussions with the insurance sector, will see the vast majority of Trade Credit Insurance coverage maintained across the UK. The guarantees will support supply chains and help businesses during the coronavirus pandemic to trade with confidence, safe in the knowledge that they will be protected if a customer defaults or delays on payment. The scheme is available on a temporary basis for nine months, backdated to 1 April 2020, and available insurers operating in the UK market. news/trade-credit-insurance- backed-by-10-billion-guarantee?Small Business Commissioner on late payment through coronavirus - update 4.6.2020It 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. Visit link for assistance. .uk/HMRC Support videos during COVID-19 - 4.6.2020Watch 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. p-and-support-if-your-business-is- affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19?Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus outbreak - update 4.6.2020Guidance 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. responseCoronavirus Job Retention Scheme/Self employed update 1 June 2020CJRS: From 1 July 2020, businesses will be given the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back to work part time. This is a month earlier than previously announced to help support people back to work. Individual firms will decide the hours and shift patterns their employees will work on their return, so thatthey can decide on the best approach for them - and will be responsible for paying their wages while in work. SEISS: Those eligible will be able to claim a second and final grant in August. The grant will be worth 70% of average trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 motns' worth of profits, and capped at ?6,570 in total. efault/files/furloughing_part_time_working_and_self_employed_up date_1.pdfApply for the coronavirus Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund - updated guidanceSmall and micro businesses in England with fixed property costs that are not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, may be eligible for the Discretionary Grants Scheme. Your local council will run an application process and decide whether to offer you agrant. ply-for-the-coronavirus-local- authority-discretionary-grants- fundApply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme - updated guidanceBusinesses can now borrow up to a maximum of ?200 million - updated guidance. ply-for-the-coronavirus-large- business-interruption-loan-scheme?Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules: all sectors carriage of goods by road - updated guidanceUpdate on the temporary relaxations of EU andGB drivers’ hours rules. publications/temporary- relaxation-of-the-enforcement-of- the-drivers-hours-rules-all-sectors- carriage-of-goods-by-road?BEIS webinar : Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) business webinars – find out how to make yourworkplace COVID-secure - Tues 2 June 11am-12 noonHosted by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, for information on 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. department-for-business-energy- and-industrial-strategy- 18685150848New measures on border control which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.Webpage updated with information that clarifies that eligibility depends on employment on or after certain dates. eck-which-employees-you-can- put-on-furlough-to-use-the- coronavirus-job-retention-scheme?Find out how to calculate 80% of your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions (NICs) and pension contributions if you have furloughed staff due to coronavirus (COVID-19).The website list explaining functions that can be tested on the calculator has been updated – the calculator can now be used to work out claims for employees who have received top ups or discretionary payments in the claim period. Page also updated with information that the amount claimed for NICs cannot be more than 13.8% of the grant claimed foremployee’s wages. rk-out-80-of-your-employees- wages-to-claim-through-the- coronavirus-job-retention- scheme?Claim for 80% of your employee’s wages plus any employer National Insurance and pension contributions if you have put them on furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19).This page has been updated to explain that employers will be asked to give the amounts separately for the NICs, pension and wages they are claiming for. Information added that employee authorised salary deductions can be made from grant payments. im-for-wages-through-the- coronavirus-job-retention- scheme?Guidance from the BRC and USDAW on social distancing in non-food stores also warehouse & distribution implementation practices rc-warehouse-and-distribution- implementation-practices-v3pdf efault/files/brc-usdaw-social- distancing-in-stores-12-may- 2020.pdfHMRC advice on how to check the tax rules on waiving your income or donating to charityHMRC advice for people choosing to give up their income to support their business or donate to charity during the coronavirus pandemic. news/check-the-tax-rules-on- waiving-your-income-or-donating- to-charityApprenticeship programme responseUpdated with information on training and assessing apprentices in line with theGovernment’s new safer working guidelines, calculating wages for furloughed apprentices, off-the-job training, and redundantapprentices. response?Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) business webinars – find out how to make your workplace COVID- secureThe UK Government, in consultation with industry, has produced guidance to help ensure workplaces in England are as safe as possible during the coronavirus pandemic. Join a free webinar, hosted by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to 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. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles. Application via link.Weds 27 May, 11am: Factories, plants and warehouses. Weds 27 May, 3pm: Restaurants offering takeaway or delivery. Thurs 28 May, 11am: Shops and branches – Guidance for people who run shops, branches, stores or similar environments. Thurs 28 May, 3pm: Vehicles – Guidance for people who work in or from vehicles, including couriers, mobile workers, lorry drivers, on-site transit and work vehicles, field forces and similar. Mon 1 June, 11am: Construction and other outdoor work. Mon 1 June, 3pm: Labs and research facilities. Tues 2 June, 11am: Offices and contact centres.Tues 2 June, 3pm: Homes – Guidance for people working in, visiting or delivering to home environments as well as their employers. department-for-business-energy- and-industrial-strategy- 18685150848Guidance for employees, employers & businesses - updated 19 May 2020Added clarification on guidance and legislation. publications/guidance-to- employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19Larger businesses to benefit from loans of up to ?200 million - 19 May 2020Government extends maximum loan size available through the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme from ?50 million to ?200 million. Loans under the expanded scheme will be made available to large businesses affected by coronavirus from next week commencing 26/5/2020. Changes also mean companies receiving help through CLBILS and the Bank of England’s Coronavirus Corporate Financing Fund will be asked to agree to not pay dividends and to exercise restraint on senior pay. Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme - 19 May 2020From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium- sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Employers will be able to make claims to the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme through a new online service. Employers will receive repayments at the relevant rate of SSP that they have paid to current or former employees for eligible periods of sickness starting on or after 13 March 2020. HMRC has published online guidance which includes information about who can use the scheme and the records employers must keep. im-back-statutory-sick-pay-paid- to-employees-due-to-coronavirus- covid-19Apply for the Coronavirus Future Fund - 19 May 2020The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from?125,000 to ?5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors. The fund will be open for applications from Wednesday 20 May 2020. These convertible loans may be a suitable option for businesses that typically rely on equity investment and are unable to access other government business support programmes because they are either pre- revenue or pre-profit. The Future Fund was developed by the UK Government and is being delivered by the British Business Bank. ure-fundDept. of International Trade Webinars 20/21/22 MayThe Department for International Trade are running a series of webinars to help businesses through coronavirus. 20 May - Logistics and movement of goods; 21 May - Risk Management when considering new markets; 22 May - Managing disruption of supply chains during COVID -19. See links to register.Logistics and movement of goods during COVID-19?Risk management when considering new markets?Managing disruption of supply chains during COVID-19Coronavirus Business Support Blog from BEIS 18 05 2020The Coronavirus Business Support Blog from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is where you can find out how other businesses have used government support schemes and working safely guidance. There are currently a number of new case studies from businesses, including Aston Martin and KFC, which detail how they have been making their workplaces COVID-secure.. uk/Discretionary Grant Fund information 18 05 2020Link to guidance for Local Authorities published 18 05 2020 re: the Discretionary Fund which was announced earlier this month. ov.uk/government/uploads/syste m/uploads/attachment_data/file/ 885011/local-authority- discretionary-grants-fund- guidance-local-government.pdfTrade Credit Insurance Guarantee Q & A 18 May 2020See link. efault/files/trade_credit_insurance_qa_002.pdfOffice for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) coronavirus guidance for business and local authorities 18 05 2020Updated with guidance for businesses on hand sanitisers, with an additional link to a technical specification for hand wash from the Department of Health and Social Care. ss-coronavirus-covid-19-guidance- for-business-and-local-authoritiesRoadmap taskforces to plan how closed sectors can reopen safelyFive new ministerial-led taskforces have been set up to develop plans for how and when closed sectors can reopen safely, following publication of the UK’s roadmap to rebuild Britain. Each taskforce will lead on developing new COVID-19 secure guidelines for the reopening of public places and businesses, where and when it is safe to do so. The taskforces will look at the following sectors: pubs and restaurants; non-essential retail; recreation and leisure, including tourism, culture and heritage, libraries, entertainment and sport; places of worship, including faith, community and public buildings; international aviation, reflecting the unique challenges that sector is facing. As part of the science-led approach, each taskforce will work across Government and engage with key stakeholders in public health, industry, trade unions anddevolved administrations to: ensure that COVID- 19 secure guidelines are developed in line with the phased approach and public health directions, building on the existing guidanceand providing intelligence and sector-specific expert input; agree and ensure alignment of all relevant sectoral guidance; provide key sector stakeholders direct access to Ministers to shape news/government-announces- roadmap-taskforcesNow Open : Self employment Income Support Scheme - 13 May 2020From 8am today, Wednesday 13 May 2020, self- employed individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been adversely affected by coronavirus will be able to apply for a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant, worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits, up to a maximum of ?7,500), paid in a single instalment. People will be able to make their claim on a specified date between 13-18 May, based on their Unique Tax Reference number. HMRC has assigned eligible self-employed individuals a specific date to apply on and this can be checked on HMRC’s online checker at any time. People will not be able to apply before their claim date but can make a claim after that day. The claims process is simple,?and those eligible will have the money paid into their bank account by 25 May 2020, or withinsix working days of completing a claim.? im-a-grant-through-the- coronavirus-covid-19-self- employment-income-support- schemeChancellor extends Furlough Scheme until October 2020The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October. The scheme will continue to apply across all regions and sectors in the UK economy. Furloughed workers across the UK will continue to receive 80% of their current salary, up to ?2,500. From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff. The employer payments will substitute the contribution the government is currently making, ensuring that staff continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to ?2,500 a month. The scheme will continue in its current form until the end of July. Changes to allow more flexibility will come in from the start of August. More specific details and information around implementation will be made available by the end of this month. Credit Insurance Guarantee update 13 May 2020Trade Credit Insurance provides cover to hundreds of thousands of business to business transactions, particularly in non-service sectors, such as manufacturing and construction. It insures suppliers selling goods against the company they are selling to defaulting on payment, giving businesses the confidence to trade with one another. But due to Coronavirus and businesses struggling to pay bills, they risk having credit insurance withdrawn, or premiums increasing to unaffordable levels. To prevent this from happening, the government will temporarily guarantee business-to-business transactions currently supported by Trade Credit Insurance, ensuring the majority of insurance coverage will be maintained across the market. This will support supply chains and help businesses to trade with confidence as they can trust that