COVID-19 Updates
ActSmart will be providing regular updates and resources on the Coronavirus.
Watch this space for the latest information and advice tailored for retail businesses.
ActSmart have been working with partner members of the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) to bring you the most up to date retail focussed advice, particular credit is due to the Association of Convenience Stores, our leading IRC political advocacy partner, for their input.
- ActSmart COVID-19 Reopening Resources and Guidance
- COVID-19 Secure 2020 poster
- Health and Safety Executive Shop Risk Assessment Tool
- Face Covering Poster
Priti Patel Covid-19 Press Conference
Published 22nd January 2021
The Home Secretary Priti Patel led the Government coronavirus briefing, announcing new penalties for those breaching Covid-19 rules by attending house parties or large gatherings.
The latest coronavirus data was outlined at the briefing including;
- There have been 37,892 new positive cases since yesterday.
- Since 19th January, 38,678 people are in hospital with Covid-19.
- So far, 94,580 people have died of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic.
The Home Secretary highlighted the current success of the Covid-19 vaccination programme. The NHS are now administering 200 vaccinations per minute and as of today, 4,973, 243 vaccinations have been given in total. The Secretary also countered disinformation surrounding the vaccines, especially amongst BAME communities, stating the vaccines are safe for all and is our best chance to beat the current global pandemic.
Priti Patel announced that from next week, an £800 fine will be introduced and given to those attending house parties. The fine will double for each offence to a maximum fine of £6,400 for parties of more than 15 people.
The National Police Chiefs' Council Chair, Martin Hewitt gave examples of the situations that police force have been facing. He announced that new updated guidance will be given to police forces support them in issuing more fines. The Chair finally urged the nation to comply with Covid-19 restrictions including specifically to wear face coverings in shops unless exempt.
Finally, NHS Regional Medical Director, Dr Vin Diwakar announced new medical vaccination centres opening across the country to offer more vaccinations. He highlighted that there are currently 1000 GP led services, 200 community hubs and several large scale sites administering the vaccine.
New Welsh Retail Regulations
Published 20th January 2021
Following last weeks announcement by the Welsh First Minister that retail premises in Wales will be subject to stricter regulations to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, the legislation has now been amended. The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restriction) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 were laid in Parliament last night and came into force at 00.01 this morning (Wednesday 20th January).
The amendments in the regulations here under point 17A. require all retail stores in Wales to do the following by law, from today;
- Measures for controlling entry to the premises and limiting the number of customers who are on the premises at one time.
- Provision of hand sanitisation products or hand washing facilities for use of customers when they enter the premises.
- Measures to sanitise any baskets, trolleys or similar containers provided for use by customers on the premises.
- Remind customers to maintain distance of 2m between each other and wear a face covering. This should be done by displaying signs and other visual aids and making announcements on a regular basis.
All retail stores must comply with the amended regulations from today (Wednesday 20th January). The full regulations are available here.
Equality Commission: Face Covering Exemptions for Disabled Customers
Published 19th January 2021
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to retailers reminding them of legal responsibilities to disabled customers specifically relating to exemptions from face coverings. Following the policy change on face coverings from large supermarkets, EHRC's letter reminds retailers that stores are subject to Equality Act legislation which includes protecting the rights of disabled people and details guidance for ensuring compliance. The Government guidance on face coverings lists qualifiers for exemptions such as; children under the age of 11, physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability and if you are speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading. The Government guidance states that those who have an exemption are not required to provide physical evidence but exemption card templates can be downloaded if necessary.
Scottish First Minister Confirms Lockdown will Continue
Published 19th January 2021
The Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that mainland Scotland and some island communities will remain under tier four restrictions until at least the middle of February. The Minister confirmed that the Isle of Barra will move from tier 3 to tier 4 restrictions following a sharp increase of Covid-19 cases. The cabinet has confirmed that schools will not return until the middle of February due to community transmission remaining high. The next review in Scotland will take place on 2nd February. The First Ministers statement is available here.
Scottish Government: Review of restrictions
Vaccine Eligibility Extended
Published 19th January 2021
PM Covid-19 Press Conference
Published 15th January 2021
The Prime Minister has held a press conference this evening following the detection of a new Covid-19 variant.
The current data shows that;
- 4,434 new admissions were made to hospital yesterday.
- Currently over 37,000 Covid patients in hospital.
- 1,280 deaths since yesterday due to Covid-19.
- Recent ONS data shows that 1 in 50 people have Covid-19 in the UK.
The Prime Minister announced yesterdays decision to ban all flights inbound from South America and Portugal after Scientists have detected a new variant of Covid-19. In addition, the Government has decided to temporarily close all travel corridors from 04:00am on Monday 18th January. This travel ban applies across whole of the United Kingdom.
The Government has announced that if you come to the UK, you must now retain proof of a negative test that you have taken in the 72 hours before leaving your original destination. Upon arrival to the UK, you must quarantine for 10 day and take another test on day 5 to gain a negative result.
Scientists expect that the 3 MHRA approved Covid-19 vaccines will work against the new variant.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the vaccination programme is going well, with 3.2 million people now vaccinated across the UK. Yesterday, 250,000 in England were vaccinated meaning 45% of all over 80s and 40% of care home residents have received their first dose of a covid-19 vaccine.
Many insurers made to pay tens of thousands of small businesses for Covid lockdown losses
Published 15th January 2021
Following today's Supreme Court ruling tens of thousands of small businesses will receive insurance payouts covering losses from the first national lockdown.
It is important to note that while this is certainly a victory for many small businesses, this does not now mean that all insurers are required to start paying out. The insurance payout is entirely dependent on the clarity of the policy wording. The case put forward to the Supreme Court was against a small number of insurers and specific policy wordings.
Whilst the case evaluated was a ‘test' case, there is now hope that other insurers with the same/similar wordings will feel that they should also follow the ruling- for both good conscience and to avoid individual litigation.
Read the full story here.
Welsh Government Strengthens Covid-19 Regulations for Retail
Published 15th January 2021
The Welsh First Minister has announced retail premises in Wales will be subject to stricter regulations to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. Current legislation, Health Protection (Coronavirus Restriction) (No.5) (Wales) Regulations 2020 will be amended to ensure retailers are undertaking risk assessments, providing sanitisers for hands and trolleys on entry, limiting the numbers in store at any one time and ensuring social distancing is taking place. The new regulations are expected to be set out early next week. It is also expected that this legislation will apply to retailers with five or more employees.
Scotland restricts some ‘non-essential' click and collect
Published 14th January 2021
From Saturday non-essential click and collect retail services will be prohibited in Level 4 areas and further changes will be put in place to how services open for essential purposes operate. Timeslots will be required for collection and people should not enter a store to collect an item. Businesses providing takeaway food will also operate on a ‘non-entry' basis only, meaning customers cannot enter the premises when placing or collecting orders.
Restrictions banning the consumption of alcohol in public places will also be introduced.
In a statement to Parliament, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
"The situation we face in relation to the virus remains extremely serious.
"We must continue to do everything possible to reduce case numbers - this is essential to relieve the pressure on our NHS and to save lives.
"Both individually and collectively, these additional measures - in further reducing the interactions that allow the virus to spread - will help our essential efforts to suppress it.
"At this critical and dangerous moment, please: Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save lives."
Home Secretary Statement 12.01.21
- There have been 45,533 new cases of Covid-19 reported over the last 24 hours
- In the last 24 hours, 1,243 people have died within 28 days of a positive Covid test
- Over 45,000 fixed penalty notices have been issued to people who have been unwilling to follow the Covid regulations
The Home Secretary stated that a minority of people are putting the health of the nation at risk by not following the rules. In response, the Government is talking to local councils about the role that they should be playing in enforcing the Covid-19 regulations. The Home Secretary also noted that police are also moving more quickly to issue fines.
The Home Secretary said that her message is simple: "If you do not play your part, the police will enforce the regulations and I will back them to do so, to protect the NHS and to save lives."
Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chiefs Council added that there are too many people who are choosing not to comply with the regulations. He also said that there would be more officers on patrol looking to ensure that people follow the rules.
Matt Hancock Covid-19 Press Conference 11.01.21
The current data shows;
- 46,169 confirmed positive cases yesterday
- 32,294 currently in hospital with Covid-19 (increase of 22% on this time last week)
- Average number of deaths per day is currently 926
Matt Hancock stressed that we are currently at the worst point in the pandemic so far, urging the nation to follow the rules as strictly as possible.
The Health Secretary was pleased to say that the vaccine roll out is proceeding at pace and the Government's aim is to deliver this as fast as is safely possible. So far, 2.6 million doses have been given to 2.3 million people across the UK.
The Health Secretary set out the details of UK's Covid-19 Vaccination Delivery Plan published today. This plan describes how the Government are able to build up a supply of vaccines and how they are planning to deploy them. The plan centres around 4 key areas; supply, prioritisation, expansion and people.
1) Supply - working with UK supply and international stakeholders
2) Prioritisation - starting with the JCVI clinical recommendations for the top four priority groups
3) Expansion - Increasing amount sites where you can get vaccinated
4) People - aim of 80,000 qualified to administer the vaccinations.
To date, 3 vaccines have been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and by 15th February the Government aims to have offered a first vaccine dose to everyone in the top four priority groups identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Hancock also confirmed that 96% of people in England currently live within 10 miles of a vaccination site and by the end of January this will be 100% of people.
Prime Minister Statement 07.01.21
Published 7th January 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP gave a press conference this evening. The latest information is below:
- There have been 52,618 new cases of Covid-19 reported over the last 24 hours
- There has been an increase of 10,000 hospitalised Covid-19 patients since Christmas Day
- In the last 24 hours, 1,162 people have died within 28 days of a positive Covid test
- A first dose of the vaccine has been administered to 1.26m people in England, 113,000 people in Scotland,
- 49,000 in Wales and 46,000 people in Northern Ireland.
The Prime Minister spoke about the distribution programme for the Covid-19 vaccine and the promise of a slot for vaccination by 15th February for all vulnerable groups, including the clinically extremely vulnerable, care home residents and staff, and everyone aged over 70. The Government plans to have a vaccine appointment available for everyone in the four most vulnerable groups within a radius of 10 miles of their home.
The Prime Minister noted that the Government is working with the British Army to support the vaccine deployment plan - full details of which will be published on Monday.
The Prime Minister also updated on the approval of two new therapeutic drugs that reduce the risk of death for those that are extremely ill, and can reduce the amount of time that patients spend in intensive care by up to 10 days.
Vaccinations
The Government plans to increase the number of vaccine doses available, as well as the number of people and places carrying out vaccinations. There will be three main places where people get vaccinated:
- Local GPs and pharmacists make up 739 sites to date, which will expand to over 1000 by the end of next week.
- Hospital hubs will be vaccinating care home residents and staff among others. There are now 206 sites, which will expand to 223 by the end of next week.
- Larger vaccination centres in places like stadiums and other venues, seven of which are due to begin operation next week.
The Government also noted that there are 80,000 people currently trained on how to administer the vaccine, 18,000 of which have already started work.
Prime Minister Statement
Published 5th January 2021
The Prime Minister held a press conference this evening to provide an update on the vaccination programme for Covid-19.
The current data shows that;
- There is currently over 1million people in England infected with Covid-19
- 60,916 new positive cases detected today
- Patients of hospital with Covid-19 is 40% higher than the first peak in April
- In the 2 weeks up to 30th December, the positive case rate increased by 70%
- Current 7 day average of deaths is 522
The Prime Minister announced that with both the Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccine and Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine combined, there has currently been 1.1m people vaccinated in England and 1.3m across the UK.
Of those already vaccinated, it includes over 650,000 people aged 80 and above which is 23% of all over 80s. The Prime Minister highlighted that this means that 1 in 4 in one of most vulnerable groups will have significant immunity in 2-3 weeks time.
The Prime Minister stated again that by the 15th of February the NHS has committed to giving vaccinations to everyone in top 4 priority groups identified by the JCVI. There will also be 1000 vaccination sites established across the country by end of this week with an additional 7 opening next week in large venues such as stadiums.
The Prime minister confirmed there will be a further vaccine update on Thursday and daily updates from the Prime Minister will commence from Monday 11th January.
£4.6 billion in new lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs
Published 5th January 2021
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP has announced new grants for businesses required to close due to the national lockdown restrictions announced yesterday. Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses required to close will be able to access this new financial support on a per property basis derived from rateable value (RV). The support will be as follows: £4,000 for properties with a RV of £15,000 or under; £6,000 for properties with a RV between £15,000 and £51,000; £9,000 for properties with a RV of over £51,000.
For convenience stores and other business that continue to trade a further £594m discretionary fund has also been made available. Retailers wishing to access the discretionary funding should "contact their local authorities". If we receive more information about application processes and criteria for accessing this discretionary funding from central government we will circulate more details.
Additional funding has been allocated to devolved administrations to support "other businesses not eligible for the grants, that might be affected by the restrictions". The Scottish and Welsh Governments have not yet announced how they will allocate the funding.
These announcements do not impact existing grant schemes.
Prime Minister Statement 04.01.21
The current data shows that;
- Cases of Covid-19 have increased by 50%
- 27,000 patients are in hospital with Covid-19
From 00.01 on Wednesday 6th January the following restrictions will be in place;
- People must stay at home unless they leaving for essential purposes, such as essential shopping, exercise and caring responsibilities.
- Clinically Extremely Vulnerable people are being instructed to shield again and will receive letters in due course (Updated guidance is expected to be published shortly).
- All hospitality must close.
- Takeaway services can remain open but must not sell alcohol.
- All non-essential retail must close.
- Close contact services such as beauty must close.
- Education including Primary, Secondary and colleges will remain closed and online with the exception of vulnerable students and those students of key workers (Education will close from 05.01.20).
The national lockdown guidance is available here. The guidance confirms that all convenience retail including petrol forecourts, off-licences, automatic car washes can remain open.
The Prime Minister reassured the nation that the main difference with this lockdown is that the vaccination programme is underway and current realistic NHS projections suggest by the middle of February everyone in the top 4 priority groups will be vaccinated.
Boris Johnson suggested that schools will hopefully return after February half term and the nation will reach a point where it can return to the regional tier system.
The restrictions will become law at 00.01 on Wednesday 6th January and Parliament will be recalled to debate the restrictions on Wednesday. The restrictions will be reviewed frequently.
Scottish First Minister Statement & Prime Minister Statement at 8pm
From Tuesday 5 January, mainland Scotland will move from Level 4 to a temporary Lockdown, with new guidance to stay at home except for essential purposes. Some islands will remain at Level 3. The restrictions will mean people in Scotland will only be allowed to leave home for essential purposes, such as essential shopping, exercise and caring responsibilities.
From 00.01 on 05.01.20:
- New laws will be implemented to require people to stay at home.
- Work from home encouraged where possible.
- People in the "shielding" category will be advised not to go in to work at all.
- Outdoor socialising will be with one person from one other household (Children aged 11 and under will not be included)
- No limit will be placed on how many times people can go outside.
- Non-essential travel into and out of Scotland will not be allowed.
From 08.01.12:
- Places of worship are to be closed, group exercise banned, and schools will largely operate via online and remote learning until at least February
Schools closures have been extended for the majority of students until 1st February for nursery schools as well as primary and secondary. However. Children of key workers and vulnerable children can continue to go to school as normal.
The First Ministers full statement is available here. The Scottish Economy Secretary is expected to update the country on business support measures later today.
Finally, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson is expected to make a statement at 8pm this evening on restrictions in England, which we will provide an update on shortly after. The House of Commons is to be recalled on Wednesday.
COVID-19 Updates - December
Matt Hancock Statement 30.12.20
The data shows that;
- There are currently over 21,000 patients with Covid-19 in hospital
- There were 53,135 new cases yesterday, with the majority being due to the new Covid-19 variant
From 00.01 on 31st December the following changes to tiers will occur;
Moving to tier 3:
Rutland, Liverpool City Region, Bath and North East Somerset, Cornwall, Dorset, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Wiltshire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, Worcestershire and City of York and North Yorkshire.
Moving to tier 4:
Leicester City, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Derby and Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Birmingham and Black Country, Coventry, Solihull, Warwickshire, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, Lancashire, Cheshire and Warrington, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Tees Valley, North East, Gloucestershire, Somerset council, Swindon, Bournemouth, Isle of Wight and New Forest.
To check the restrictions in place in your local area use the Government postcode checker here. A full list of the tier changes is available here.
The Health Secretary also confirmed the passage of the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. The UK has 100 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on order which combined with the Pfizer vaccine is enough to vaccine every adult in the UK with both doses. More information on the roll out of the new vaccine is expected shortly.
Finally, the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson is expected to make an announcement at 4pm on schools.
Tougher Covid rules begin for millions in UK
Around six million people in east and south-east England have gone into tier four, England's highest Covid level - which includes a "stay at home" order.
Lockdowns have also started in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and measures have been reimposed in Wales after being eased for Christmas.
It comes after official UK coronavirus deaths passed 70,000 on Christmas Day.
The toughest measures - which mean the closure of all non-essential shops, as well as hairdressers, swimming pools and gyms - now apply to around 24 million people in England, more than 40% of the population.The whole of Sussex, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, as well Essex, Waverley in Surrey, and all of Hampshire with the exception of the New Forest, are now in tier four.
Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Swindon, the Isle of Wight, the New Forest and Northamptonshire, as well as Cheshire and Warrington, have all moved up to tier three. Meanwhile, Cornwall and Herefordshire have moved from tier one to tier two.
Tier four restrictions mean shops in many town and city centres have been closed for the first time in decades on Boxing Day, when there are usually sales.
Matt Hancock Statement 23.12.20
Given the sharp rise in cases particularly in the south of England, Hancock stressed that measures must be tightened to get the virus under control. Therefore, from 00:01 on Boxing Day, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, those parts in Essex not already in tier four, Waverley in Surrey, and Hampshire - including Portsmouth and Southampton but with the exception of the New Forest - will be escalated to tier four.
Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset (including the North Somerset area), Swindon, the Isle of Wight, the New Forest and Northamptonshire, as well as Cheshire and Warrington, will be escalated to tier three.
Cornwall and Herefordshire will be escalated to tier two.
Another development is that surveillance has detected 2 cases of a new variant from South Africa. The Government is quarantining the cases and close contacts of the cases found in the UK. Hancock stressed that if anyone has been to South Africa in the last fortnight they must automatically quarantine. This will be temporarily written into law.
On testing, community testing is going to be expanded to areas where the rate of infection higher. At the moment, 116 areas are signed up for this testing and the Government are in conversations with local authorities to extend it further. The Government also urges everyone to engage with local testing if they can.
Finally, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has today, submitted full data to the MHRA (independent regulator) for full approval to be deployed in the UK. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is now being administered from 500 sites and is continuing to be expanded. Vaccinations in care homes have now also begun.
Government Press Conference: French borders updates
Published 22nd December
Yesterday afternoon, the Prime Minister held a press conference from Downing Street after an emergency COBRA meeting.
The Prime Minister updated the nation on the French borders situation after last nights 11pm ban of freight with a driver by French Government.
The PM stressed that the delays are only at Dover and only impact 20% of human handled freight (20%) arriving to and from the European continent. He highlighted that most goods and medicines are coming as normal and the delays only apply to a small amount of food entering the UK.
The Government assured the public that they have been working for a very long time to prepare the border for the end of the transition and have worked closely with groups such as Kent resilience forum and Kent county council to create plans for situations like these.
The Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps confirmed that after great efforts today working with the French Government and other stakeholders, the amount of queued hauliers has been reduced from 500 to 170. He added that people and hauliers should continue to avoid the area and thanked everyone for their cooperation.
Business Rates Frozen Until 2022 in Wales
Chancellor Extends Business Support Schemes
More information can be found here: Chancellor extends furlough and loan schemes
Further restrictions to be implemented across the UK
The Prime Minister noted that new strain was more transmissible, but that there was no evidence that it was more lethal or caused more severe symptoms, or that the existing vaccines were any less effective against it. The results of these deliberations are the following measures for England:
A new tier 4 level of restrictions has been created. This will apply in parts of London, the South East, and the East of England. A map of the areas covered by tier 4 is here and includes London: all 32 boroughs and City of London. South East: Kent, Bucks, Berks, Surrey (except Waverley), Hastings & Rother, Havant, Gosport, Portsmouth. East: Bedford, Central Beds, Luton, Milton Keynes, Peterborough, Herts, Essex (except Colchester, Uttlesford & Tendring)
In the parts of the country in tier 4 there will be similar restrictions introduced to those in place in November:
- people must stay at home except in limited stated circumstances, meeting a maximum of one person from another household
- non-essential shops will have to close; as per lockdowns earlier in the year convenience stores are defined as essential and can open as usual
- other services such as indoor gyms and hairdressers must also close
- people should work from home unless not possible to do so
- those living in tier 4 cannot mix outside of their own household, with limited exceptions for those in support bubbles, or travel outside of their local area
- No-one in tier four will be allowed to join Christmas Day bubbles in tiers one to three.
New tier 4 restrictions apply from 0001 on Sunday 20 December. The next formal review will take place on 30 December.
In tiers 1 to 3, people will be able to mix with up to three households at Christmas, but only for Christmas Day itself.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave a press conference at 5.30pm in which she set out the following policy changes:
- A strict travel ban between Scotland and the rest of the UK including during Christmas
- In door mixing in a bubble for Christmas day only, but strong advice not to mix households if possible
- On Christmas day a maximum of eight people from three households remains in place
- After Christmas, level 4 restrictions will apply from Boxing day for three weeks for Mainland Scotland
- Key worker children will return to school from 5th January. Other Children to return from 11th January but with online learning
Wales' First Minister Mark Drakeford confirmed in a statement that the Welsh Government will bring forward the alert level four restrictions for Wales:
- new restrictions will come into effect from midnight tonight instead of during the Christmas period
- non-essential retail, close contact services, gyms and leisure centres and hospitality will close at the end of trading today
- Stay-at-home restrictions will also come into effect from midnight
- Two households will be able to for a Christmas Bubble but only for Christmas Day.
Tier system review
Hancock highlighted that cases across the UK and world are rising rapidly again. He said that cases are up 46% over the past week in the south of England and added that there are 18,038 people in hospital with coronavirus across the UK.
Following the review yesterday, the Health Secretary confirmed that the following places will be moved into tier 3:
Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Peterborough, The whole of Hertfordshire, Surrey (except Waverley), Hastings and Rother, Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant.
In addition, Bristol and North Somerset will move down to tier 2 and Herefordshire will move to tier 1.
These changes will come into effect from 00:01 on Saturday 19 December.
To see the restrictions in place in your area go here.
Welsh Covid-19 Restriction Announcement
The new restrictions that will apply to the entirety of Wales are;
- All non-essential retail, including close contact services and all leisure and fitness centres will close at the end of trading on Christmas Eve.
- All hospitality premises will close from 6pm on Christmas Day.
- Tighter restrictions on household mixing, staying-at-home, holiday accommodation and travel will apply from December 28, after the five-day Christmas period.
The Welsh Government press release on today's announcement is available here.
The Welsh Government Covid Control Plan is available here.
Covid-19 Update 14.12.20
Published 14th December
This afternoon the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock has announced that further areas will be moved to tier 3 following sharp rises in the cases of Covid-19.
From Wednesday at 12:01am, London, south and west Essex and the south of Hertfordshire (Three Rivers, Watford, Hertsmere and Broxbourne) will move to tier 3. The parts of Essex are: Basildon, Brentwood, Harlow, Epping Forest, Castle Point, Rochford, Maldon, Braintree, Chelmsford, Thurrock and Southend-on-Sea. The postcode checker is available here.
People in these areas will only be able to meet in outdoor public places upholding the rule of six. All hospitality must close but takeaway can remain open and non-essential retail can remain open. The tier 3 guidance is avaliable here.
The Health Secretary also announced there has been a new development on the virus itself. Health officials have identified a new variant of Covid-19 which is now being analysed by the World Health Organisation and Public Health England. It has been reported that there is currently 1,000 cases that have been identified with this variant.
As a result of the developments, this weekend the Government will extend testing to 67 local authorities with a particular focus on the new tier 3 areas.
Finally, Welsh Government has published its updated Covid-19 control plan that sets out the new 4 alert levels announced last week. The entirety of Wales will fall under alert level 3 if the restrictions are approved after a vote in Welsh Parliament tomorrow.
Welsh Government Covid-19 Update 11.12.20
Published 11th December
The Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford, has provided an update on the rising cases of Covid-19 and new Covid-19 Control Plan. The plan is set to be published on Monday and will move Wales to a four level system that will cover the entirety of Wales, instead of the regional system used elsewhere in the UK.
The four levels are as follows;
- Alert level one/low-risk - this represents the closest to normality we are likely to have before the summer and the widespread availability and take-up of vaccination.
- Alert level two/medium-risk - additional, targeted controls are in place to maintain infection rates at lower levels. These may be complemented by more targeted local restrictions to manage hotspots or specific incidents and outbreaks.
- Alert level three/high-risk - these are the strictest package of restrictions, short of a firebreak or lockdown.
- Alert level four/very high risk - restrictions at this level are equivalent to a lockdown and reflect the seriousness of the situation.
The First Minister stated that Wales is currently at level 3 but gave strong indications of a move to level 4 if infection rates do not fall. The full written statement on the updated Covid control plan for Wales is available here.
In event of moving to level 4, the same Firebreak restrictions will apply as last time, meaning that essential retailers must not sell non-essential items where they have separate designated locations in store concessions. The guidance documents on business closures and sale of non-essential products from the previous firebreaks is available here.
We will communicate updated guidance when it is available.
Government Press Conference 10.12.20
Published 10th December
This afternoon, the Health Secretary Matt Hancock delivered a press conference outlining the deployment of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and further testing. Hancock was pleased to announce that the vaccination programme started on Tuesday and has already reached many people; meaning the NHS has become the first healthcare system in the world to deliver a vaccine for Covid-19.
The current data shows that;
- Average number of new cases is 16,236, showing a rise since last week.
- 15,242 patients are currently hospitalised with the virus.
- Sadly there was 516 deaths yesterday.
Hancock highlighted that there the previous fall in cases after the national lockdown has flattened and cases are now rising in Kent, Essex and London. In these areas, the fastest rise of cases is amongst 11-18 year olds. It was noted that a rise in cases in young people can become detrimental to cases in older more vulnerable age groups which is why this will now be closely monitored.
In light of the rise in cases of 11-18 year olds, action will be taken before the tier review on 16th December. Testing will now be rolled out via deployed mobile testing units to all secondary school areas in worst effected seven boroughs of London, areas of Essex that border London and Kent. Further details are expected to be set out tomorrow.
As of today, 73 hospitals are delivering the vaccine to those at the top of the priority list announced last week. The Government announced today that this will be expanding to 10 more locations and from next week, vaccinations will be given in GP led sites. Care homes will also receive the vaccination before Christmas.
Next year, the Government intends to open sports stadiums and other large capacity venues to increase the roll out. Hancock reiterated that the NHS will contact you when you are to receive the vaccine.
The Government is currently working with 100 local authorities and all devolved governments to mobilise community based testing. Hancock stressed that this offer remains available all across the UK. The Government announced today the NHS testing business plan which sets out how this texting will be expanded further. Hancock highlighted vast improvements to the NHS Test and Trace facility which now reaches 86% of positive contacts which is up from 60% just a few weeks ago. In addition, from today, people instructed to isolate by app and are eligible can claim the £500 support payment through the app.
Finally, the Health Secretary stressed that even will mass vaccination we must stay vigilant and sensible; respecting the current restrictions and maintaining the hands, face, space protocol.
JCIV Confirm Vaccination Strategy
Published 8th December
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has published guidance confirming the groups that should be prioritised for vaccination. The guidance confirms that the Government's priority list published in September has remained unchanged.
Residents in care homes and their carers will be the first to receive the vaccine with all those over 80 and frontline health workers next. Today, the first 800,000 doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine have begun to be administered across the UK. The UK has also ordered a total of 40 million doses which are expected to reach health workers, care staff and over 80s over the next several weeks. The report suggests occupational prioritisation could form part of a second phase of the programme.
NHS Test and Trace Reaches over One Million Positive Cases
Published 8th December
The NHS Test and Trace app has reached over one million people who have tested positive for Covid-19. Following improvements being made to the service to make it easier to log tracing information, contract tracers have increased the proportion of contacts reached by the service from 60.5% to 72.5%. The improvements to the service have also increased
the proportion of people completing the testing process within 24 hours. For the current reporting period, 84.9% of in-person test results were received the next day after the test was taken, compared with 79.0% reported in the previous week. This follows strengthened local and national partnerships becoming live, with 250 partnerships now active.
DHSC: More than one million cases reached by NHS Test and Trace
Covid-19 Advice on Returns Removed
Published 8th December
The Government has updated the Working Safely During Coronavirus Shops and Branches guidance. The guidance previously stated that ‘items that have been returned, donated, or brought in for repair should be stored in a container or separate room for 48 hours or cleaned before display'. This has now been has been removed, confirming that there is now no requirement to store items upon return to the store.
Scottish Lockdown Restrictions Eased
First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that restrictions in Scotland will be eased as the 11 council areas under level 4 of lockdown will move to level 3 this Friday. This means that Glasgow, Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire, East and West Dunbartonshire, North and South Lanarkshire, East and South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian will all exit level level four on Friday. The other five local authorities will move to a lower level from Friday but Edinburgh will remain at level three. The Minister also confirmed that non-essential retail will open on Friday 11th December at 6pm. It was added that this intends to help stores manage flow of customers after a period of closure.
Jersey hospitality closures come into effect after tonight
It means they will be closed over Christmas and New Year.
In a move prompted by a sharp rise in coronavirus cases, the island's health minister said he had to cut the risk of people from different households socialising together.
He called it a "hospitality circuit breaker" after 56 more people tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the total of known, active infections to 331.
It means, in the past week, 248 people have been found to have the virus in Jersey.
Eight are in hospital - most of whom were admitted for other reasons.
During the circuit breaker, people will also have to stay two metres apart from anyone else whenever they go out.
The new laws are expected to stay in place until 4 January.
PM hails vaccine approval
Press Conference & Covid-19 Developments 30.11.20
Published 1st December
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock delivered the press conference on Covid-19 and announced the publication of the Government's impact assessment of the new tiered system. Hancock highlighted that the national restrictions have been working, evident from the following data;
- R-Rate is now just below 1.
- Imperial University study shows cases have been brought down by one third since national restrictions were introduced.
- Current number of cases is 14,778, down from 25,331 on 16th November.
- Current number of hospital admissions is 15,712 down from 16,612 on 23rd November.
- Covid-19 cases grew by 11% in the week before the second lockdown, they have now decreased by 30%.
- There are still an average of 460 reported deaths per day.
The Health Secretary argued we must still be vigilant as 1 in 3 people are asymptomatic and we cannot risk cases rising again with Christmas and the flu season just round the corner.
In regards to vaccines and their progress, the NHS is now ready to administer a vaccine if approved by the MHRA. The UK Government has secured 2 million further doses, meaning there is now 357 million doses of 7 different vaccines.
Finally, for testing the Government has created a large operation for increasing testing capacity which is ready for use. From today, the Government is rolling out university testing and expanding community testing to ensure the safe return of students going home for Christmas. Hancock added the Government are paying particular focus on testing people who do not have symptoms to break the chain of transmission. This has proven a success in Liverpool where mass testing has brought cases down by three quarters. This style of testing will now be rolled out via community testing in all tier 3 areas to support them in the new tiered system.
Impact Assessment of Tiers and New Covid Regulations
The Government has published an impact assessment for the latest Covid-19 regulations in England, entitled "Analysis of the health, economic and social effects of COVID-19 and the approach to tiering". The full assessment is available here.
Additionally, the Government has also published the regulations scheduled for implantation on December 2nd. The SI document is available here, we will be reviewing the regulation but let me know if you have any questions on this at all.
Details on Extended Trading Hours Monday to Saturday in December January
A written ministerial statement to the House of Commons from Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick MP has outlined relaxations on retail opening hours for Monday - Saturdays in December and January. There are no national restrictions on opening hours on weekdays and Saturdays but local authorities are being encouraged to ensure planning restrictions do not prevent longer opening hours. This measure is being taken to support compliance with social distancing rules during the busier December and January period.
Non-essential retail shops are allowed to reopen in England from 2 December, regardless of regional tier level. The ministerial statement has also confirmed local authorities should not enforce delivery restrictions to shops until at least April 2021.
COVID-19 Updates - November
Temporary Extended Opening Hours - Monday to Saturday
Jenrick outlined the plans in an exclusive article in the Telegraph here and will set out the full details in a statement to parliament later today. The proposal will allow local authorities to temporarily set aside planning regulations that restrict opening hours and allow more flexibility for deliveries to stores. We will issue a further update later today when the full details have been announced.
Tiered System Location Allocations Announced
Matt Hancock confirmed that cases of Covid-19 are down 19% and hospital admissions down 7%, both from this time last week.
Therefore, as announced earlier this week, a tiered approach will be taken. Hancock noted that the tiers have been toughened and areas will be placed into the higher tiers than before in order to safeguard the progress made during the national lockdown.
There are 5 main indicators used by ministers to make decisions on tiers based on public health recommendations:
- Case detection rate (in all age groups and, in particular, amongst the over 60s);
- How quickly case rates are rising or falling;
- Positivity in the general population;
- Pressure on the NHS - including current and projected (3-4 weeks out) NHS capacity - including admissions, general/acute/ICU bed occupancy, staff absences; and
- Local context and exceptional circumstances such as a local but contained outbreak.
The Government has published guidance on what is allowed in each tier in terms of working, socialisation and hospitality. The main changes to the tiers from the last regional tier system are;
Tier 1 - Work from home where possible.
Tier 2 - In hospitality, alcohol can only be sold alongside ‘substantive meals'.
Tier 3 - All hospitality to close except for delivery/takeaway.
The Health Secretary announced that Cornwall, Isle of Wight and Isle of Scilly will be in tier 1, with the rest of England in tier 2 or 3. He added that whilst progress is evident, some areas must remain in tier 3 to keep the virus under control; including Birmingham and Manchester. The full allocations of locations are available here and the first review point for the current tier allocations will take place by Wednesday 16 December.
England to Return to Regional Three-Tier System
Published 24th November
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced the plans for the end of the national lockdown in England, which will end on Wednesday 2nd December.