they will be protected if acustomer defaults on payment. news/government-to-support- businesses-through-trade-credit- insurance-guaranteeAlterations to Services - Patents - 6 May 2020Updated information regarding new patent applications and subsequently filed documents, patent applications under section 22 of the National Security Act, international applications, time periods for reply, requests, correspondence and journal and publication. news/alterations-to-services- patentsAlterations to services - trademarks & designs - 6 May 2020Updated information on time periods for reply, replying to us, publishing in the trademarks journal, registration and certificates, and international designs and applications. news/alterations-to-services- trade-marks-and-designsCoronavirus important update on IPO services - 6 May 2020Information on Certified Office Copies (COCs) andf payments and refunds added. news/coronavirus-important- update-on-ipo-servicesUpdated Guidance deferring duty payments as a result of COVID-19 - 5 May 2020Duty Deferment Account holders who are experiencing severe financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 measures in place, and who are unable to make payment of deferred customs duties and import VAT due on 15 May, can contact HMRC for approval to an arrangement for extended period for making full or partial payment without having their guarantee called upon or their account suspended. If a duty deferment user is facing severe financial difficulties as a direct result of COVID-19 and is unable to make payment of deferred customs duty and import VAT due on 15 May they should contact HMRC to request an extension. Duty Deferment users who had a payment extension agreed for their April payment should email the Central Deferment Office cdoenquiries@.uk. The email should confirm that the payment extension is being requested for the May payment due to COVID-19 and should also indicate that their financial situation remains the same (or has worsened). All other requests can be made by contacting the Central Deferment Office at the email address above, or by phoning 03000 594243 or the COVID-19 helpline on 0800 024 1222. The helpline operating hours arephoning 03000 594243 or theCOVID-19 helpline on 0800 024 1222. The helpline operating hours are between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).Separate arrangements are available for deferred excise payments. Businesses unable to pay excise duty owed to HMRC due to COVID-19 should contact the COVID-19 helpline to on 0800 024 1222 discuss an enhanced Time to Pay arrangement. Please note that HMRC can only arrange Duty Deferment extended payment arrangements with the Duty Deferment Account (DDA) holder.cdoenquiries@.ukUK & EU Preferential Export Procuredures - 5 May 2020Due to coronavirus (COVID-19), in addition to easements already introduced when claiming preference on imports into the UK, Government has put temporary measures in place enabling exporters to apply for, and receive, copy preference documents from HMRC via email when exporting goods under the UK and EU's preferential trading arrangements. For furtherinformation and forms see link. proceduresApply for a Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan - 4 May 2020The new Bounce Back Loans scheme is now open for applications. The scheme allows small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between ?2,000 and ?50,000 and access the cash within days. The government guarantees 100% of the loan and there will not be any fees or interest to pay for the first 12 months. Loan terms will be up to 6 years. No repayments will be due during the first 12 months. The government has also agreed with lenders that an affordable flat rate of 2.5% interest will be charged on these loans. Businesses can apply online through a short and simple form. You can find further information about the scheme, including eligibility, via the link. The scheme will be delivered through a network of accredited lenders and will run alongside the existing Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS). ply-for-a-coronavirus-bounce- back-loanGovernment Department webinars to support your business w/c 4th May, webinars start from 5th May 2020Government departments are hosting a series of free webinars this week to help businesses understand the support available. ditional-government-resources-to- support-your-business-during- coronavirus-disruptions#webinarsNew 100% government backed loan scheme announced for small business - 28 April 2020The new Bounce Back Loans Schemeallow businesses to borrow between ?2,000 and ?50,000 and access the cash within days. Loans will be interest free for the first 12 months, and from Monday 4 May, businesses can apply online through a short and simple form. The Government, which has been consulting extensively with business representatives about the design of the new scheme, will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee for the loan and pay any fees and interest for the first 12 months. No repayments will be due during the first 12 months. The loans will be easy to apply for through a short, standardised online application. Loansshould reach businesses within days – providing immediate support to those that need it as easily as possible. The scheme will launch for applications on Monday 4 May. Firms will be able to access these loans through a network of accredited lenders. The government will work with lenders to ensure loans delivered through this scheme are advanced as quickly as possible and agree a low standardised level of interest for the remaining period of the loan.The new scheme will run alongside the existing CBILS and CLBILS schemes. The Government is also news/small-businesses-boosted- by-bounce-back-loansProviding apprenticeships during the coronavirus outbreakGuidance 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. response?utmFurloughed workers to receive full parental leave entitlement - 24 April 2020Furloughed 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. news/furloughed-workers-to- receive-full-parental-leave- entitlementCoronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended to end of June 17 April 2020The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended by one month to the end of June to reflect continuing social distancing measures. The scheme, which allows firms to furlough employees with the government paying cash grants of 80% of their wages up to a maximum of ?2,500, was originally open for three months and backdated from the 1 March to the end of May. collections/financial-support-for- businesses-during-coronavirus- covid-19Get Ready to Claim on 20 April - Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme update - 17 April 2020The online claim service for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be launched on GOV.UK on Monday 20 April 2020. Any entity with a UK payroll can apply, including businesses, charities, recruitment agencies and public authorities. To prepare to make your claim you will need:??a Government Gateway (GG) ID and password– if you don’t already have a GG account, you can apply for one online, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for 'HMRC