The national lockdown will be replaced by a return to a regional three-tier system in which nonessential retail, personal care, gyms and leisure can reopen and people can meet in outdoor public spaces following the rule of six. The Government is expected to announce which locations fall into which tiers on Thursday. Tier 1 will involve the requirement to work from home where possible. In Tier 2, alcohol will only be sold alongside ‘substantive meals’ in hospitality businesses. In Tier 3 areas, all hospitality will need to close except for takeaway and delivery. More information on the tiers can be found here.
Johnson also set out the Covid-19 Winter plan which seeks to carry the country through to the spring when vaccines are readily available, mass rapid testing is in place and the pressure is less for the NHS. The Prime Minister set out that the UK will not have a n
ormal Christmas but all four nations are working closely together to allow some form of celebration to take place. The full details of the Covid-19 Winter Plan is available here.
Devolved Update
Published 24th November
In Wales, the First Minister Mark Drakeford has confirmed that following a review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 4) (Wales) Regulations 2020, it is "too early to ease any of the restrictions".
The Welsh Health Minister has suggested that in the run up to Christmas, Wales will look to consider measures introduced in Scotland and England where a tier system is followed. In Scotland, a review of Coronavirus alert levels is due later today with few, if any changes expected. The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently announced changes for regions in its tier system; East Lothian will move down a protection level from 6 AM today and Midlothian will remain in Level 3 due to an increase in positive cases. Welsh Government, Scottish and Northern Irish leaders are engaging on a joined up approach to planning for the Christmas period to consider a temporary relaxation
of certain restrictions.
Welsh Government: Written Statement: Review of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 4) (Wales) Regulations 2020
Scottish Government Announce Food and Drink Recovery Plan
Published 24th November
The Scottish Government has announced £5 million for the food & drink sector to help its recovery from coronavirus and prepare for Brexit.
The joint industry and government plan contains over fifty actions to achieve two key goals; assist in stimulating demand for produce in key markets and support businesses in capitalising on consumer demand. The plan builds on the work of the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership in delivering Ambition 2030 which is the strategy for the growth of the sector. The funding provides a commitment to enable Scotland's food and drink industry to work with the Government, to innovate fairer, greener and more sustainable solutions to the challenges that Covid-19 and
EU-Exit are anticipated to bring in the future.
Scottish Government: Food & Drink Recovery Plan
Vaccine to be reviewed by Government Agency
Published 24th November
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is now being reviewed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's (MHRA) to determine whether it meets the UK Government's standards of quality, safety, and effectiveness.
Data from Pfzier has suggested the vaccine is 94% effective in protecting those over 65 from Covid-19. This vaccine will only be authorised for supply and use in the UK if the MHRA agrees it meets the standards and can be consistently manufactured. Including vaccines from other manufacturers, the UK Government has purchased 355 million doses. To support people over the Winter months, the Government has also made available a free flu vaccine to all
over 50s in the UK from 1st December.
Department of Health and Social Care: Government welcomes the MHRA review into Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine
PM Covid-19 Announcement 23.11.20
Published 23rd November
This afternoon the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson announced the restrictions that will come into place after the national lockdown in England ends on Wednesday 2nd December. The PM set out the Covid-19 Winter plan which seeks to carry the country through to the spring when vaccines are readily available, mass rapid testing is in place and the pressure is less for the NHS.
The PM confirmed that the second national lockdown in England has suppressed the virus and so the lockdown will end, as anticipated on Wednesday 2nd December.
From next Wednesday, the following restrictions will come into effect (subject to Parliamentary vote):
- A regional 3-tiered approach
- People can meet in outdoor public spaces whilst upholding the rule of six
- Non-essential retail, personal care, gyms and leisure can reopen
The full details of the Covid-19 Winter Plan is available here.
It was confirmed that the new tiered system is going to be tougher than the previous to ensure that it suppresses the virus in areas that are highly infected. On Thursday, the Government is expected to announce which locations fall into which tiers. The PM made clear that it is likely regions will come under higher tiers than before to ensure the virus transmission continues to decline. The main changes to the previous tiers will be;
Tier 1 - Work from home where possible.
Tier 2 - In hospitality, alcohol can only be sold alongside ‘substantive meals'.
Tier 3 - All hospitality to close except for delivery/takeaway.
The Prime Minister highlighted that two significant breakthroughs will mean that we can move away from a tiered approach and resume a more normal life which is expected by Spring. Firstly, the vaccine which is anticipated to begin roll out in December with the majority being administered in the new year. Secondly, the extension of lateral flow rapid testing which gives results in 30 minutes. The use of rapid testing will be expanded to the NHS, care homes in England and for those within food manufacturing. In addition, due to the success of the mass testing pilot in Liverpool, the armed forces will be facilitating a wider mass testing programme given to all tier three regions. These areas will benefit from a six-week mass testing programme to supress the virus.
The Government also announced that it hopes to end automatic isolation, communicated by NHS Test and Trace, for people that have come into contact with someone who tests positive. This is subject to taking a test every day for a week to ensure they are not infected.
On Christmas, Johnson said that it will be not a normal Christmas but the devolved Governments and Westminster are working closely together to develop a realistic and safe plan that allows some form of celebration to take place. The Government will also be issuing specific guidance for Clinically Vulnerable People to ensure they are kept safe at a time when more socialising will take place.
Government Press Conference 20.11.20
Published 20th November
The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock gave a press conference this afternoon detailing the reduction of Covid-19 cases and vaccination progress.
Hancock detailed the current data on cases of Covid-19:
- Average number new cases are at 22,287 down from around 24,000 at this time last week
- 16,409 hospitalisations with Covid-19
- 511 reported deaths yesterday
Whilst these statistics are still dramatically high, Hancock noted that along with Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey data published today, figures are showing the second peak is flattening.
Hancock said that a record breaking 12 million flu vaccines have been given this year with the Government now announcing further roll out of free flu jabs to all over 50 year olds from 1st December (GP's will be in contact to communicate eligibility). The Government are urging all those who are eligible to get the vaccine to ensure people are at less of a risk from contracting Covid-19 and Flu at the same time which could be fatal.
The Government today announced that it has asked the independent regulator, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to assess the Pfizer vaccine after receiving promising results from phase 3 of its trials and gaining data showing it is 95% effective with no serious safety concerns. This is the first step into formally approving the vaccine and full data will be submitted to MHRA in the coming days.
The Government is currently working with the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) to plan for the roll out of the vaccine and the NHS is in the process of establishing a network of vaccination centres ahead of the intention for the roll out to start next month, with the majority being administered in the new year.
Scotland: Level 4 lockdown to be imposed in 11 council areas
Published 19th November
More than two million people are to be placed under Scotland's toughest Covid lockdown restrictions from Friday.
The move will see level four rules imposed in 11 council areas across western and central Scotland, including Glasgow.
It will mean non-essential shops, pubs, restaurants and gyms will have to close, although schools will still be open.
The level four restrictions will remain in place until 11 December.
They will be imposed from 18:00 on Friday in East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.
North and South Lanarkshire, East and South Ayrshire, Stirling and West Lothian will also move to level four - with about 2.3 million people affected across the 11 local authority areas.
Oxford vaccine 'encouraging' in older adults
Published 19th November
The Oxford coronavirus vaccine shows a strong immune response in adults in their 60s and 70s, raising hopes it can protect those in age groups most at risk of illness from the virus. Researchers describe the findings, based on 560 healthy adult volunteers and peer-reviewed in medical journal the Lancet, as "encouraging".
Scheme to recruit Welsh workers to technology launches
Published 18th November
A scheme to recruit redundant or at-risk workers into the technology industry has started.
Level Up is to help displaced workers or those at risk of redundancy to learn new skills and connect with technology businesses which are recruiting.
It comes as official figures showed about 16% of Welsh technology companies saw an increase in business during the pandemic.
An online event on Wednesday is helping workers connect with businesses.
The tech industry contributes £8.5bn (8.3%) a year to the economy in Wales and employs more than 40,000 people.
Press Conference
Published 16th November
This afternoon, Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, led the Downing Street Press Briefing.
Hancock detailed evidence of the current number of cases and hospitalisations, stating that:
- Average number of new coronavirus cases each day in the UK is now 25,329, up from 22,443 last week.
- 14,915 Covid patients in hospital today, up from 13,025.
- 168 deaths recorded yesterday.
In an attempt to respond to the rising numbers of Covid-19 cases, a network of 40 long term Covid clinics will be set up to help people cope with the long term effects of COVID-19.
The Health Secretary also announced that Britain has bought 5 million doses of Moderna vaccine, but added that it will not be available before April, with more not expected until second half of 2021. It is also expected that two new testing "mega labs" will open in early 2021, which will add 600,000 to the UK's daily testing capacity.
Dr Hopkins, Interim Chief Medical Adviser of NHS Test and Trace spoke on mass testing. Outling the importance of testing and provided a briefing on lateral flow testing.
NHS Covid-19 App Compatibility Extended
Published 10th November
The NHS Covid-19 app used in England and Wales has now been integrated with the contact tracing apps used in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Jersey and Gibraltar.
A user of any of the apps will be notified if they have been in ‘close contact', typically defined as within 2 metres for at least 15 minutes, of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 and is using any of the other apps. The apps used across the UK and territories include Protect Scotland, StopCovid NI, Jersey COVID alert and Beat COVID Gibraltar. This will provide enhanced protection for those travelling between regions as national restrictions change.
Welsh Government: NHS COVID-19 app now compatible across whole of UK, Jersey and Gibraltar
DHSC Issues Guidance for Liverpool Mass Covid-19 Testing Pilot
Published 10th November
The Government has issued new guidance now that regular Covid-19 testing is available to everyone living or working in Liverpool.
Testing is available for everyone, including children and those without symptoms. The mass testing pilot will inform any future testing rollouts across the country. The guidance advises Liverpool residents where to go to get a test, how to get a test if you do not have symptoms and what happens at the test site. Home testing is also available for those who live further than walking distance from a test site. The testing pilot will use a lateral flow test, a swab test that gives results in less than an hour and does not need to go to a laboratory. Those tested will receive the results on the same day by text or email.
DHSC: Getting tested for coronavirus if you live or work in Liverpool
New Restrictions Introduced as Welsh Firebreak Ends
Published 10th November
A new set of national measures have been introduced to replace the Welsh firebreak restrictions. The new national restrictions aim to help control and limit the spread of Covid19 whilst allowing businesses to re-open and permit socialisation. The new national measures include; two households can form a bubble, socialising in groups of up to four in indoor regulated areas such as hospitality settings and groups of up to fifteen people for indoor activities. All retail can trade and the ban on the sale of non-essential products is over. For hospitality that is licenced to sell alcohol, it cannot be sold between 10pm and 6am, and where premises have a licence to sell alcohol, they will have to close at 10.20pm.
Retailers must continue to follow the Keep Wales Safe Guidance and the FAQs page has been updated to reflect the new restrictions.
Welsh Government: Firebreak lockdown in Wales
PM Press Conference 09.11.20
Published 9th November
This afternoon, the Prime Minister has held a press conference to explain the progress made with Covid-19 vaccinations and the Liverpool mass testing pilot. The PM stated that Sage have reported the R-rate is above 1 and death figures are averaging 300 per day which is double what they were 20 days ago.
Today, it was announced that the Pfizer vaccine trial has been 90% successful in protecting people against the virus. Around 44,000 volunteers have been involved in the study, of which 22,000 have had the vaccine. The findings now need to be peer reviewed and the health and safety data must be processed.
The Prime Minister stated that once the vaccine is approved, the country is ready to use it and it will be rolled out via UK wide NHS led programme. The Government is currently working with experts and the Joint Committee for Vaccinations and Immunisations to assess who the vaccine will be offered to. The PM did highlight that it is still early days and although this is progress, it cannot be relied upon.
The second theme surrounded the first mass testing pilot that began in Liverpool last Friday. The Government are urging people in Liverpool to use the testing where they can to contribute to the progress of the pilot. The Government are now also distributing rapid tests to local authorities and devolved administrations.
Finally, it was stressed that neither mass testing or progress on vaccines are a substitute for national restrictions at present. The Prime Minister reasserted to the nation that it is very important the rules are followed and this will lead to a tiered system being reintroduced when national lockdown ends on 2nd December.
Guidance published for Essential Businesses permitted to remain open during second lockdown
Published 6th November
The Government has today published the full guidance on the businesses and venues that will be permitted to remain open over the 4 week lockdown from Thursday 5th November to Wednesday 2nd December.
The following businesses and venues that provide goods for sale or hire are permitted to remain open, including if they operate from an outdoor market stall, or at a defined concession within a shopping centre:
- Food retailers, including food markets, supermarkets, convenience stores and corner shops. This also includes fresh food retailers (such as butchers, bakers, greengrocers, fishmongers, and delicatessens)
- Off licenses and licensed shops selling alcohol
- Pharmacies (including non-dispensing pharmacies) and chemists
- Newsagents
- Hardware (such as tools, builders' hardware, paint and glass) stores, building merchants and building services
- Petrol stations, car repair shops, bicycle shops and MOT services. Other vehicle repair can also go ahead at these venues.
- Car parks and motorway service areas
- Taxi or vehicle hire businesses
- Banks, building societies, credit unions, short term loan providers, savings clubs, cash points and undertakings which by way of business operate currency exchange offices, transmit money (or any representation of money) by any means or cash cheques which are made payable to customers
- Post offices
- Funeral directors
- Laundrettes and dry cleaners
- Dental services, opticians, audiology services, chiropody, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health
- Veterinary surgeons, animal rescue centres, boarding facilities and pet shops. Animal grooming facilities may also stay open but must only be used for the purposes of the animal's welfare (and not for aesthetic purposes).
- Garden centres and agricultural supplies shops. This does not include florists.
- Storage and distribution facilities, including delivery drop off or collection points, where the facilities are in the premises of a business allowed to remain open. For example, you can return an order to a drop box in a supermarket or drop it off for collection in a newsagents. Deliveries of supplies can also go ahead for premises that are otherwise required to close by law.
Businesses that provide services (rather than goods) - such as accountants, solicitors, and estate agents - are not required to close, unless subject to restrictions. These businesses should take steps to ensure they are COVID-19 Secure including, where possible, providing services remotely or virtually.
The Government cannot provide comments on individual cases of whether or not a business is permitted to open. It is for each business to assess whether they are a business required to close having considered the guidance and Regulations.
Prime Ministers Press Conference 05/11/2020
Published 5th November
The Prime Minister has made a statement this afternoon to address the nation at the start of England's month long national lockdown.
The national lockdown has been the result of a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases and the PM shared updated data to evidence this;
- Average of new cases being 22,398 per day
- Currently 12,320 patients in hospital with the virus
- Currently 1,142 patients relying on mechanical ventilation
- Yesterday there were sadly 492 deaths
- Weekly average fatality rate of 295
Boris Johnson highlighted the shared goal to supress the virus, not overwhelm the NHS and ultimately save lives. The PM reiterated the efforts being made via the vast testing regimes including 32 million tests conducted in total, half a million tests available every day and the new mass testing pilot beginning tomorrow in Liverpool.
The Government is working with devolved nations to build a strategy for Christmas to allow family and friends to socialise. For now however, the country must endure tough restrictions in efforts to defeat the virus and achieve the aim of resuming the tier system on Wednesday 2nd December. The national restrictions now in place in England include staying and working from home where possible and only leaving for education, jobs that cannot be done from home and for essential activities such as food shopping. The national restrictions can be accessed at Gov.uk.
Earlier today, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced further fiscal measure to support the country during the second national lockdown and beyond. He also reiterated that the measures will be UK wide. The measures are;
- Furlough has been extended to March 2021 at 80% of employees' wages
- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until the end of March 2021 (employers only need to contribute NICs and pensions payments and the Government will review employee contributions to wages in January)
- Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will now cover 80% of average trading profits from November to January (capped at £7,500).
Finally the NHS Chief Executive, Simon Stevens reiterated the hard work of the NHS and its ability to serve the nation. However, it was stressed that this is heavily dependent on the nations response to this national lockdown to ensure cases do not significantly rise and usual routine treatments can be carried out.
New National Restrictions from today
Published 5th November
COVID-19 case numbers are rising rapidly across the whole of the UK and in other countries. The government are acting now to control the spread of the virus.
From Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, you must:
- Stay at home, except for specific purposes.
- Avoid meeting people you do not live with, except for specific purposes.
- Close certain businesses and venues.
These new measures will reduce the growth rate of the virus, which will:
- prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed
- ensure schools, colleges and universities can stay open
- ensure that as many people as possible can continue to work
To read the full list of COVID-19 restrictions visit the Government website here.
Chancellor extends furlough scheme to March
Published 5th November
The jobs furlough scheme, set up in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak, will be extended until the end of March. It provides 80% of the pay of temporarily laid-off workers.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the policy would be reviewed in January.
England and Wales Covid-19 Update
The Prime Minister has just addressed the nation to outline the new national lockdown announced on Saturday 31st October.
The decision to place the country back into national lockdown is based on the evidence of rapidly increasing cases across the nation and the growing concern of an overwhelmed NHS that would put both Covid patients and those seeking to access normal care at high risk.
England
The new restrictions mean that from Thursday 5th November the following will apply;
- People should stay at home unless they are leaving for; education, work, medical reasons, shop for food and essentials, provide care for vulnerable people or as a volunteer.
- Non-essential shops, personal care, leisure, hospitality sectors are all being forced to close.
- Those in single adult households can still form bubbles with another household as done in the previous lockdown.
- For the clinically vulnerable, those over 60 should minimise their contact with others. It is also encouraged that clinically extremely vulnerable should work from home.
The Prime Minister has also announced a series of fiscal measures;
- The furlough scheme will be extended throughout November, providing employees 80% of their salary.
- Self-employment support scheme will also double from 40% to 80% for November.
The national lockdown will expire on Wednesday 2nd December. After this date, providing that the evidence supports, the Prime Minister intends for the country to move towards a regional and local tier system that Parliament will be required to vote on. The Prime Minister highlighted that the Government is working with devolved administrations to create a plan for Christmas and speed up the introduction of rapid Covid tests.
Wales
Earlier today, the Welsh First Minister, Mark Drakeford made an announcement surrounding the first post-firebreak plans for Wales.
It was announced that from Monday 9th November, two households can form extended household bubbles. This means that only those two households can meet inside one of their own homes. In addition, socialising for groups can take place for up to 15 people for indoor activity and 30 people for outdoor activity.
In terms of hospitality, services and education; the restrictions on pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants are still under consideration. However, schools will fully reopen from 9th November and all businesses premises that have previously been closed can reopen from this date also.
For travel, there will be no restrictions inside wales but travel outside Wales will be prohibited without reasonable excuse. This is due to England entering a month long national lockdown and it being essential that there is no movement across the border allowing the two neighbouring countries to mix during this time.
COVID-19 Updates - October
Scotland Creates Five Level Tier System
HMRC Policy Paper Detailing Job Support Scheme
Business Rates Reform and Levelling Up Report
Applications Open for Scotland Loves Local Funding
Welsh Government Announce Restrictions on Sale of Items
Further Covid-19 related support for announced for businesses
Published 23rd October
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak MP, has made an announcement in the House of Commons regarding further Covid-19 related support for businesses.
The Chancellor reiterated that a regional, tiered approach is the right way to control the spread of the virus and the evidence supports this strategy.
After setting out the economic support for businesses who are legally required to close yesterday, the Government want to extend support to businesses who can stay open but are facing profound economic uncertainty, particularly in tier 2 areas. For example, due to the impact of health restrictions on businesses has been seen as significant.
The further support was announced in three steps;
- A new grant scheme for businesses facing tier 2 restrictions - This will provide direct cash grants centrally funded but distributed by local authorities. Funding will be allocated to local authorities based on their local hospitality and leisure sectors with a 5% top-up to distribute to other businesses affected by local restrictions that remain open. Local authorities will have discretion on retailer applications. The funding is enough to provide all hospitality and leisure businesses a grant worth £2,100 for every month that tier 2 restrictions apply. Grants can be backdated to the start of August.
- To protect jobs, the Government will provide more generosity to the Job Support Scheme (JSS) which begins on 1 November - two changes will be made to the scheme. Firstly, colleagues will be no longer required to work 33% of hours but 20%. Secondly, the employer contribution will be reduced to 5%. The Job Retention Bonus Scheme is unaffected.
- Increased contributions to incomes of the self-employed - doubling from 20% to 40% for the next round of the self-employment income support scheme to a £3,750 maximum. The next round will cover November to January with another grant to follow covering February to April.
More information on the announcement can be found here.
Local COVID alert level update for Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire and Lancashire
Published 22nd October
Following discussions between local leaders and the government which today concluded without an agreement, Greater Manchester will move from local COVID alert level high to very high from 00.01 on Friday 23 October. Lancashire will move from local COVID alert level high to very high from Saturday 17 October. South Yorkshire will move from local COVID alert level high to very high from 00.01 on Saturday 24 October.
This means that new measures will come into place including:
- people must not socialise with anybody they do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting or in any private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events
- people must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in an outdoor public space such as a park or beach, the countryside, a public garden or a sports venue
- all pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals
- betting shops, casinos, bingo halls, adult gaming centres and soft play areas will close
- people should try to avoid travelling outside the very high alert level or entering a very-high alert level area, other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities or to travel through as part of a longer journey
- residents should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, and others should avoid staying overnight in the very high alert area
Kickstart Employer Guidance Published
Published 14th October
The Department for Work and Pensions has published further guidance on the Kickstart Scheme, which is funding new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit. Retailers can apply for funding, which will cover 100% of the relevant statutory minimum wage rate for 25 hours per week for up to six months as well as associated employer National Insurance and auto-enrolment pension costs. An additional £1,500 payment will be made to the employer per placement to support with setup costs and employability training.
The guidance clarifies that placements under the Kickstart Scheme must start by the end of December 2021 and cannot reduce working hours for other colleagues. A Kickstart application must be for at least 30 placements, with retailers seeking to offer fewer placements needing to go through a kickstart gateway. Kickstart gateways will complete due diligence checks on retailers applying for funding, for example asking about changes to the workforce over the past six months, and can be found to begin applications here.
Devolved Update
Published 14th October
Bangor has been added to the list of areas with local Covid-19 restrictions in Wales, following a sharp rise in cases.
Residents will not be able to leave the city of Bangor but travel for work is exempted and a list of FAQs is here. This in addition to national measures in Wales preventing the sale of alcohol beyond 10pm and requiring face coverings to be worn in all indoor areas. Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP is widely reported to be drawing up a three-tier system to direct local Covid-19 restrictions, similar to England and following tighter restrictions in the central belt. Scottish Government Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop has also announced a £25m National Transition Training Fund to support workers aged 25 and over at risk of redundancy to develop skills to expand their job opportunities, particularly in industries where labour market growth is expected. The Fund will be targeted towards employees in sectors most affected by Covid-19.
PM introduces three-tier system
Published 9th October
Following the recent statement by the Prime Minister, a three-tier system has been introduced in efforts to control the spread of Coronavirus.
The Prime Minister stated that current evidence shows that the R rate is between 1.2 and 1.5 and the amount of cases of Covid-19 have quadrupled in the last 3 weeks. The Government is however reluctant to enter another full national lockdown and instead is introducing a three-tier system to simplify and standardise the previous local lockdown approach.
The three-tier approach is;
Medium - (current national measures) including rule of six and 10pm curfew.
High - (Current interventions in many local lockdown areas) Aim to reduce household to household transmission by banning all mixing in households (excluding social bubbles), rule of 6 also applies outdoors. Most areas currently subjected to local lockdowns will move into high alert tier straight away.
Very high - Prohibit all mixing of households both inside and outside (excluding social bubbles), full closure of hospitality. Potential closure of leisure and close contact services.
The Test and Trace app will show which alert applies in each area and this information can also be found via the government online resource by entering your postcode.
The Prime Minister confirmed that all retail, schools and universities will remain open despite the level of alert but this subject to constant review.
Following meetings with local authorities and officials, from Wednesday, Merseyside region will be in high alert meaning full closure of hospitality, a ban on all household mixing both indoors and outdoors, closure of gyms/leisure centres.
To provide further support, the Government will extend the current jobs support scheme to any business required to close and providing a cash grant of up to £3000/month subject to qualifying criteria such as RV. The Government will also provide Local Authorities with £1bn of additional support.
The newly set out regulations are being voted on in Parliament tomorrow and will be implemented from Wednesday.
Finally, the Prime Minister is due to address the nation at 7pm this evening but we expect that there will not be any further updates.
Business Support for Covid-19 Restrictions Expanded
Published 9th October
The Government's Job Support Scheme will be expanded to protect jobs and support retailers required to temporarily stop trading because of coronavirus restrictions.
Businesses required to shut will be paid monthly grants based on rateable value; £1,300 for sites below £15,000 RV, £2,000 per site for stores between £15,000 - £51,000 RV and £3,000 for larger sites. The expansion means that businesses required to shut due to local or national measures will have two-thirds of colleague wages paid by the Government. Retailers would not be required to contribute to wages in these circumstances but must cover National Insurance and pension costs.
The UK-wide scheme will begin on 1st November and last for six months with an interim review in January. A HMRC claims service will be launched in December with payments made in arrears. The original Job Support Scheme announced during the Winter Economy Plan and Job Retention Bonus are unaffected. Further guidance will be published shortly.
Local restrictions update
Published 8th October
There are now 11 different local restrictions placed upon varying cities and areas witin England, including Greater Manchester, Leicester, North East of England, Lancashire, Blackpool, Blackburn with Darwen, Merseyside, Halton, Warrington, West Midlands and West Yorkshire.
To view information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do and how to manage the outbreak on any of these locations visit the government website here.
New restrictions for England likely next week
Published 8th October
Businesses are advised to prepare for coronavirus restrictions to be further tightened in parts of England early next week, with the closure of bars and restaurants a possibility. There could also be a ban on overnight stays away from home in some areas.
Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester have the highest infection rates in the country. These areas will be placed into the top tier of restrictions, possibly as early as Monday, in a new system called the Local Covid Alert Level.
Scotland Restrictions update
Published 7th October
Following the First Minister Nicola Sturgeons' speech this afternoon, a series of new restrictions have been introduced in Scotland (only) in an attempt to tackle the spread of Covid-19.
- The new restrictions that will come into effect on Friday 9th October are;
Social distancing measures in shops must ensure that there is a 2m distance between people - Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes will be able to serve customers indoors from 6am to 6pm for food and non-alcoholic drinks only
- Hotel restaurants will be able to operate beyond 6pm, but only for residents and without alcohol
Bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes can continue to serve alcohol outdoors up to the existing curfew time of 10pm
There are also additional restrictions for the central belt (Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Lanarkshire, Forth Valley, Lothian and Ayrshire and Arran), including:
- All licensed premises must close (with the exception of hotels serving residents) although takeaway services will still be permitted
- Cafes that do not have an alcohol licence will be able to open until 6pm
- Public transport is to be avoided unless absolutely necessary
The restrictions for both the central belt and wider Scotland will be in place from Friday October 9th until Sunday October 25th.
Single-Use Plastics Ban Takes Effect
Published 5th October
The single-use plastics ban has now come into effect in England as part of Government's 25 Year Environment Plan. Retailers are no longer permitted to supply or sell single-use plastic straws, cotton buds or drink stirrers to customers. Goods purchased before 1st October may still be sold as leftover supplies until 1st April. From July, retailers will also not be able to sell drinks products with single-use plastic straws attached to the packaging. Guidance on the ban can be accessed here.
COVID-19 Updates September
Self-Isolation Rules - Implications for Employers
Published 30th September
New regulations on self-isolation prohibit employers from allowing colleagues who are required to self-isolate from working in any place except the place where they are self-isolating. The regulations require workers to notify their employer of their requirement to self-isolate as soon as reasonably practicable and not later than when the worker is next due to start work in the isolation period.
The NHS Test and Trace service and Public Health England have the authority to use these regulations, requiring positive cases to isolate for ten days and close contacts for fourteen days. Offences under the regulations are punishable by fines or fixed penalty notices. The regulations were laid due to a rising infection rate and will be reviewed within six months. You can view the regulations in full here.
Local Restrictions Update
Published 30th SeptemberPublic Health England weekly surveillance report details that 38 new local authorities have been added to the watchlist, including all 32 London boroughs as ‘areas of concern'. Northern areas including Leeds, Wigan, Stockport and Blackpool have now been categorised as ‘areas of intervention' and people will no longer be able to mix with people outside their own households. In addition, a cross-party group of MPs are pushing for an amendment to ensure that future Covid-19 restrictions are voted on in Parliament in the future. This amendment is part of the Coronavirus Act which currently gives the Government a wide range of emergency powers to tackle the crisis such as lockdown restrictions (e.g. rule of six) and will be voted on at its six-month renewal next week.
View more details of all current local restrictions on the government website here.
Grants for Retailers in Wales
Published 30th September
The Welsh Government is providing an additional £60m funding to support businesses affected by local lockdowns which can demonstrate a "material impact" from Covid-19. The funding will provide grants of up to £1,500 for shops with a rateable value between £12,000 and £51,000, while grants of £1,000 will be available to shops with a rateable value below £12,000.
Local authorities will also be able to make discretionary grants of up to £1,500 to retailers not registered to pay business rates. The Welsh Government is also providing a further £80m via Phase Three of its Economic Resilience Fund to help businesses develop and secure jobs through business development grants. Retailers employing up to nine people will be able to apply for grants of up to £10,000 while larger businesses employing 250 or more will be able to apply for up to £200,000. The scheme will also reward businesses that create new job opportunities for those aged under 25. An eligibility checker for the grants will be provided next week.
Job Support Scheme to Replace Furloughing
Published 24th September
"The government will directly support the wages of people in work giving businesses who face depressed demand the option of keeping employees in a job on shorter hours rather than making them redundant".
The Chancellor has announced a Job Support Scheme to protect employees' continued employment on shorter hours where they are at risk of redundancy. Under the Scheme, for employees working at least 33% of normal hours, the Government and employer will each pay a further third of normal wages. Government contributions will be capped at £697.92 per month. This in effect means where the cap is not reached workers will get at least 77% of normal pay for working one-third of normal hours. The Scheme will run for six months from 1st November and be targeted at businesses which most need the financial support. All SMEs will be eligible but larger businesses must demonstrate they have been adversely impacted by Covid-19. Use or non-use of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to ‘furlough' employees will have no impact on the Jobs Support Scheme and government contributions will be paid to employers in arrears. The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme is also being extended to support businesses facing reduced demand over the winter months; the extended funding will cover 20% of average monthly trading profits. The extension will apply from November until April and businesses must continue to trade to be eligible.
Face coverings mandatory for retail workers
Published 24th September
It is now compulsory for all retail workers in England to wear face masks from today, 24th September.
As detailed in the below guidance, colleagues are not required to use a face covering where there is a physical barrier, such as a Perspex screen, between the colleague and customers:
Face coverings must be worn by retail, leisure and hospitality staff working in indoor areas which are open to the public and where they are likely to come into contact with a member of the public, for example shops, supermarkets and restaurants. If these businesses have taken steps in line with HSE guidance for Covid-19 Secure workplaces to create a physical barrier between workers and members of the public then staff behind the barrier will not be required to wear a face covering.
Colleagues are also exempt when they are not in a customer facing environment (e.g. stock room), if they have a hidden disability or another health condition, or if they are with someone who relies on lip reading to communicate with them.
For further information please see the government website here.
VAT Announcements
Published 24th September
"To support more than 150,000 businesses and help protect 2.4 million jobs through the winter I am announcing today that we are cancelling the planned increase and will keep the lower 5% VAT rate until March 31st next year".
The reduced 5% VAT rate has been extended for the hospitality and tourism sectors specifically until 31st March 2021. This will also apply to ‘food and non-alcoholic drinks from restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés and similar premises'. Separately, retailers who deferred their VAT due to Covid-19 earlier in the year will no longer have to pay a lump sum at the end of March next year. These businesses will now have the option of reducing this into smaller, interest-free payments over the course of eleven months. Self-assessed income taxpayers will also be able to use HMRC's Time to Pay service to secure a plan to pay over an additional twelve months.
Covid-19 Loan Schemes Extended
Published 24th September
"Right now, businesses need every extra pound to protect jobs rather than repaying loans and tax deferrals. So I'm taking four further steps today to make that happen".
Application deadlines for the Future Fund, Bounce Back Loan Scheme and Business Interruption Loan Schemes have been extended to 30th November to encourage wider use amongst businesses. Businesses that have taken out loans via either the Bounce Back Loan Scheme or Business Interruption Loan Schemes will also be offered the choice of more time and greater flexibility to make repayments. This ‘Pay as You Grow' scheme will mean loans can be paid back over six to ten years, more than doubling the current repayment timescales and reducing monthly payments. Businesses using the extended repayment timescales will not see their credit rating affected.
Prime Minister's statement
Following the Prime Minister's statement in the House of Commons earlier today, we can confirm that the Government intends to make the wearing of face coverings mandatory for colleagues in store from this Thursday (24th September).
The Government has yet to publish detail on any exemptions from this rule, although we anticipate that colleagues who would be otherwise exempt for medical reasons would also be exempt while working. As soon as further details are announced, we will provide an additional update.
The Government has also announced that the Covid secure workplace guidelines are to become law, and will be subject to sanctions if they are not followed.
The Covid secure guidelines for shops and branches are available here.
Other measures announced by the Prime Minister in his statement today include:
- From Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate on a table service only basis and must close at 10pm
- From Thursday, takeaways must also close at 10pm, but can operate a delivery service beyond that time
- If office workers can work from home, they should do so
- From Monday, there will be a maximum of 15 people allowed at weddings
- From Monday, the rule of six will be extended to all adult indoor team sports
The Prime Minister will be making a public statement at 8pm this evening. We do not anticipate that it will include new or different measures to those detailed above.
Reminder: VAT Payments Deferral Scheme Closed
Published 22nd September
HMRC is reminding all VAT customers that they are required to file and pay on time, now that the VAT payments deferral scheme has ended. The Government introduced the VAT payments deferral scheme at the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic on 20th March 2020. This allowed all VAT businesses to defer payments that would have originally been due between 20th March and 30th June to be paid by 31st March 2021. Customers were required to file on time throughout the deferral period but penalties for late filing were suspended. HMRC also want to ensure that customers understand the situation, and are clear that they will ‘default' if they fail to meet their VAT obligations and may face a penalty as well as being charged interest on any tax that is due. The Government have provided information on surcharges and penalties as well if customers have difficulties paying VAT.