services: sign in or register'??be enrolled for PAYE online – if you aren’t registered yet, you can do so now, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for 'PAYE Online for employers'??the following information for each furloughed employee you will be claiming for: Name, National Insurance number, Claim period and claim amount, PAYE/employee number (optional).??if you have fewer than 100 furloughed staff – you will need to input information directly each employee. If you have 100 or more furloughed staff–upload a file with information for each employee.HMRC will accept the following file types: .xls .xlsx .csv .ods You should retain all records and calculations in respect of your claims. Visit link for further information. register-hmrc-online- services/registerCoronavirus Large Business Loan Interruption Loan Scheme to be launched on Monday 20 April 2020A government-backed loan scheme for large businesses affected by coronavirus has been expanded to cover all viable firms. All firms with a turnover of more than ?45 million will now be able to apply for up to ?25 million of finance, and up to ?50 million for firms with a turnover of more than ?250 million. news/chancellor-expands-loan- scheme-for-large-businessesCoronavirus Job Retention Scheme - extended Eligibility - important change - 16.4.20 im-for-wage-costs-through-the- coronavirus-job-retention-schemeCompanies House support for businesses hit by COVID-19 - 16.4.20Changes announced will help businesses avoid being struck off the Companies House register as they deal with the impact of the coronavirusoutbreak. news/companies-house-support- for-businesses-hit-by-covid-19Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - updated Guidance for Business & Workers 9 April 2020The latest guidance for employers on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave ('furlough') due to coronavirus. The onlineservice you’ll use to claim is not available yet. HMRC have been working hard to develop this scheme and we expect it to be available by the end of April 2020. See two items below:Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - updated Guidance for Employers 9 April 2020Guidance for Employers: Employers will be able to use a portal to claim for 80% offurloughed employees’ (employees on a leave of absence) monthly wage costs, up to ?2,500 a month, plus the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contributions on that wage. The scheme is expected to be up and running by the end of April. The latest update includes guidance on employees working for more than one employer and directors' .uk/guidance/claim-for- wage-costs-through-the- coronavirus-job-retention-schemeCoronvirus Job Retention Scheme - updated Guidance for Employees 9 April 2020Guidance for Employees: The guidance published will support workers understand whether they are eligible for the scheme, and how much the employer can claim if they are unable to operate or if there is no work due to coronavirus (COVID 19)..uk/guidance/check-if- you-could-be-covered-by-the- coronavirus-job-retention-schemeLatest up to date Government guidance on Coronavirus support for businesses 14 04 2020Overall guidance plus additional resources, including relevant business case studies, FAQs (including on business closure), bulletins, as well as information on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. business-supportHow your Customs Authorisations may change from 1 Jan 2021Find out what changes may affect your existing authorisation to use customs procedures or other procedures or otherfacilitations. how your customs authorisations may change from 1 January 2021COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate SchemeAt Budget 2020 the Chancellor announced details about a new coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. This scheme will allow small and medium sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, to apply to HMRC to recover the costs of paying Statutory Sick Pay to their employees. HMRC has published new online guidance which includes information about who can use the scheme and the records employers must keep. HMRC is working urgently to set up a system for reimbursement. Existing systems are not set up to facilitate payments to employers. Details about when the new Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme can be accessed and when employers can make a claim, will be announced as soon as possible. HMRC will continue to update employers and the new GOV.UK guidance when these details are available. im-back-statutory-sick-pay-paid- to-employees-due-to-coronavirus- covid-19HMRC COVID-19 webinarsHMRC are delivering a programme of webinars on the measures to support employers, people and self-employed individuals through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19.You can watch a video of the recorded webinar on the HMRC YouTube channel. You can also register to attend a free webinar to learn more about the?support available to help you dealwith the economic impacts of?coronavirus byregistering. p-and-support-if-your-business-is- affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19Business?Intelligence: share the impact Coronavirus is having on your organisation??The Department for Business, Energy &Industrial Strategy would welcomeinformation?from businesses on?impacts across supply, demand and labour markets, actions?to address these impacts,?and any?gaps in thegovernment?response?from?your?perspective. Please send your intelligence?to intel@.uk. The Department is aware that?individual?company information?may be commercially sensitive,?and it will be treated accordingly.??Please note that this inbox is only for receiving intelligence?and does notprovide?business advice.??UK Export Finance Extends Export Insurance to all major marketsUK Export Finance (UKEF) has also expanded the scope of its Export Insurance Policy (EXIP) meaning UK businesses will now be eligible to secure export insurance cover to all major markets.Export Insurance Policy (EXIP)Template of script for conversation with all retainedemployeesCourtesy of BCFA Member Ocee DesignClick here to download PDFTemplate of script for conversation with "furloughed"employeesCourtesy of BCFA Member Ocee DesignClick here to download PDFVMD Export Certificates being issued electronically onlyAs of 23rd March 2020 and until further notice, all export certificates will be issued electronically via email instead of hard copy. The electronic export certificate will contain a stamp and signature as usual for verification purposes. You may print and email this certificate onto your contacts in the UK and overseas. You will continue to receive the invoice via the usual means.If you have any questions about this change to our service, please contact us using our email address exportcert@.uk which is monitored during normal office hours (Mon-Fri, 8.30am-4pm). news/vmd-export-certificates- being-issued-electronicallySelf Employed Workers Scheme AnnouncedSelf-employed workers adversely affected by Coronavirus will be able to access a grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits over the last 3 years, up to ?2,500 per month. The grant will be available for at least 3 