FCA Set Out Expectations on Access to Cash
Published 22nd September
Following a consultation, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has set out its expectations for the steps firms should take when considering closing ATMs or converting a free-to-use ATM to pay-to-use. In its finalised guidance, the FCA has clarified that banks, building societies and credit unions are now expected to inform the FCA of any closure or conversion plans; this also includes changes of ATMs. The guidance states that if a firm decides to implement its closure or conversion proposals, it will be expected to clearly communicate information about this to its customers no less than 12 weeks before the proposals are implemented. This should include making customers aware of alternatives they can use. Therefore, this will give customers time to take action, such as changing banking provider. Retailers should now expect this 12-week consultation process to occur if there are any changes to ATM or in-store cash services. This guidance applies from 21st September 2020.
FCA: FCA finalises its expectation for firms on maintaining access to cash for customers
PSR Publishes Interim Report on Card Acquiring Market Review
Published 22nd September
The Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) has published an interim report on the supply of card acquiring services, showing that merchants could make savings by shopping around and either switching or negotiating with their current provider. The PSR found that many small and medium-sized businesses do not do this. The report provides several recommendations to make it easier to search for and switch to a new provider or find a better deal, including; requiring all contracts to have an end date and requiring changes to POS terminal contracts to limit their length making it easier to exit contracts without fees. The PSR also suggested that it should be made easier for merchants to research and compare prices and available options.
Chief Scientific Adviser and Chief Medical Officer Coronavirus briefing
Published 21st September
The Chief Scientific Adviser, Patrick Vallance, and the Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, provided an update on the latest data on Coronavirus in the UK and the potential action that may need to be taken to control the virus. The highlights from the briefing are:
Patrick Vallance Chief Scientific Adviser
- Vallance outlined that cases were rising across the whole of Europe.
The growth in the virus has started with younger people and spread to
older people, leading to an increase in hospitalisations and deaths.
- In the UK there have been increases in infection rates across different
age groups and the data suggests that this increase cannot be
attributed to higher testing rates.
- The data suggests that the epidemic is doubling roughly every seven days. If this continues without action you would end up something like 50,000 cases per day, leading to death rates at 200 deaths per day in a months' time.
- On Immunity, under 8% of the population may have been infected and may have anti-bodies. This means the vast majority of the population remain susceptible.
Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer
- Whitty outlined that localised outbreaks that have increased at a greater pace.
- The number of Coronavirus in-patients in hospitals in England has
increased in England since September 1, with a doubling every 7 or 8
days.
- Whitty said that "we have in a bad sense literally turned a corner" we should see this as a six month problem that we have to take very seriously.
- Whitty outlined four means to tackle the growth in the virus:
- Reducing individual risk; hands, face, space and use of masks and space between people indoors.
- People must isolate. It is absolutely critical that people stay indoors if they have the virus.
- Break unnecessary links between households.
- The Science. Invest in drugs and science.
- Patrick Vallance indicated that vaccines could be available in small doses this year but are more likely to be available early next year.
New restrictions in the North East of England
Published 17th September
Heath Secretary, Matt Hancock MP, in a statement to Parliament this morning has updated on the implementation of new restrictions in the North East of England, the highlights from the statement are;
• There has been an increase in infection rates in the North East of England. Sunderland now has an incidence rate of 103 positive cases per 100,000 population and in South Tyneside, Gateshead and Newcastle, the figures are all above 70.
• From tomorrow, additional lockdown measures will be introduced in the following council areas: Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead and County Durham council.
• New restrictions in the region include;
• Residents should not socialise with other people outside their own households or support bubble.
• Hospitality for food and drink will be restricted to table service only and late night restrictions of operating hours will be introduced, so leisure and entertainment venues must close between 10pm and 5am.
• The new restrictions do not impact convenience stores ability to trade .
• Matt Hancock announced £2.7 billion of new funding for the NHS during the winter months, investment in emergency care in NHS worth £150m and £24m to invest in call operators on NHS 111.
- Pub curfews and restrictions on people mixing are set to be introduced in Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead and County Durham at midnight on Thursday
- People in Rhondda Cynon Taf should not leave the area without a reasonable excuse like going to work or school. Pubs and restaurants must close by 23:00 and people should not meet other households indoors
- Households in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell are not allowed to mix
Test and Trace App Launch Date Announced
The NHS Covid-19 contact tracing is due to be launched on 24 September. This is part of national efforts to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. The app will work alongside traditional methods of contact tracing to notify users when they encounter someone who later tests positive and it will provide advice on what they should do. Those who use the app will be provided with local risk information and allow them to book testing quickly. The app also has the facility to use a built-in QR scanner to check in at venues required to record attendance. Retail premises are not generally required to record this information, however more information for businesses can be found here. Businesses can download QR code posters here.
Face Coverings Update Wales
There will be exemptions for people who are unable to wear face coverings due to health and medical reasons.
Face coverings will not be a requirement in pubs or restaurants but this is currently under review as to whether this should be extended to the hospitality sector.
The Welsh Government is currently updating the FAQ's, guidance and webpages to reflect the changes on rules surrounding facemasks and we will update members with these when they become available.
Scotland's Covid-19 contact tracing app goes live
Published 10th September
The Scottish government has said the software will support the Test and Protect system and is "another tool in the fight against Covid-19".
The Protect Scotland app lets people know if they have been in close contact with someone who later tests positive.
It can be downloaded for free onto a smart phone from Apple's App Store or Google Play.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged as many people as possible to get involved in the new tracing scheme.
Wash your hands, cover your face, make space
The new Government video advising people how best to avoid spreading the virus as winter approaches. The video ends with "Don't forget, Hands, Face, Space."
Prime Minister's Press Conference
- The number of confirmed cases are rising significantly although in younger children and older people, the rates of infection are low.
- Those aged between 20-29 and 30-39 have seen the highest uptick in infection rates. This is reflected in the proportion of those who are testing positive.
- Without action, the UK's case rate could follow that of France and Spain where cases have continued to rise significantly.
The Prime Minister reminded the public of the measures that everyone should be taking to reduce the risk of the virus spreading, including wearing a face covering, washing hands regularly and maintaining space between yourself and others wherever possible.
- The PM urged the public to limit social interactions as much as possible. In England from Monday, people must not meet socially in more than groups of six, which will apply both outdoors and indoors. The rules will be enforced by the police, and those breaking the rules face possible fines or arrest.
- Covid secure venues (gyms, restaurants, places of worship etc) can still hold more than six people in total, but inside the venue there must not be a group of more than six people together. Education and work settings are unaffected.
- Premises and venues where people meet socially will be legally required to record and retain the details of people who use them, keep that information for 21 days, and make it available to NHS Test and Trace on request. Fines will be levied against hospitality venues that fail to remain Covid secure.
- The Government is intending to increase testing capacity further to 500,000 tests a day. The ambition for testing is to start identifying people who are negative and not infectious to allow them to behave more normally. The aim is for these sorts of tests to be deployed on a far greater scale towards millions per day.
The PM also mentioned that the Government will restrict the opening hours of premises in some areas but did not elaborate - we are awaiting further details on this measure and will update in due course.
EHRC Publishes Guidance on Disabled Customers
Kickstart Scheme opens for employer applications
The 6 month placements are open to those aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long term unemployment. They will be available across a range of different sectors in England, Scotland and Wales. The first placements are likely to be available from November.
There will also be extra funding to support young people to build their experience and help them move into sustained employment after they have completed their Kickstart funded job.
Employers will receive funding for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions.
Read more on the government website here.
Updates to Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Published 1st September
From today, 1 September, the government will pay 70% of wages up to a maximum cap of £2,187.50 for the hours the employee is on furlough. Employers will top up employees' wages to ensure they receive 80% (up to £2,500). The caps are proportional to the hours not worked. You can read more information about the changes.
Unless you're making a new claim for an employee who is a military reservist or is returning from statutory parental leave, you can only continue to claim through the scheme if:
- you have previously furloughed the employee for 3 consecutive weeks between March 1 and 30 June
- you submitted your claim before 31 July
Read more about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on the government website here.
Use Class Order Changes in England
Published 1st September
Following Draft legislation published in July, it has now been confirmed that planned changes to overhaul the Use Classes order system will take effect from today- 1st September in England only. The changes set to abolish the A1 Use Class for shops. Most shops within the A1 Use Class will move into a broader ‘Commercial, Business and Service' Use Class E, alongside the previous financial and professional services (A2), restaurants and cafes (A3) and offices (B1) use classes. Shops smaller than 280 square metres with no other shop within a 1000m radius will fall under a new ‘Local Community' Use Class F2, alongside community halls, swimming pools and places for outdoor sport. Existing permitted development rights will remain until 31stJuly 2021. The intentions of these changes are to provide businesses with greater freedoms to change uses in town centre locations and stall or prevent the loss of community infrastructure.
Government has changed the law so most renters have a 6 month notice period
Published 1st September
The government is continuing to help renters with an unprecedented package of support measures.
Legislation has now been introduced, so landlords must now give tenants 6 months' notice before they can evict until March 2021, except in the most serious of cases, such as incidents of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse perpetrators.
The stay on possession proceedings has been extended until 20 September, meaning that in total no tenant can have been legally evicted for 6 months at the height of the pandemic.
The package of support for renters includes the extension of notice periods and the extension to the stay on possession proceedings. For the most egregious cases, notice periods have returned to their pre-coronavirus levels, and landlords will be able to progress serious rent arrears cases more quickly.
These changes mean that from 29 August, landlords must provide at least 6 months' notice period prior to seeking possession through the courts in most cases, including section 21 evictions and rent arrears under 6 months.
Read more on the government website here.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Cancellation and refund updates
Published 1st September
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) remains of the view that a consumer will generally be entitled to a refund when they have paid money in advance for services or goods that cannot be provided because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Given the evolving situation, the CMA has provided more detail on issues such as the difference between lockdown laws and government guidance, and their impact on cancellations and refunds.
Read more on the government website here.
Scottish Extension to Outstanding Revaluation Appeals
Published 1st September
The Scottish Government has announced it is intending to extend the statutory deadline for disposing outstanding 2017 revaluations appeals by 12 months to 31stDecember 2021. This decision has been made due to consideration of the impact of Covid-19 and ongoing issues surrounding progressing appeal discussions.
COVID-19 Updates - August
HMRC issues 'nudge' letters on furlough fraud
The so called 'nudge' letters state that CJRS payments may need to be repaid because the business has claimed for a grant that is greater than they are entitled to or that they may not have met the conditions of the scheme. Businesses are urged to review their records and their claim, with HMRC acknowledging that "mistakes happen". Businesses receiving the letters are told to contact HMRC - whether or not they think they have over-claimed.
Sunday Trading Update
Face Covering Enforcement Strengthened
Published 19th AugustThe Prime Minister has announced stronger enforcement powers to target breaches of social distancing regulations, including failures to wear face coverings in shops. Police services will now be able to issue larger fines of £100 (halving to £50 if paid within 14 days), doubling up to a maximum of £3,200 for repeat offenders. The updated Government guidance is available here.
Close Contact Services Reopen as part of Easements to Lockdown
Published 19th August
Lockdown restrictions continue to be eased in England with close contact services now able to open with mandatory wearing of face coverings by customers and colleagues. Close contact services include nail salons and beauty salons. Colleagues will also be required to wear visors but will be able to provide services to previously shielding individuals. In Wales, shielding guidance paused at the end of last week. In Scotland, the next route map reviews are 20 August and 10 September. The Scottish Government has also launched its ‘Loves Local' town centre recovery campaign which aims to support high streets and local businesses to recover from Covid-19 and encourage customer footfall. Further information about the support available to businesses and the Scottish Government's Towns Partnership is available here.
DWP Publishes New Employment Guidance
Published 19th August
The Department for Work and Pensions has published new business guidance on recruitment and redundancy aimed at businesses changing their staffing due to Covid-19. The recruitment guidance includes information on sources of business support, remote interviewing and transferable skills. The redundancy guidance for employers provides information about DWP ‘rapid response' redundancy services and procedures for making redundancies. The Job Retention Scheme aimed at preventing redundancies is set to close on 31 October and the Job Retention Bonus Scheme will provide £1,000 to employers per employee who successfully returns from furlough.
Welsh Government: Be Distance Aware
Covid-19 and hosting a related webinar on 15 September, details here.
FSA 'Here to Help' Campaign
Published 17th August
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched its new ‘Here to Help' campaign, providing practical support to retailers on how to register as a food business, trade and adapt premises to operate safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. This follows many retailers offering new home delivery, takeaway and online services in recent months. The campaign hub page includes a number of related FSA resources, including; reopening checklist, food safety for food delivery and guidance on selling food outdoors and diversifying business models. Retailers can subscribe for campaign updates here.
Welsh Business Rates Revaluation Postponed Until 2023
Published 17th August
Boost to Neighbourhood Planning Funding
Published 17th August
Reminder: Covid-19 Cash Grants
Published 17th August
Coronavirus job seeking advice
Published 13th August
It's a tough time in the jobs market, as firms shed staff or freeze recruitment to cut costs. The BBC have collated job searching resources here to assist those currently searching.
UK economy sufferes its biggest slump on record
Published 13th August
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the government is "grappling with something that is unprecedented" after figures showed the UK economy suffered its biggest slump on record.
The economy shrank 20.4% between April and June compared with the first three months of the year. The two consecutive quarters of decline caused by the Covid-19 lockdown pushed the UK officially into recession.
UK death count reduced by 5,000
Published 13th August
The UK has seen one of the highest official coronavirus death tolls in Europe, with more than 40,000 people dying with the virus by early June. However, following a review into the way the figure is calculated, the government has announced that the official number has been reduced by more than 5,000 to 41,329. The recalculation is based on a new definition of who has died from Covid in England - bringing England's way of counting in line with the other UK nations.
Face coverings 'encouraged' but not for 'routine use' in schools
That is according to draft guidance for the reopening of schools seen by BBC News NI. The final version of the detailed guidance is due to be sent to schools before the end of the week.
It follows the announcement that pupils can go back to school from September.
New Business Support for Small Retailers
Job Retention Bonus Details Published
Shielding Guidance Lifted in England & Scotland
COVID-19 Updates - July
PM lockdown update
- The PM said the government has consistently warned that the virus could come back and that they would not hesitate to take swift action and step back from easement measures.
- The PM stated that based on new data from the ONS cases are rising again across the UK. 1 in 1,500 now have the virus, up from 1 in 2,000 at the start of July and 4,900 case of the virus each day, but we are in a better place to respond with a track and trace system, better access to PPE and treatments for the virus.
- This new data has led to the government to announce new restrictions in the North West of England. These are targeted measures on household contact - workplaces and businesses should continue to operate in a Covid secure way.
- The government is reviewing their assessment of the national picture and "squeezing the brake pedal" on easements. This means the next lockdown loosening will be delayed from August 1 to August 15.
- Casinos, bowling alleys, skating rinks and "close contact" venues will remain closed. Wedding receptions with 30 people will not be allowed.
- Face coverings will be mandatory in other close contact venue such as cinemas, museums, places of worship, on top of public transport and shops from August 8.
- Guidance to employers on their of use of discretion for employees to return to work remains unchanged, but must provide a Covid secure workplace based on the government's advice.
- Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, said: "The idea that we can reopen everything and keep the virus under control is clearly wrong. We are at the outer edge. We have taken it to the limit, and may have to pull back a bit".
New rules on gatherings in some parts of Northern England
Published 31st July
Last night the Government announced changes to rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire after increase in COVID-19 cases. It means people in these areas will not be permitted to mix with other households (apart from those in their support bubbles) in private homes or gardens. The areas that these changes apply to are the Greater Manchester area, Pendle, Hyndburn, Burnley, Rossendale, Blackburn with Darwen, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leicester City. The government will shortly publish new regulations to make these changes legally enforceable.
UK government publishes new guidance on self-isolation
It says that "evidence, although still limited, has strengthened and shows that people with Covid-19 who are mildly ill and are recovering have a low but real possibility of infectiousness between seven and nine days after illness onset".
"We have considered how best to target interventions to reduce risk to the general population and consider that at this point in the epidemic, with widespread and rapid testing available and considering the relaxation of other measures, it is now the correct balance of risk to extend the self-isolation period from 7 to 10 days for those in the community who have symptoms or a positive test result.
"This will help provide additional protection to others in the community. This is particularly important to protect those who have been shielding and in advance of the autumn and winter when we may see increased community transmission."
Applications for payroll co-funding scheme open from August
Businesses that have experienced a "significant drop" in turnover because of the coronavirus pandemic can apply for between 80 and 100% of the minimum wage for their employees.
Sectors that are eligible for the second phase of the scheme include:
Retail outlets (excluding essential retail outlets)
- Restaurants and other food and drink businesses (excluding takeaways)
- Event companies such as those working in corporate events or weddings
- Travel agents and tour operators
- Arts, entertainment and recreation which act as tourist activities
- Visitor accommodation
- Taxi sector
Businesses with a turnover of more than 40% and up to 70% of normal levels will be able to apply for 80% of the minimum wage, but will be required to contribute the remaining 20%.
Those that have seen their turnover reduce to below 40% of normal levels will be able to apply for 100% of their employees' minimum wage.