months and open to those who earn the majority of their money through self-employed woek, have a 2019 tax return and have trading profits of less than?50,000. support-scheme-faqs/Expanded Retail Discount GuidanceUpdated advice which includes showrooms for both retail and contract as the rate extension now covers furnishings showrooms and displays. ov.uk/government/uploads/syste m/uploads/attachment_data/file/ 875613/Expanded_Retail_Discoun t_Guidance_25.03.20.doc.pdfCovid Commercial Financing Facility (CCFF)HM Treasury and Bank of England lending facility is named the Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF). The facility is designed to support liquidity among larger firms, helping them to bridge coronavirus disruption to theirTo be eligible the business must have had,prior to being affected by Covid 19, a shortor long term rating ofbankofengland.co.uk/marke ts/market-notices/2020/ccff- market-notice-march-2020 Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)Small business financial support?Currently established for businesses with turnover of up to ?45m (up from ?41m), expected to be available in week commencing 23 March 2020?Lending scheme through the British Business Bank from ?1,000 up to ?5m (increased from up to ?1.2m) per company with government meeting interest costs for the first 12 months. Finance terms are from three months up to 10 years for term loans and asset finance and up to three years for revolving facilities and invoice finance.?The scheme provides the lender with a government-backed guarantee against 80% of the outstanding facility balance, potentiallyenabling a ‘no’ credit decision from a lender to become a ‘yes’. NB –the borrower always remains 100% liable for the debt.?The first 12 months of these loans will be interest free, as the Government will cover these payments.?If the accredited lender can offer finance on normal commercial terms without the need to make use of the scheme, they will do so. Where the small business has a sound borrowing proposal but insufficient security, the lenderThe route to accessing this financing is for borrowers to approach 40+ accredited lenders who will then, if necessary, apply to the scheme.To qualify, Small Businesses must:?Be UK based, with turnover of no more than ?41 million per annum?Operate within an eligible industrial sector (a small number of industrial sectors are not eligible for support). Click here to see list (N.B. where potentially ineligible borrowers should carefully review their sector against the full SIC list.)?Be able to confirm that they have not received de minimisState aid beyond€200,000 equivalent over the current and previous two fiscal years?Have a sound borrowing proposal, but insufficiently security to meet the lenders bank.co.uk/ourpartners/coronavir us-business-interruption-loan- scheme-cbils/Information for businesses & employers in N IrelandLatest guidance issued 6 April 2020 news/covid-19-guidance- information-for-ni-businesses-employersOnline isolation notes launched - providing proof of coronavirus absence from workPeople unable to work for more than seven days because of coronavirus (COVID-19) can obtain an isolation note through a new online service. news/online-isolation-notes- launched-providing-proof-of- coronavirus-absence-from-work?Guidance for businesses trading internationally / financial support for those trading internationallyThe UK government has updated advice on 20th March on financial support for businesses trading internationally. DIT can support businesses by (1) providing assistance with customs authorities to ensure smooth clearance of their products and (2) offering advice on intellectual property and other issues with business continuity British businesses thay may face disrupton due tothe dpread of coronavirus. DIT's dedicated business support team can be contacted via email at COVID19@trade/gov.uk. businesses/coronavirus-covid-19- guidance-for-uk-businesses- trading-internationallyExtra protection for businesses with ban on eviction for commercial tenants who miss rent mercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of coronavirus will be protected from eviction. Many landlords and tenants are already having conversations and reaching voluntary arrangements about rental payments due shortly but the Government recognises businesses struggling with their cashflow due to coronavirus remain worried about eviction.These measures, included in the emergency Coronavirus Bill currently going through Parliament, will mean no business will be forced out of their premises if they miss a payment in the next three months. This builds on the unprecedented package of support announced for businesses who are affected by coronavirus. As commercial tenants will still be liable for the rent after this period, the Government is also actively monitoring theimpact on commercial landlords’ cash flow andcontinues to be in dialogue with them. news/extra-protection-for- businesses-with-ban-on-evictions- for-commercial-tenants-who-miss- rent-paymentsHow are you forecasting potential cash implications? Are you up to date on your credit control? Updated 13 AprilIt is recommended to get a clear picture of your overheads and start projecting cash flow based on possible scenarios. ess-functions/risk/our- insights/covid-19-implications-for-businessHave you spoken to your bank about support that may be available from them?On 16th March the representative group for UK Banks made the following statement "SMEs are the foundations of any successful economy and the banking and finance industry has the commitment and capacity to support viable businesses as they manage the impact of Covid-19. Alongside over ?20 billion of funding, banks and finance providers are delivering targeted assistance to firms including repayment holidays, invoice finance extensions and fee- free emergency loans. This is in addition to the government’s welcome announcement of the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, which the industry will work with the government to deliver as quickly as possible." You should liaise with your bank at the earliest possible opportunity to understand what overdraft/payment holiday or additional support options may be available.Natwest Pledges ?5bn of support, to include payment holidays and temporary emergency loans (with no fees)HSBC announces package of support for SMEs to include:reduced or deferred payments for mortgagesextending the remaining term of your mortgage, switching rates or switching part or all to interest- only mortgage arrangementsrate savings accounts without closure chargesunsecured debt through reduced payments or breathing space to defer payments due. These solutions are tailored to individualneedsincrease in credit card and overdraft limitsAre you aware of the scope of support available from UK Government?At Budget 2020, the Chancellor announced that the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will temporarily replace the Enterprise Finance Guarantee, becoming available over the coming weeks. It is also worth making contract HMRC on 0800 0159 559 to discuss arrangements for delaying payment of taxes.As soon as information is available on the emergency British