The scheme will run from 1 July to 30 September, ahead of a grant scheme that will aim to support tourist accommodation businesses from 1 October.
Applications for the payroll scheme can be made on the States of Guernsey website.
Extension of the Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing webinar
Employers will be asked to pay National Insurance (NI) and pension contributions for furloughed employees. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live HMRC webinar:
Extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
Business Rates Revaluation Set for 2023
Home Office Review to Strengthen Police and Crime Commissioners
Contain Framework for Local Lockdowns
Published 22nd JulyThe Department of Health and Social Care has published a new framework to set out how national and local authorities will work with the public and businesses to prevent, contain and manage Covid-19 outbreaks. The framework states that local authorities can use emergency powers to close any business if deemed necessary to control transmission of Covid-19.
Statutory guidance on the Health Protection Regulations 2020 also states that local authorities will have to gather evidence to demonstrate that closing a business is necessary and proportionate in response to a imminent public health risk. Food retailers smaller than 280 square metres have not been included on the list of premises defined as essential infrastructure and exempt from local authority powers to be closed.
Welsh Statutory Guidance on Social Distancing & Testing
Published 22nd JulyPublic Health Wales has published its new testing strategy, which focuses on; contact tracing, delivering NHS services, protecting vulnerable groups and improving understanding of the virus. The strategy will focus on the wider rollout of asymptomatic testing in addition to antigen and antibody tests and enabling people to return to work safely. The Welsh Government has also published guidance on the Health Protection (Wales) Regulations 2020. The guidance details a number of physical distancing mitigations retailers can take to ensure 2 metre distances are maintained wherever possible, including limiting customer numbers, controlling the use of entrances and controlling the use of shared facilities. The regulations will continue to be reviewed every three weeks.
Leicester Lockdown Update
All additional lockdown restrictions have now ended in areas outside of Leicester City and the Borough of Oadby and Wigston. In Leicester City and the Borough of Oadby and Wigston, non-essential shops will open from 24 July but bars, restaurants and hairdressers will remain closed until at least the next restrictions review on 1 August. Shielding restrictions
are continuing in all of Leicester. Further information is available here.
Scottish Public Health Guidance updated
Published 22nd July
The Scottish Government has published its surveillance and response position statement here detailing how it aims to prevent further outbreaks of Covid-19. Retail sector guidance has also been published here to condense guidance on workforce planning and support, including on shift patterns, protecting people at higher risk and PPE.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) key dates and actions
Published 21st July
Key dates:
- Submit your CJRS claim for periods ending on or before 30 June 2020 by 31 July 2020. This is the last date you can make those claims. You need to have made a claim at any point on or before 31 July to be able to make a claim for future months.
- From 1 August 2020 the scheme will no longer fund employers' National Insurance (NI) and pensions contributions for furloughed employees. You will have to make these payments from your own resources.
- From 1 September 2020 you will have to start contributing to the wages of your furloughed employees. Grants will be for 70% of usual wages in September and 60% in October, but furloughed employees will continue to be entitled to receive at least 80% of their usual wages. You will have to make up the difference from your own resources.
Live webinars offering more support on changes to the scheme, and how they impact you, are available to book online - go to GOV.UK and search 'help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus'.
Make sure your data is right
It's important that you provide the data needed to process your claim. Payment of your grant may be at risk or delayed if you submit a claim that is incomplete or incorrect.
If you are claiming for 100 or more employees, please use the standard template to submit your employees' details. It is important that you submit the correct data (including National Insurance numbers) in the correct format.
You can find this template by searching 'Job Retention Scheme template download' on GOV.UK.
Incorrect claims
CJRS grants are to cover the costs of your furloughed employees' wages (and related payroll taxes, National Insurance and pension contributions until 31 July). HMRC may withhold or recover grants if they are claimed based on dishonest or inaccurate information.
HMRC are contacting a number of employers at the moment to check that they have claimed the correct amount.
If you have made an incorrect claim that meant you claimed too much, you can let them know as part of your next online claim without needing to call us. If you have made an error and do not plan to submit further claims, or you have claimed less than you were entitled to, please contact HMRC by searching 'Contact HMRC' on GOV.UK.
PM Lockdown Statement
Published 20th July
In a televised briefing, the Prime Minister outlined further changes to lockdown, the roadmap to recovery and a more localised approach from the Government. The Contain Framework available here provides details of how the Government will work with local authorities, businesses, NHS and the public to ensure an efficient and beneficial system.
This week, the Government will publish draft legislation as to how central Government can intervene locally to ensure the stopping of virus spreading if they feel council action is not sufficient. Where justified, Ministers will be able to close whole sectors, introduce local stay at home orders and prevent people leaving or entering areas and restrict the amount of people attending areas, and stop local transport. The PM added that from 24 July, Leicester will see all non-essential retail reopen but pubs, hair salons and other similar services will remain closed and under review.
The PM is now urging employers to consider new working arrangements from 1 August whilst following Covid guidelines and engaging in discussions with employees.
Banks propose 'student loans-style' scheme for businesses
Published 16th July
New face covering rules in England
Those who fail to wear a mask will face a fine of up to £100. This will be reduced to £50 if people pay within 14 days.
VAT Cut affected suppliers
Pilot to Test Asymptomatic Retail Workers
Published 9th July
Mandatory Face Coverings in Scotland
Published 9th July
Scottish Government: Coronavirus (Covid-19) Phase 2: Staying Safe and Protecting Others
Scottish Government: Final Phase 2 measures confirmed
Latest Guidance on Tracking Customers
Published 9th July
The Department of Health and Social Care has published guidance on record-keeping to support the NHS Test and Trace service. The guidance applies to ‘close contact services' but does not require all shops to keep records. Records that should be kept include names, contact details and time of visit details for both colleagues and customers. To support NHS Test and Trace, retailers should hold records for 21 days to reflect the incubation period of Covid-19 plus allowing time for testing and tracing. Guidance is them provided on how to dispose of data in line with GDPR requirements.
DHSC: Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Local Lockdowns
Published 9th July
Following the announcement of the local lockdown in Leicester, the Government has released new guidance on business closures and social distancing in the affected areas. Essential businesses like convenience stores can remain open but on-site consumption of food and use of seating areas is prohibited. Restrictions in Leicester will be in place until at least 18 July, when a review of their impact will take place. The 1m+ social distancing rule remains in place with no plans to return to 2m.
DHSC: Local Lockdown guidance for social distancing
MHCLG: Closing certain businesses and venues in Leicester
Eat Out to Help Out scheme
To help customers return to cafés, restaurants and pubs, the Government will introduce the ‘Eat out to Help Out' scheme. The scheme will entitle every customer, including children, to a 50% discount of up to £10 per head on any meal eaten in a participating establishment. The discount can be used unlimited times from Monday to Wednesday for the month of August and businesses will be fully reimbursed by the Government for the 50% discount within five working days. Participating establishments will be able to register online to participate in the scheme through a website which will open on Monday 13th July. The Treasury documents do not provide a full definition of "eligible food service establishment" but have committed to provide more clarity in the coming days. We will provide members with more information as soon as possible.
Temporary Cut to VAT for Hospitality Industry
Published 8th July
The Chancellor announced that there will be a temporary cut to VAT for food and non-alcoholic drinks, from 20% to 5%. The VAT cut will apply from 15th July 2020 to 12th January 2021 to eat-in and hot takeaway food and non-alcoholic drinks from restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés and "similar premises" across the UK. HMRC will be publishing further guidance on the scope of the VAT cut in the coming days. There will also be a VAT cut for accommodation and attractions such as cinemas, theme parks and zoos for the same temporary period. The Treasury documents do not provide a full definition of "eligible food service establishment" but have committed to provide more clarity in the coming days. We will provide members with more information as soon as possible.
Job Retention Scheme: £1,000 for Bringing Back Furloughed Colleagues
"If you're an employer and you bring someone back who was furloughed - and you continuously employ them through to January - we will pay you a £1,000 bonus per employee"
The Chancellor announced a Job Retention Bonus Scheme to incentivise employers to bring back colleagues placed on furlough under the Job Retention Scheme. The Bonus Scheme means that retailers taking members of staff off furlough and retaining them in employment until at least 31 January 2021 will be given a £1,000 government grant per employee. To receive the grant, employees must be paid at least £520 per month on average between 31 October and 31 January, equivalent to the lower earnings limit for National Insurance Contributions. All furloughed employees are eligible for the bonus payments. Payments will be made from February 2021 and further details about the scheme will be announced by the end of July. There are no changes to the timetable for closing the Job Retention Scheme on 31 October.
Kickstart Scheme to Boost Youth Employment
"The Kickstart Scheme will directly pay employers to create new jobs for any 16 to 24-year-old at risk of long-term unemployment"
The Government will introduce a new £2 billion Kickstart Scheme to create high quality six-month work placements aimed at workers aged under 25 who are on Universal Credit and deemed at risk of long-term unemployment. The funding available for each job will cover 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours per week, plus associated employer National Insurance Contributions and minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions. Retailers will be able to apply to be part of the scheme from next week with the scheme planned to begin in the Autumn. There is no cap on the number of jobs through the scheme and retailers will be permitted to top up wages.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Published 8th July
The Government has announced a total of £1.6bn investment into scaling up employment support schemes, traineeships and apprenticeships to help people seeking jobs.This is particularly aimed at young people worst hit by the crisis.
Businesses will now be given £2,000 for each new apprentice they hire under the age of 25. In addition to this, the Government is encouraging employers to hire apprentices aged over 25 with a new £1,500 bonus that will be given to the employer per employee; this is running from 1st August 2020 to 31st January 2021. For the first time ever, the Government will also pay employers £1000 to take part in new traineeships with triple the number of places available, equalling a £111 million investment scale up traineeships in 2020-21 ensuring more young people aged 16-24 have access to high quality training. The incentives also include a £17 million of funding to triple the number of sector-based work academy placements in 2020-21.
Key Announcements from today's press release
Published 8th July
Temporary VAT cut for accommodation and attractions - From 15 July 2020 to 12 January 2021, to support businesses and jobs, the reduced (5%) rate of VAT.
Temporary Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) cut - The Government will temporarily increase the Nil Rate Band of Residential SDLT, in England and Northern Ireland, from £125,000 to £500,000.
Green Homes Grant - The Government will introduce a £2 billion Green Homes Grant, providing at least £2 for every £1 homeowners and landlords spend to make their homes more energy efficient, up to £5,000 per household.
Protection of Workers Bill Progresses
Scotland: Physical Distancing & Face Coverings
More High Street Openings with Social Distancing Changes
Local Lockdown Update: Leicester and FSA Guidance
COVID-19 Updates - June
Updated Guidance: Keeping Workers and customers safe during COVID-19 in Shops and branches
The Government have released updated guidance on Keeping workers and customers safe during COVID-19 in shops and branches here. The main update addresses the Government's new position on social distancing to allow 1m plus with risk mitigation' where 2m is not possible and new guidance on support bubbles.
The guidance does not provide an exhaustive list of options for risk mitigations, but states that further mitigating actions could include:
- Further increasing the frequency of hand washing and surface cleaning.
- Keeping the activity time involved as short as possible.
- Using screens or barriers to separate people from each other.
- Using back-to-back or side-to-side working (rather than face-to-face) whenever possible.
- Reducing the number of people each person has contact with by using ‘fixed teams or partnering' (so each person works with only a few others).
For further information on the changes to social distancing guidance the government has also published their Review of the two metre social distancing guidance here detailing the scientific evidence behind their decision and rationale behind mitigating actions.
Webinar: Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing
Published 25th June
Register for the next live webinar about the extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing.
This webinar gives an overview of the changes to the scheme and more information on:
- how employers will be affected
- flexible furloughing
- key dates
- support available
Change to Lockdown Measures (England)
Published 24th June
The Prime Minister announced yesterday the following changes to the lockdown measures, which apply in England only:
- People should continue to aim to keep two metres apart but where this is not possible they should keep to one metre plus other mitigations such as use of face coverings, sitting side by side rather than face to face to reduce risk of transmission and frequent use of hand sanitiser.
- From 4th July, two households of any size can meet in any setting at any one time, but social distancing should still be observed.
- People from two households will also be able to meet outside, regardless of size.
- The guidance remains that people from several households can meet outside in groups of up to six.
- From 4th July, pubs and restaurants will be allowed to open both indoors and outdoors if they put in safety guidelines including table service only.
Other businesses that will be allowed to reopen from 4th July, provided they are Covid secure, include:
- Hotels, bed and breakfasts, campsites and caravan parks
- Hair salons and barbers
- Playgrounds, museums, galleries, theme parks, outdoor gyms and arcades, libraries, social clubs and community centres
Updated Retail Guidance in Wales
Published 24th June
The Welsh Government has published new guidance for retailers, detailing how they can operate safely. Specifically, the guidance is concerned with how retailers can do the following:
- Ensure that a distance of 2m is maintained between any persons on the premises (except between two members of the same household, or a carer and the person assisted by the carer)
- Ensure that persons are only admitted to the business premises in sufficiently small numbers to make it possible to maintain that distance
- Ensure that a distance of 2m is maintained between persons waiting to enter the business premises (except between two members of the same household, or a carer and the person assisted by the carer
Code of Practice for Commercial Property
Published 22nd June
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has published a voluntary Code of Practice to help landlords and tenants to settle on payment agreements during the Covid-19 pandemic. Tenants are encouraged to pay rents in full where possible, but states landlords should be flexible and supportive to tenants if they are able to do so. Separately, the Government is also extending measures to suspend forfeiture of evictions, prevent use of Commercial Recovery Arrears Regulations and ban the use of statutory demands and winding up petitions until 30 September. These measures were previously set to expire on 30 June. Further information is available here.
Easing Lockdown in Wales
Published 22nd June
One day after the Scottish Government announced plans for non-essential retail to open from 29 June, the Welsh Government has announced all non-essential retail shops may open from Monday 22 June, subject to enforcing the physical distancing law in place in Wales. School pupils are set to return on 29 June and the requirement to stay within a five-mile radius locally will be lifted, if conditions allow, on 6 July. First Minister Mark Drakeford AM has also alerted the tourism industry to prepare to reopen if infection numbers continue to decline.
Daily Press Conference
Published 19th June
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, gave today's press conference. These are the highlights:
- As of 9am 18 June, there have been 7,259,555 tests, with 136,516 tests on 17 June. 300,469 people have tested positive. As of 5pm on 17 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 42,288 have sadly died, an increase of 135.
- Matt Hancock said the best way to defeat the virus is to develop a vaccine and the government is throwing everything at vaccine develop. The manufacture of the Oxford vaccine is starting now in anticipation of successful human trials. The government is starting to work out the criteria for prioritising allocation of the vaccine for frontline health and social care workers and the most vulnerable, such as those over the age of 50 with underlying health conditions.
- Matt Hancock outlined that the NHS Covid-19 App has been rigorously tested on the Isle of Wight, but they had discovered a technical barrier; the app is only working on Android phones, not Apple phone. He also set out that testing of the Apple/Google system was not sufficiently tracking vicinity between app users. Therefore the Government will be joining force with Apple/ Google to deliver a joint solution, combining the findings of the IOW pilot and the existing Apple/Google app.
- A full statement from the Government on the NHS Covid-19 App is available here stating: "The focus of work will shift from the current app design and to work instead with Google and Apple to understand how using their solution can meet the specific needs of the public."
Scotland Phase 2 Recovery Plan
Published 19th June
Further changes to lockdown restrictions in Scotland were announced yesterday by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. From Monday, 29 June some indoor workplaces can re-open including retail premises with outdoor entrances and exits. Ahead of that date local authorities and retailers are urged to plan for the responsible use of public space, such as removing unnecessary street furniture, designing systems to manage queuing and pedestrian thoroughfares, and implementing adequate measures to support physical distancing. From Monday, 22 June, it will become mandatory to wear a face covering on all public transport. More details on the announcements are available here.
Tobacco Track and Trace
Published 19th June
HMRC has now appointed the current UK ID issuer De La Rue to provide the additional services necessary for the UK system to operate independently of the EU system following the UK's exit from the EU. The appointment of De La Rue will be for one year until December 2021. This will enable the system to continue to operate in the UK with very minimal changes to how it currently functions in order to reduce disruption. HMRC will be holding a procurement exercise later this year to appoint a longer-term service provider from January 2022.
Deferral of VAT payments deadline extended
Published 18th June
If you're a UK VAT registered business and have a VAT payment due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020, you have the option to:
- defer the payment until a later date
- pay the VAT due as normal
The VAT payment deferral period ends on 30 June 2020. This means you'll need to:
- set-up cancelled direct debits in enough time for HMRC to take payment
- submit VAT returns as normal, and on time
- pay the VAT in full on payments due after 30 June
Any VAT payments you have deferred between 20 March and 30 June should be paid in full on or before 31 March 2021. You can make additional payments with subsequent returns.
More information can be found on the government website here.
If you are unable to pay the VAT due and may need time to pay as soon as possible and before the payment is due
for advice and information on other support available.
Face Coverings - Consumer Facing Assets
Published 18th June
Since Monday 15th June it has been mandatory for passengers on public transport to wear a face covering. To support the communication of these regulations, the Government has put together a series of consumer-facing assets such as posters and screen graphics. These assets may be useful for retailers that operate near on within transport hubs.