Business Bank loans we will make information available to BCFA Members.Update from the British Business Bank on the Coronavirus Business Interruption LoansStatutory Sick PayFor businesses with fewer than 250 employees, the cost of providing 14 days of Statutory Sick Pay per employee will be refunded by the government in full. Details on how this scheme will work are due to be published shortly. An information update will be posted here as soon as it becomes available..uk/employers-sick-payRate ReliefThere will be a ?10,000 cash grant to the smallest businesses, delivered by local authorities. Small businesses that pay little or no business rates and are eligible for small business rate relief (SBBR) or rural rate reliefwill be contacted by their local authority – they do not need to apply. The funding will be provided to local authorities in early April.Guidance for local authorities on the scheme will be provided shortly. publications/guidance-to- employers-and-businesses-about- covid-19Retail, hospitality & leisure small premises grantA ?25,000 grant will also be provided to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises, with a rateable value between ?15,000 and ?51,000. publications/guidance-to- employers-and-businesses-about- covid-19HMRC's Time to PayAll businesses and self-employed people in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC’s Time toPay Service.Helpline Telephone no. 0800 024 1222 organisations/hm-revenue- customs/contact/coronavirus- covid-19-helplineVAT Deferral for 3 months for businessesSee link. to receive a 3 month extension period to file accounts during COVID-19.Businesses will be given an additional 3 months to file accounts with Companies House to help companies avoid penalties as they deal with theimpact of COVID-19. ply-for-more-time-to-file-your- companys-accountsHave you looked into the possibility of claiming R&D Tax Credits?If your accounting year-end is 31 March your deadline for claiming an R&D tax credit for your 2017/18 accounting period. Many companies are surprised to learn that they qualify for this valuable source of funding, so it could pay to double-check.More information on how to start an R&D Tax Credit Claim is available hereWhat do your current employment contracts offer in terms of Statutory Sick Pay and extended periods where individuals cannot work?It was announced in the Budget that Government would meet the cost of coronavirus statutory sick pay (SSP) for small businesses with up to 250 employees for 14 days processes to support this are currently being developed in the meantime you are encourage to maintain records .uk/coronavirus/If you are asking certain staff members to work from home, do you have sufficient work to maintain them full time?How will you monitor their productivity?Working from home in the short term to complete task is relatively easy to manage, but longer term it may become more challenging to ensure that there is efficient work and that you are able to monitor their performance.Have you spoken to your insurance broker about any cover that you may have in place? If employees have taken offie equipment to work fom home does your insurance cover this?In terms of cover for Business Interruption, for cover to exist members would need to have purchased an extension called “Notifiable Diseases Extension” as the government has declared COVID 19 a notifiable disease. Thisextension is usually only offered/bought in the leisure sector by Hotels, Restaurants, Sporting Venues etc, where profit is driven by foot fall. It is rare for this extension to have been purchased in the construction and manufacturing sectors.In a worst case scenario what is the provision within your employment contracts to lay-off staff or request shortened working hours and how quickly can you implement change?There are a number of options before you consider redundancy and it is likely your employment contracts will set the parameters for envoking these. It is critical that you adhere closely to the rules set out in your contract and if you wish to retain people for when things scale back up that you communicate clearly and they understand the reasons for your decisions.Read ACAS guidance on laying staff off here redundant/layoffs-and-shorttime- working guides/short-time- working short-time-working/pdf/Lay-offs- and-short-time-working- accessible-version.pdfWORKFORCE WELFARE MATTERSLegionella risks during the Coronavirus OutbreakEmployers, the self-employed and people in control of premises, such as landlords, have a duty to identify and control risks associatedwith legionella. ionella-risks-during-coronavirus- outbreak.htmNew information about Coronavirus symptoms 19 May 2020New information about coronavirus symptoms has been announced. Individuals shouldnow self-isolate if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or anosmia. Anosmia is the loss of, or a change in, your normal sense of smell. It can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked. news/statement-from-the-uk- chief-medical-officers-on-an- update-to-coronavirus-symptoms- 18-may-2020Working Safely During COVID-19 - 12 May 2020The UK government, in consultation withindustry, has produced ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible. The new guidance covers 8 workplace settings which are allowed to be open, from outdoor environments and construction sites to factories and takeaways. This sets out practical steps for businesses focused on 5 key points, which should be implemented as soon as it is practical: 1. Work from home - if you can.Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unionsMaintain 2 metres social distancing, wherever possibleWhere people cannot be 2 metres apart, manage transmission risk.Reinforcing cleaning processes. The 8 guides with links listed below cover a range of different types of work. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, a factory and fleet of vehicles. You may need to use more than one of these guides as you think through what you need to do to keep employees safe. rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19Construction or outdoor workGuidance for people who work in or run outdoor working environments rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19/construction-and-other-outdoor-workFactories, plants and warehousesGuidance for people who run factories, plants and warehouses rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19/factories-plants-and- warehousesHomesGuidance for people working in, visiting or delivering to home environments as well astheir employers rking-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homesLabs and research facilitiesGuidance for people who run indoor labs and research facilities and similar environments rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19/labs-and-research-facilitiesOffices and contact centresGuidance for people who run offices, contact centres and similar indoor environments rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19/offices-and-contact-centresShops and branchesGuidance for people who work in or run shops, breanches, stores or similar environments rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19/shops-and-branchesVehiclesGuidance for peple who work in or from vehicles including couriers, mobile workers, lorry drivers, on-site transity and workvehicles,field forces and similar. rking-safely-during-coronavirus- covid-19/vehiclesStaying Alert and safe (social distancing ) guidanceThis guidance applies to England. Scotland, Wales ans Northern Ireland should follow the specfic rules in those parts of the UK. publications/staying-alert-and- safe-social-distancing/staying- alert-and-safe-social- distancing#businesses-and- venuesThe UK Government's COVID-19 recovery strategy -11 May 2020The roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis. efault/files/final_6.6637_co_hmg_c19_recovery_final_110520_v2_web_1_.pdfLorry drivers whose licences are due to expire or have expired since 1 Jan 2020 - new guidance 17 4 2020Under the scheme, drivers will be able to receive a temporary 1-year licence, providing they do not have any medical conditions that affect their driving and their current licenceexpires in 2020. bus-coach-licenceContinuation of Social Distancing Measures 16.4.20The Government announced 16.4.20 that the current social distancing measures will remain in place for at least the next 3 weeks until 7May.Additional Government Guidance on Social Distancing in the workplace 8 04 2020 including construction & manufacturing businessesTo support businesses that remain open during this period in England, the government has published additional guidance to assist employers, businesses and their staff in staying open safely during coronavirus (COVID-19). For specific settings please refer to the Guidance has been published for specific settings via the link. Advice covers Construction, Manufacturing businesses, Retail and Logistics businesses etc.sector specific guidanceConstruction Industry Workplace Guidance - updated 14 April 2020Construction Leadership Council and Construction Industry Taskforce guidance construction-14- april/5105507.articleTransport & Travel Guidance 08 04 2020A new hub on gov.uk brings together information for people using transport or working in the transport sector during the Coronavirus outbreak. Advice covers using public transport, driving private vehicles, lorry drivers, aviation and flying, overseas travel collections/coronavirus-covid-19- transport-and-travel-guidanceSupporting Your Mental Health While Working from homeUseful guide from Mental Health First Aid(MHFA) EnglandClick here to download PDFWorking from Home - Guide - Top TipsGuide Courtesy of BCFA member Ocee DesignClick here to download PDFStay Safe online When Working from HomeGuide Courtesy of BCFA member Ocee DesignClick here to download PDFGoing to work - working from home. Social Distancing. Clarification by Government on Regulations 25 03 2020People can travel to and from work, but only where the work they do absolutely cannot be done from home.Employers and employees should discuss their working arrangements, and employers should take every possible step to facilitate their employees working from home, including providing suitable IT and equipment to enable remote working.Sometimes this will not be possible, as not everyone can work from home. Certain jobsrequire people to travel to their place of work – for instance if they operate machinery, work in construction or manufacturing, or are delivering front line services.If you cannot work from home then you can still travel to work, provided you are well and neither you nor any of your household are self- isolating. This is consistent with advice from the Chief Medical Officer.Employers who have people in their offices or onsite should ensure that employees are able to follow Public Health England guidelines including, where possible, maintaining a 2 metre distance from others, and washing their hands with soap and water often for at least 20 seconds (or using hand sanitiser gel if soap and publications/full-guidance-on- staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from- others#going-to-workHow are you limiting the interaction and potential for spread of the virus within your own team?Government advice is now that where possible staff members should work from home. Are you able to limit contact between key members of the team to ensure that they do not contaminate one another? For example, it is advisable not to have all of your leadership team in the same room at the same time. The same applies to site teams.ACAS advice on homeworking publications/guidance-to- employers-and-businesses-about- covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for- employeesWhat provisions have you made to prevent the physical spread of the virus in your workplace? (e.g increasing welfare and hygiene facilities and protecting the workforce). Have you considered how you manage the risk when taking deliveries from suppliers by limiting the movements of drivers and delivery people and providing alternative toilet facilities (Portaloos for example) for all external people?With so much misinformation around, it is advisable to ensure that your team are directed to the most relevant, authoritative and up to date sources of information available so that they can act responsibly in the management of their own and colleagues risk of exposure. publications/full-guidance-on- staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from- others#going-to-workHave you considered having multiple back ups for key individuals such as those able to authorise online payments as well as cheque payments. Do you have an external IT support lined up who could step in if your internal IT people became unavailable? If you use an external IT team have you spoken to them about how they will operate and what back ups they have?Have you updated and recirculated your disaster recover plan to key individuals?In the case of a need to self-isolate (or care for a family member) have you checked, wherever possible, key team members are prepared for remote working (i.e. access to systems, suitable broadband and telephone connections)?Are phone systems operable and can you connect people in a remote environment. Is there sufficient access to key information? Are connections secure? Are there key roles in thebusiness that cannot be managed remotely?How have you communicated policies with your team Have you nominated an internal contact point to field questions from your team and supply chain?Undoubtedly people are concerned and it is vital that you provide regular updates to reassure where you can and ensure that they are planning and preparing accordingly. If you have mental health first aiders, it is worth re- enforcing who they are and parameters for contacting them. .uk/coronavirus/Does guidance issued to your team cover how they behave should an individual show symptoms or if they currently live with someone who has been advised to self isolate?Guidance has specifically been prepared for those living with children, the elderly and those with underlying ailmentsAdvice for those living with childrenAdvice for those living with a vulnerable personMeetings - online sourcesFirms are using emails, phone calls and video- conferencing wherever possible to holdmeetings – for example using Zoom, MicrosoftTeams, Google Hangouts and Cisco