The downloadable assets can be found here.
Updated: Working safely during coronavirus - Shops and branches
Published 17th June
The Government's guidance for people who work in or run shops, branches, stores or similar environments has now been updated. This document is to help employers, employees and the self-employed in the UK understand how to work safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping as many people as possible 2 metres apart from those they do not live with.
Read the full guidance here.
Daily Press Conference
Published 17th June
The Prime Minister announced that there has been a significant breakthrough in the treatment of Coronavirus by scientists in the UK. Following the ‘Recovery Study' clinical trial, the drug Dexamethasone has been identified as being effective in reducing the risk of death among patients receiving oxygen or ventilation treatment for COVID-19. Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance confirmed that the drug is widely available and cheap, and that there are enough supplies in the event of a second peak.
In response to a question asking when the Government will move from the 2 metre social distancing rule to 1 metre in line with other countries, the Prime Minister responded that the Government understands the concerns from businesses and schools and the 2 metre rule will be kept under constant review, but cannot be adjusted at this stage.
Plastic bag extension
Published 17th June
The Welsh Government have extended the exemption from the Single Use Carrier Bag Charge until December 31st 2020; subject to continual review in light of the COVID-19 situation. After being first set to end on 8th July, the Welsh Government have acknowledged that there remains to be an ongoing risk, especially for delivery drivers/couriers and households. This has resulted in an extension of the temporary measure and inclusion within the wider Welsh Government strategic aim to phase out single use products; especially those made from plastic.
Children's School Meals
Published 17th June
The UK Government have confirmed Children's school meal vouchers of £15 per week, will now be made available for 1.3 million children in England for the 6 week summer holiday period. This is following a successful campaign by England footballer Marcus Rashford. The PM's spokesman said he "understands children and parents face unprecedented situations" during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Scottish Government have also announced £27.6 million in additional funding to ensure councils are able to continue the provision of free school meals during the summer holidays and other food provision to help low income families.
Small Business Minister Recognises Role of Retail Sector
Published 16th June
Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets, Paul Scully MP has written a letter which highlights the vital and positive role that the retail sector has played during the coronavirus crisis.
In the letter, Paul Scully MP says: "I would like to echo the comments made by the Business Secretary in his letter of 8 April thanking retail workers who have continued to work in our shops, online and supply chains throughout this challenging period. Your tremendous efforts have not only ensured the public have had continued and safe access to the goods they need over the last three months, you have also supported your communities to adhere to social distancing guidelines effectively and have helped to control the virus."
The full letter is available here.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - new guidance published
Published 13th June
What the new online guidance covers
- changes to the scheme and key dates that you need to be aware of
- how you can claim if you bring previously furloughed employees back to work part-time from 1 July (known as flexible furloughing) and how many employees you can claim for in any one claim
- how to claim, and the information you'll need to do so
- how to work out how much you can claim, including an online calculator to help you
- more information on amending your claim.
What you need to do now
- read the guidance to see how changes to the scheme impact you, using the calculator to understand how much you'll be able to claim
- book a webinar via GOV.UK if you'd like more support
- consider which employees you want to keep on full-time furlough and which employees will come back to work - on what hours - to agree arrangements with them as needed for your business.
What you need to do from July
- start your flexible furloughing of employees from 1 July onwards. You can decide the hours and shift patterns they work to suit the needs of your business - you'll pay their wages for the time they're in work and can apply for a job retention scheme grant to cover any of their usual hours they are still furloughed for. You can still keep employees on full furlough if you need to
- claim for periods ending on or before 30 June, by 31 July - this is the last date you can make those claims
- claim for further furlough periods as needed - the first time you will be able to make a claim for days in July will be 1 July.
You can also now check examples to help you calculate your employee's wages, National Insurance contributions and pension contributions if you're claiming through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme here.
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme here, and find out how and when to report employees' wages to HMRC using the PAYE Real Time Information system here.
You can find the full updated guidance by searching for 'Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme' on GOV.UK.
Daily Briefing
Published 12th June
Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary, led the daily briefing today, the highlights are:
- As of 9am 12 June, there have been 6,434,713 tests, with 193,253 tests on 11 June. As of 5pm on 11 June, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 41,481 have sadly died, an increase of 202 fatalities since yesterday. 5,607 are in hospital with Covid-19, down from 7,036 this time last week.
- Shapps said transport is central to the nation's recovery, but as the transport network gets busier we need to remain vigilant. Shapps said if you are an employer you should do everything in your power to prevent staff from travelling unless it is absolutely vital or allow staff to travel at quieter times.
- From Monday the 15th June it becomes mandatory in England to wear a face covering that includes all types of public transport. Transport operators will be able to refuse permission to travel where someone isn't using a face covering and fines can be issued for non compliance.
- The Department for Transport are bringing together leaders from industry and environmental groups to set up the ‘Jet Zero Council' the group will be tasked with making net zero emission possible for future flights. We want to demonstrate flight across the Atlantic without damage to the economy.
Test and Trace update
Published 12th June
During Yesterday's press conference, the Health Secretary was joined by Baroness Dido Harding to update on the latest developments on the test and trace system. Mr Hancock stated that participation in test and trace is everyone's ‘civic duty'. The figures for the first week of test and trace are as follows:
- In the first week of the programme, 8,117 people had their details transferred to the contact tracing system.
- Of those, 5,407 were reached and asked to provide details of those that they have been in close contact with.
- From these details, tracers identified 31,794 people that had been in close contact with someone suffering from Covid-19 - 85% of which identified agreed to self-isolate.
Government five tests have been met
Published 11th June
In yesterday's press conference the Prime Minister updated on the government's progress towards the five tests for adjusting lockdown. The test ensures that any changes to lockdown are careful, proportionate and safe. The government is now satisfied that all five tests have been met and the following adjustments can now be introduced:
- The Prime Minister reiterated that all shops will be able to reopen from Monday as long as they follow the COVID-19 guidelines.
- From Saturday, adults living alone in England, including single parents with children under 18, will able to form a support bubble with one other household. This means that they can act as if they are one household, being able to visit each other's homes and do not need to stay two metres apart.
- Outdoor attractions such as zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas will be allowed to re-open from Monday.
- Places of worship will allowed to be opened for individual prayer from this weekend.
The Prime Minister stated that the rate of infection is not low enough to allow all primary pupils to go back to school as they had planned. He set out that all children will be allowed to go back to school in September providing that progress continues to be made.
The Prime Minister also confirmed that the Health Secretary will provide an update today on how test and trace is performing.
Government's non-essential businesses support plan
Published 10th June
In yesterday's press conference Mr Sharma outlined the Government's plans to support non-essential businesses in opening on June 15th with sector-specific guidance. The Business Secretary also spoke of the five roundtables that are being launched to drive the UK's economic recovery from Covid-19, and the Government's ongoing commitment to working ‘shoulder to shoulder' with businesses post-pandemic.
Government Coronavirus Loans - Update
Published 10th June
New figures released by the Treasury yesterday have shown that total lending under the Bounce Back Loan scheme has risen to £23.8bn by 7 June, up from £21.3bn a week earlier. 782,246 small businesses have received bounce back loans from British lenders, with an approval rate of 81%.
The approval rate for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme remained significantly lower than for bounce back loans at just over 51 per cent. Of the 93,305 businesses that applied for a loan under the scheme, 47,650 were approved. Applications for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) continued to have the lowest approval rate of any of the government-backed loans at 40 per cent.
The full release from the Treasury is available here.
WHO Advice on Facemasks
Published 9th June
The World Health Organization (WHO) has changed its advice on face masks, saying they should be worn in public where social distancing is not possible to help stop the spread of coronavirus. The global body said new information showed they could provide "a barrier for potentially infectious droplets". The Government has a debate on this on Thursday.
Daily Press Conference
Published 5th June
Yesterday's daily briefing was led by Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps. The highlights from the conference were:
- 220,057 tests carried out or posted out on Wednesday. 7,312 people are in hospital with coronavirus. There have been 39,904 deaths, an increase of 176.
- Grant Shapps said pressure will increase on public transport as we move to the next phase of easing lockdown measures and the government will need to take further action.
- From the 15th June it will become a condition of travel for passengers to wear face coverings on public transport. This doesn't mean clinical face mask, but face coverings you can make at home.
- The Transport Secretary confirmed that people can be refused travel if they are not wearing a face covering and fined.
- To ease pressure on public transport the government are also introducings fix your bike vouchers worth £50 and extending the cycle to work scheme to include electric bikes.
Eligibility for Scottish Cash Grants Extended
Published 5th June
The Scottish Government is expanding eligibility for its Covid-19 cash grants. Currently, stores with rateable values above £18,000 are eligible for a grant of £25,000 under the Retail Support Grant, while stores eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme or Rural Relief can get a grant of £10,000 under the Small Business Grant Fund. Stores under £18,000 RV but ineligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme or Rural Relief were eligible; but only if all properties had a combined RV between £35,001 and £51,000. For retailers with multiple properties accumulatively below £51,000 RV, those properties could get 75% grants compared to the first property grant of either £25,000 or £10,000. From Monday 8th June, the upper threshold for retailers with multiple properties will be extended to a cumulative maximum rateable value of £500,000. More information about these cash grants and how to apply is available here.
Guidance on Community Safeguarding
Published 5th June
The Home Office, in collaboration with a number of other government departments, has produced information and guidance for businesses and others dealing directly with the public on how they can recognise the signs of abuse or neglect. This follows on from the Prime Minister's Hidden Harms Summit, outlining that "safeguarding is everyone's business". The guidance documents and communications assets are available here.
Three areas of Government focus
Published 4th June
The Prime Minister provided a brief update on three areas of Government focus during yesterday's press conference:
- Test and trace measures, which include replacing a national lockdown with individual isolation and potential local action.
- Asking those who travel to the UK from abroad to self-isolate, with the exception of those providing essential services and those directly involved in combating the virus.
- Working with other nations during the Global Vaccine Summit and putting a plan in places to provide immunisations for people in developing countries in the future.
Test and Trace Resources
Published 4th June
Public Health England have now made available a number of resources for businesses to use to communicate the key messages around Test and Trace, specifically on getting tested if you have symptoms and self-isolating if you are contacted. The resources, which include posters, social media assets and digital screens are available here.
Public Health England Review of Disparities in Risks and Outcomes
Published 3rd June
Public Health England has published their review into how different factors, including ethnicity, age and sex, and obesity, have affected COVID-19 risk and outcomes. The review's findings are based on the latest surveillance data available to PHE and from links to wider health data sets. The review is available here. The findings found that age is the biggest risk factor for COVID-19, followed by sex, living in a city, and being black or from a minority ethnicity background. At yesterday's press conference, the Health Secretary confirmed that the Minister for Equalities will take work forward to understand more about the disparities and how to close the gap.
Scottish Government Warns Businesses About COVID-19 Scams
Published 3rd June
Scotland's Serious Organised Crime Taskforce are warning businesses that organised criminals are actively exploiting the COVID-19 outbreak. Fraudulent activity includes businesses being emailed urging them to click on an official-looking link for a £25,000 grant. The link leads to a fake ‘UK Government'-branded website asking for business and banking details. More information is available here.
Discretionary Grant Funding for SMEs Now Live
Published 2nd June
The Government's Discretionary Grant Fund is now live, providing support for small businesses that are not eligible for other grant schemes. Small and micro businesses 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.
Businesses that may be eligible include those which are:
- based in England
- have fewer than 50 employees
- have fixed building costs such as rent
- trading on 11 March 2020
- adversely impacted by the coronavirus
Government Updates Advice for Those Shielding
Published 2nd June
The government has updated its guidance for people who are shielding, taking into account that COVID-19 disease levels are substantially lower now than when shielding was first introduced. People who are shielding remain vulnerable and should continue to take precautions but can now leave their home if they wish, as long as they are able to maintain strict social distancing. More detail for those who have been shielding is available here.
Flexible furloughing
Published 1st June
From today employers have the flexibility to bring previously furloughed employees back to work part-time - with the government continuing to pay 80% of wages for any of their normal hours they do not work up until the end of August. This flexibility comes a month earlier than previously announced to help people get back to work.
Employers can decide the hours and shift patterns that employees will work on their return and employers will be responsible for paying their wages in full while working. This means that employees can work as much or as little as your business needs, with no minimum time that you can furlough staff for.
Any working hours arrangement must cover at least one week and be confirmed to the employee in writing. When claiming the CJRS grant for furloughed hours, employers will need to report and claim for a minimum period of a week, or can choose to claim for longer periods such as on monthly or two weekly cycles. Employers will be required to submit data on the usual hours an employee would be expected to work in a claim period and actual hours worked.
If employees are unable to return to work, or there is no work for them to do, they can remain on furlough and employers can continue to claim the grant for their full hours under the existing rules.
Employer contributions
From August, the government grant provided through the job retention scheme will be slowly tapered.
- In June and July, the government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 as well as employer National Insurance (ER NICs) and pension contributions for the hours the employee doesn't work - employers will have to pay employees for the hours they work
- In August, the government will continue to pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 but employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions - for the average claim, this represents 5% of the gross employment costs that they would have incurred if the employee had not been furloughed
- In September, the government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 for the hours the employee does not work - employers will pay ER NICs, pension contributions and 10% of wages to make up 80% of the total up to a cap of £2,500
- In October, the government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875 for the hours the employee does not work - employers will pay ER NICs, pension contributions and 20% of wages to make up 80% of the total up to a cap of £2,500
- The cap on the furlough grant will be proportional to the hours not worked.
For smaller employer, some or all of the employer NIC bills will be covered by the Employment Allowance, so they should not be significantly impacted by that part of the tapering of the government contribution.
Around a quarter of CJRS monthly claims relate to wages that are below the threshold where employer NICs and auto enrolment contributions are due, and so no employer contribution will be required for these furloughed employees in August.
Important dates
It's important to note that the scheme will close to new entrants from 30 June. From this point onwards, employers will only be able to furlough employees that you have furloughed for a full three-week period prior to 30 June.
This means that the final date that employees can be furloughed for the first time will be 10 June for the current three-week furlough period to be completed by 30 June. Employers will have until 31 July to make any claims in respect of the period to 30 June.
Next steps for employers
- Review HR strategy in the next week in line with the latest guidance
- Furlough any employees by 10th June who you wish to continue on the new flexible furlough scheme as anyone furloughed after this date will not be eligible;
- Consider any other options including phased returns to work, reduction in working hours, linking staff contracts to performance of business, short-time working or redundancies. Do not leave these conversations until later this year as staff will be less responsive.
Guidance and support
Further support for employers and agents on how to calculate claims with this extra flexibility will be available by 12 June, including webinars and detailed online guidance. For information about how to claim, go to GOV.UK and search 'Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme'.
Code of Practice for Commercial Rental Sector
Published 1st June
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has announced its intention to publish a code of practice to promote good practice between commercial tenants and landlords during COVID-19. The code will encourage landlords and tenants to have fair and transparent discussions regarding rental payments during the pandemic and include guidance on rent arrear payments and the treatment of suppliers. The code of practice will be temporary but could become mandatory if necessary and is expected to be published by the end of June. This follows the Government's previous announcements of support for commercial tenants, including the temporary ban on evictions and statutory demands.
COVID-19 Updates - May
Daily Press Conference
Published 30th May
Yesterday's daily briefing was led by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak . These are the highlights:
- There were 38,161 total confirmed Covid-19 deaths and an increase of 324 deaths recordes yesterday in the UK following a positive coronavirus test.
- The Chancellor announced more details on the Job Retention Scheme, including the timetable and employer contribution threshold from now until the scheme ends in October. The timetable is:
- June and July: The Job Retention Scheme will continue in its present form with government funding 80% of furloughed employees salaries up to a cap of £2,500, with employers not having to make any contributions.
- August: The government will pay 80%, employers will be asked to pay National Insurance & pension contributions.
- September: The government will pay 70% of furloughed people's salaries up to a cap of £2,187.50, with employers contributing 10%. Employers will also pay National Insurance & employer pension contributions.
- October: For the final payment in October, the government will pay 60% of furloughed people's salaries up to a cap of £1,875, with employers contributing 20%. Employers will also pay National Insurance & employer pension contributions.
- The Chancellor confirmed more flexibility around the furlough scheme, from July 1st, employers will have complete flexibility to decide on the right arrangements for them and their staff. However, employers wanting to place new employees on the scheme will need to do so by June 10th, to allow time to complete the minimum furlough period before then.
- The Chancellor confirmed the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will be extended with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant capped at £6,570
More details on the changes to Job Retention Scheme and Self Employment Income Support scheme are available here.
Daily Press Conference
Published 29th May
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
- 3,918,079 tests have now been carried out, 119,587 of which were carried out on Wednesday. Of those who have been tested, 269,127 have tested positive (an increase of 1,887 since Wednesday)
- There are currently 8,560 people in hospital (down 11% from this time last week)
- 37,837 people have now died (an increase of 377 deaths since yesterday)
The Prime Minister referenced the five tests that must be met before any changes can be made to the lockdown rules. These are:
- Protecting NHS capacity
- Sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rate
- Rate of infection decreasing to manageable levels across the board
- Testing capacity and PPE supply able to meet demand
- Any adjustments to the current measures must not risk a second peak of infections
The PM announced that the five tests are being met, so the Government can move forward with adjusting the lockdown measures on Monday 1st June. Nurseries, early years settings and some primary school years will reopen on that date, alongside outdoor retail and car showrooms. The Government intends to reopen other non-essential retail on 15th June, provided that the five tests are still being met and shops are being made Covid secure.