WebEx. Zoom has removed time limits for its meetings in areas of outbreak, there are free version of Teams and WebEx, and Google Hangouts is also free.Stress management for employees on home workingInfectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus (Covid 19), can be scary and can affect mental health. Consult guidance to stay informed and to support and manage wellbeing during such times.. uk/publications/looking-after- your-mental-health-during- coronavirus-outbreak reduce-stress k/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/Has clear guidance been issued related to travel domestically and overseas? The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises British people travelling abroad to return to the UK now, if commercial flights are still available.International travel is becoming very limited as air routesYou will need to consider what constitutes essential interaction and do all you can to protect your people and those around them. For each business this may be different, but it helps to have a clear policy and to vel-advice-novel-coronavirusIs there is a suspected case on COVID-19 in your workplace or on your site? Has this guidance been communicated to your workforce at all sites to ensure protocol is followed and the impact limited?Should a case arise, it is advised that individual who is unwell call NHS 111 from their mobile, or 999 if an emergency (if they are seriously ill or injured or their life is at risk). Whilst they wait for advice from NHS 111 or an ambulance to arrive, they should remain at least 2 metres from other people. Currently closure of the workplace is not recommended. You should instigate contact with the PHE local Health Protection Team to discuss the case, identify people who have been in contact with them and advise on any actions or precautions that should be taken.Latest advice on workplace management in case of suspected casesWhat to do if you suspect there may be a case at a workplace you are responsible forAre there any members of your team that fall into the more vulnerable groups that need additional consideration?Certain members of your team may be more vulnerable to the virus due to age of underlying health issues. It is recommended to maintain an open dialogue and ensure that you are aware of any risks and ensure that you are working closely with them to manage and mitigate any risks.Specific guidance has been prepared for individuals who are vulnerable, it is useful to include a link to this in your staff briefingsCONTRACTUAL MATTERSLegal advice useful guidesFox Williams, a leading city law firm, has produced a series of guides on various legal issues which are resulting from the affect which COVID-19 is having on businesses across the UK economy. These include: Dealing with orders being cancelled by business customers; Retaining ownership to goods supplied; Handling consumer cancellations; Furloughing of employees; Negotiating with landlords; Understanding the support provided by Government. For briefings see the link provided. VID-19-legalWhat contractual liabilities are you currently exposed to?It is recommended that you conduct a review of all current and pending contracts to understand what the implications are and liabilities may be for your business of any delays to the programme.Are you aware of and strictly adhering to notification periods for delays and any potential cost over-runs? Are you adding sensible warnings to any project updates?Whilst the potential for delay may seem obvious, it is vital that you continue to follow your contractual responsibilities and many contracts will provide express guidance on early warning of delays. Any request for an extension should make note of the provisionswithin the contractAre potential liabilities covered by Force Majeure? Are you aware of the process for invoking force majeure?Where there are force majeure provisions within most standard forms of contract, the events are usually defined. This is often a long list including acts of God, flood, drought, earthquake and so on. Sometimes, it includes failure or interruption of utility services or non- performance of suppliers or sub-contractors. In light of Covid-19, businesses need to reassure themselves that the force majeure definition includes epidemic or pandemic or civil emergency or similar. In the absence of such knowledge, then it may be the case that a business can rely on action taken by the government or a public authority (for example a government announcement on travel restrictions which may prevent a business from fulfilling its contractual obligations).Excellent article published in Construction Enquirer on Force Majeure and contract provision herePROJECT CONTINUITY MATTERSAre your records/project files up-to-date and accessible to all team members? Do you have up-to-date contact details for people who may need to isolate at short notice?When there is imminent risk that key individuals may be unavailable at short-notice, record keeping is more important than ever as it enables colleagues to step in with minimalupheavalDo you have a list of products that are essential to the smooth operation of your business?Consider producing an inventory of all products that you buy and use that are essential to your business - have any alerts been issued by yoursupply chain.Are you engaged with suppliers about stock levels and any concerns related to availability / likely shortages / delays atport?A structured dialogue is important (e.g. sufficient stock held, stock reserved, etc).Do you currently hold sufficient stock or should you consider holding stock of any products or components?This is something that will need to be carefully considered as impacts on cash flow and potentially your insurance risk (you should talk to your insurers if there is any significant change here). Also vital to consider storage conditions, remember it is critical to store materials in accordance with the manufacturers requirements (how should they be stacked, what is the risk of water damage etc). Clearly stock also has a huge impact on cash flow and cash will be vital in the coming months.Have you communicated policy to site teams / customers to ensure they understand what is happening and prepared for any potential issues that you are anticipating?Communication is critical to ensure that people understand how and when they should react and also that clients understand the issues that you are facing as a business. Clear and open communication is essential.LEADERSHIPHave you established a clear leadership protocol and appointed a lead member of your team to head up the management of your company reaction to the virus? Against each of the points below we recommend identifying the person responsible for managing this risk.The situation is fast evolving and as a consequence, leadership and considered, efficient and timely decisions are critical to ensuring that your key people within your business are working together, you are working effectively with suppliers and clients and that your business remains intact after this exceptional challenge.McKinsey & Co have published guidance on leadership in a crisis here ................
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