From Monday, will also allow up to six people to meet outside provided those from different households can adhere to social distancing rules. This will now allow people to meet in gardens and other private outdoor spaces. At this stage, those who have been asked to shield themselves should continue to do so.
Scotland Sets out Next Steps for Relaxation of Lockdown
Published 29th May
Nicola Sturgeon has set out the next stage of easing restrictions in Scotland, which will take effect from today. Measures announced include:
- People from two different households will be able to meet outdoors.
- Garden centres, drive through takeaways and recycling centres will be able to open
- People will be able to sit outside and sunbathe in parks and open areas, and travel within their local area for exercise
NHS Test and Trace Launched
Published 29th May
From yesterday, anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and will need to share information about their recent interactions. This could include household members, people with whom they have been in direct contact, or within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes.
People identified as having been in close contact with someone who has a positive test must stay at home for 14 days, even if they do not have symptoms, to stop unknowingly spreading the virus.
If those in isolation develop symptoms, they can book a test at here or by calling 119. If they test positive, they must continue to stay at home for 7 days or until their symptoms have passed. If they test negative, they must complete the 14-day isolation period.
Members of their household will not have to stay at home unless the person identified becomes symptomatic, at which point they must also self-isolate for 14 days to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus.
Helping employers support employees
Published 28th May
Watch a YouTube video about the support available to help employers and their employees deal with the economic impact of coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) including:
Daily Briefing
Published 28th May
Yesterday's daily briefing was led by Health Secretary, Matt Hancock. The highlights from the briefings were:
- As 27 May, there have been 3,798,490 tests, with 117,013 tests on 26 May. As of 5pm on 26 May, of those tested positive for coronavirus, across all settings, 37,460 have sadly died.
- Matt Hancock announced the NHS Test and Trace that will start from 9am today. The NHS Test and Trace Service will seek to identify people that are infected and there recent interactions with people.
- There are three steps to the NHS Test and Trace process: Step 1 if you have coronavirus symptoms you must self-isolation, Step 2 Book a test immediately, Step 3 If you test positive for coronavirus you will be contacted by an NHS contract tracer and asked to share information on people you have been in contact with, the people you have been in contact with will be asked to self-isolate.
- Matt Hancock also confirmed that testing eligibility will be expanded to include the under 5s.
Retail Sector Guidance Scotland
Published 28th May
The Scottish Government has released new guidance for non-essential retailers on reopening their businesses available here. The publication of this guidance does not signal an immediate change in Scotland's lockdown policy. The guidance covers procedures for staff customers and operational checklists.
Daily press conference
Published 27th May
Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
- 3,681,295 tests have now been carried out, 109,979 of which were carried out on Monday. Of those who have been tested, 265,227 have tested positive (an increase of 2,004 since Monday)
- There are currently 8,802 people in hospital
- 37,048 people have now died (an increase of 134 deaths since yesterday - there were no recorded deaths in Northern Ireland)
The Health Secretary noted that the Government was making progress on meeting the demand for PPE, but that the situation continued to be challenging due to global demand.
Mr Hancock updated on new treatments for coronavirus, specifically on the anti-viral drug Remdesivir which is being used in a new trial of NHS patients. This new treatment can potentially reduce the recovery time by several days. The Government is prioritising the use of treatment where it will provide the greatest benefit, and Mr Hancock referred to this treatment as ‘the biggest step forward in the treatment of coronavirus since the crisis began.'
Working safely during coronavirus: shops & branches webinar
Published 26th May
The UK Government, in consultation with industry, has produced guidance for businesses in England, to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible. Join this free webinar, hosted by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to find out more about how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
This webinar is designed to be relevant for shops and branches
- This guidance covers shops that are currently open, such as shops selling food and chemists.
- Shops also includes non-food stores, fashion stores and other types of retail that are currently closed. The webinar will help businesses consider what operations may need to look like when they are allowed to open.
- Branches include bank branches and other open money businesses.
The coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme is now live
Published 26th May
If you're an employer with fewer than 250 employees, you can now claim for coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). If you have a tax agent, they can also make claims on your behalf.
For more information and to make a claim now, visit GOV.UK and search 'Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)'.
You're eligible to use the scheme if you meet all of the following criteria:
- you're claiming for an employee who's eligible for sick pay due to coronavirus
- you had a PAYE payroll scheme in operation before 28 February 2020
- you had fewer than 250 employees across all PAYE schemes on 28 February 2020
- you're eligible to receive state aid under the EU Commission Temporary Framework
The repayment will cover up to two weeks of the applicable rate of SSP, and is payable if a current or former employee was unable to work on or after 13 March 2020 and entitled to SSP, because they either:
- had or have coronavirus
- could not or cannot work because they were/are self-isolating at home
- were/are shielding in line with public health guidance
Non-essential retailers to reopen from 15 June
Published 26th May
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced in yesterday's conference that non-essential retailers will be able to reopen stores in England from June 15 as long as social distancing measures are implemented.
In addition to this, open air markets and car showrooms will be also be allowed to open from 1 June.
New guidance has been published for the retail sector "detailing the measures they should take to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards".
High streets minister Simon Clarke introduced a £50 million fund over the weekend for local councils to support their high streets.
The Reopening High Streets Safely Fund will "help councils in England introduce a range of safety measures in a move to kick-start local economies, get people back to work and customers back to the shops".
The full list of retailers allowed to open is below.
- Food retailers
- Chemists
- Hardware/homeware stores
- Fashion shops
- Charity shops
- Betting shops and arcades
- Tailors, dress fitters and fashion designers
- Car dealerships
- Auction houses
- Antique stores
- Retail art galleries
- Photography studios
- Gift shops and retail spaces in theatres, museums, libraries, heritage sites and tourism sites
- Mobile phone stores
- Indoor and outdoor markets
- Craft fairs
Daily Press Conference
Published 22nd MayHealth Secretary Matt Hancock gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
- 3,090,566 tests have now been carried out, 128,340 of which were carried out yesterday. Of those who have been tested, 250,908 have tested positive (an increase of 2,615 since yesterday)
- There are currently 9,543 people in hospital (down 14% from this time last week)
- 36,042 people have now died (an increase of 338 deaths since yesterday)
The Health Secretary spoke about Mental Health Awareness Week, advising the public of the importance of seeking help, and pointing to the additional resources available to health and care workers. Mr Hancock announced a further £4.2m of funding for mental health charities.
The Health Secretary also updated on the Government's plans for testing, with two main developments:
- A new test is being trialled from today, where results can be delivered within minutes instead of being sent to a laboratory. This test is intended for those who are currently displaying symptoms.
- Based on an initial limited sample of antibody testing, 17% of people in London and 5% (or higher) of people in the rest of the UK have tested positive for coronavirus antibodies (meaning those people have had the virus at some point). Antibody testing will be rolled out gradually in the coming weeks, although the Government is not yet in a position to say that those who test positive for antibody tests are immune to the virus.
Scotland Sets Out Roadmap to Easing Lockdown Restrictions
Published 22nd May
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced yesterday that Scotland would be likely to take the first step toward relaxing lockdown measures from 28th May.
Measures that are likely to take effect from 28th May include:
- Allowing people to meet outside with people from one other household.
- An increased number of children will have access to critical childcare - which has been provided for the children of key workers during lockdown.
- Garden centres (excluding café/restaurant facilities within) and recycling facilities will reopen, and outdoor activities such as golf, fishing, tennis and bowls will be allowed again.
- There will be a gradual reopening of drive through food outlets.
The situation will be reviewed every three weeks, with further phases of easing being introduced if enough progress is being made on keeping the virus under control. The full document is available here.
Daily Press Conference
Published 21st May
Secretary of State for Culture Oliver Dowden gave yesterday's press conference. These are the key points:
- 2,962,227 tests have been carried out in the UK including 177,216 tests carried out yesterday. Of those tested, 248,293 have tested positive (an increase of 2,472 since yesterday).
- There are currently 9,953 people in hospital (down 13% from this time last week).
- 35,704 people have died (an increase of 363 deaths since Tuesday).
The Culture Secretary confirmed that the Queen's birthday honours list will be delayed until autumn so that it can include honours for NHS staff and others who have contributed during the coronavirus crisis. He also announced that a taskforce will be established to help the arts and sports "bounce back" which will be made up of experts to find new and different ways to get the industries back up and running.
Prime Minister Sets Timeframe for Contact Tracing
Published 21st May
At Prime Minister's Questions today, the Prime Minister confirmed that the UK will have 25,000 contract tracers, able to track 10,000 new cases a day, in place by 1st June. The NHS contact tracing app is currently being trialled on the Isle of Wight.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
Published 20th May
A new HMRC online service will be launched on 26th May for small and medium-sized employers (fewer than 250 employees) to claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Employers will be able to make claims for up to two weeks SSP paid to current or former employers for eligible periods of sickness starting on or after 13th March 2020 or 16th April for colleagues that are shielding. Eligible periods of sickness includes if the employee was unable to work because they have coronavirus, are self-isolating and unable to work from home or are shielding because they've been advised that they're at high risk. More information is available here.
Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme Extended
Published 20th May
The Government has increased the maximum loan size available through the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme from £50m to £200m. Businesses borrowing more than £50m through the loan scheme will also be subject to restrictions on dividend payments, senior pay and share buy-backs during the period of the loan, including a ban on dividend payments and cash bonuses, except where already agreed. These restrictions will also apply to the Bank of England's Coronavirus Corporate Financing Fund. Loans will be made available to large businesses from 26th May. More information is available here.
Daily Press Conference
Published 19th May
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
- 2,682,716 tests have now been carried out, 100,678 of which were carried out yesterday. Of those who have been tested, 246,406 have tested positive (an increase of 2,684 since yesterday)
- There are currently 9,408 people in hospital (down 13% from this time last week)
- 34,796 people have now died (an increase of 160 deaths since yesterday)
The Foreign Secretary reiterated the Government's ambition to ease measures in the future, and urged the public to adhere to the current restrictions that are in place.
Testing Eligibility Expanded
Published 19th MayThe Government have today announced that anyone over the age of 5 that is displaying symptoms can be tested for coronavirus. The Department of Health and Social Care have now digitised the process for booking tests. The portal enables individuals to book a test themselves, accessible here.
Alternatively, employers can refer staff using the employer portal. Accounts for this portal can be requested by emailing portalservicedesk@dhsc.gov.uk.
Holiday Entitlements
Published 15th May
The Government has published new guidance on holiday entitlement and pay during Coronavirus, which is available here. The key information is below:
Employers can:
- require workers to take holiday
- cancel a worker's holiday, if they give enough notice to the worker
The required notice periods are:
- double the length of the holiday if the employer wishes to require a worker to take holiday on particular days
- the length of the planned holiday if the employer wishes to cancel a worker's holiday or require the worker not to take holiday on particular dates
Furloughed Staff
Published 15th May
Workers who have been placed on furlough continue to accrue statutory holiday entitlements, and any additional holiday provided for under their employment contract.
If a worker on furlough takes annual leave, an employer must calculate and pay the correct holiday pay in accordance with current legislation - see the standard guidance. Where this calculated rate is above the pay the worker receives while on furlough, the employer must pay the difference. However, as taking holiday does not break the furlough period, the employer can continue to claim the 80% grant from the government to cover most of the cost of holiday pay.
Face Coverings - Official Advice
Published 15th May
Following the updated advice from the Government, ACS has collated the key information relating to face coverings below.
The Government has updated its official advice on face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a face covering is optional and is not required by law, including in the workplace. Face coverings are referenced in the new guidance Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) and Staying alert and safe (social distancing). The Government's press release on face coverings is available here.
In the guidance to the public, the Government states that "face coverings can help us protect each other and reduce the spread of the disease if you are in an enclosed space where social distancing isn't possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded areas, for example on public transport or in some shops." The guidance also recommends that people make their own cloth face coverings and guidance on this is available here.
In the guidance to employers, the Government states that "there are some circumstances when wearing a face covering may be marginally beneficial as a precautionary measure. The evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect you, but it may protect others if you are infected but have not developed symptoms." The guidance also states that the evidence of the benefit of using a face covering to protect others is weak and they should not be used as a replacement for other risk management measures such as social distancing and handwashing. This guidance states that face coverings can be disposed of in your usual waste.
The key information to communicate to employees using face coverings is:
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser before putting a face covering on, and after removing it
- when wearing a face covering, avoid touching your face or face covering, as you could contaminate them with germs from your hands
- change your face covering if it becomes damp or if you've touched it
- continue to wash your hands regularly
- change and wash your face covering daily
- if the material is washable, wash in line with manufacturer's instructions. If it's not washable, dispose of it carefully in your usual waste
- practise social distancing wherever possible
Safer Public Places - Urban Centres and Green Spaces
Published 14th May
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have published new guidance on the management of public spaces here. This include guidance on the management of social distancing on high streets and town centres, semi-enclosed retail spaces and areas surrounding transport hubs.
Working Safely Guidance
Published 13th May
The government has issued guidance to help businesses in the UK to get back up and running and workplaces
operating as safely as possible. The guidance is broken down according
to type of workplace rather than sector, with eight sets of guidelines
in total, so it is important that businesses understand that they may
need to look at several publications according to their particular
circumstances. It sets out practical steps for businesses focused on
five key points:
- Work from home if you can
- Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment in consultation with workers or trade unions
- Maintain 2 meters social distancing wherever possible
- Where people cannot be 2 meters apart, manage transmission risk
- Reinforcing cleaning processes
Furlough Scheme Extension
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced yesterday that the furlough scheme would be extended to the end of October (previously set to end at the end of June).
The scheme will operate on the same terms initially, with the Government funding 80% of monthly wages per worker up to £2,500. From 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 that the Government is currently making, ensuring that staff continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to £2,500 a month.
More information about the furlough scheme is available here.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rebate scheme webinar
Published 12th May
This webinar gives an overview of the SSP rebate scheme, including: who can claim when to start paying SSP employees you can claim for making a claim keeping records and more.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - Updates for employers
Published 12th May
- Save and return option now added- In response to feedback from customers using the service, HMRC have added a 'save and return' option. This means that you can now return to a partially completed claim, rather than having to do it all in one go.
- After you make a claim - reporting employees' wages to HMRC- If you've claimed a grant through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, you should check if you need to report payments on the PAYE Real Time Information system. This will depend on whether you are using the grant to pay wages or to reimburse wages that you've already paid. To find guidance on this, go to GOV.UK and search for 'report wages Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme'.
- Find out more in recorded webinars- Want more information? There are two HMRC webinars about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on their YouTube channel 'HMRCgovuk' - an overview of the scheme and a detailed session about how to make a claim.
- Stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic and unthreatening. Search 'scams' on GOV.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Press Conference
The Prime Minister led the daily press conference, the highlights are below:
- As of 11th May, 1,400,107 people have been tested of which 223,060 tested positive. There have been 32,065 deaths as result of Covid-19 an increase of 210 yesterday.
- The Government published a 50 page document detailing their recovery strategy here (more details below). The Prime Minister gave a statement to the House of Commons on the recovery strategy and took questions from members of parliament earlier today.
- There is a new Covid Alert System which has alert levels determined by the ‘R' rating (infection rate). We are currently at level 4 where "transmission is high or rising exponentially", but are moving to level 3 where "a Covid-19 epidemic is in general circulation". More details on the Covid Alert System is available on page 38 of the recovery plan.
- The Government has changed its messaging from Stay at Home to ‘Stay Alert'. Devolved nations have retained the ‘Stay at Home' messaging.
Recovery Strategy
Published 12th May
The Government has published its roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions, entitled Our Plan to Rebuild: The UK Government's COVID-19 recovery strategy. The roadmap sets out a three-stage phased approach for changing existing lockdown restrictions:
Step One - the following changes apply from 13th May
- Workplaces should follow the new ‘Covid-19 Secure Guidelines', which were published yesterday evening here, including specific guidance for ‘shops and branches' here.
- - People should aim to wear a face covering (not face mask) in some shops and public transport, where social distancing is not always possible. The Government's press release and advice on face coverings is here and states "They do not need to be worn outdoors, while exercising, in schools, in workplaces such as offices, and retail"
- Employers can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus by changing rotas to keep smaller, contained teams, and keeping spaces well-ventilated.
Step Two - beginning no earlier than 1st June
- Open non-essential retail in phases, subject to those retailers following the new ‘Covid-19 Secure Guidelines'. Further guidance on phasing and timeframes will be published shortly.
Step Three - beginning no earlier than 4th July
- Open at least some of the remaining premises that have been required to close due to Covid-19.
Lockdown Review
Published 11th May
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation at 7pm yesterday evening, setting out the next steps toward relaxation of the lockdown. Government messaging has changed to "Stay Alert, Control the Virus, Save Lives", reflecting the next stage of the process. The Prime Minister's full statement is available here.
The ‘roadmap for reopening society' includes a new Covid alert system, primarily determined by the R number (rate of reproduction of the virus). The Prime Minister made clear in his address that any lifting of restrictions is conditional on the virus infection rate staying below 1.
The following modifications to the lockdown restrictions will come into effect in England only:
- From today, the message is to work from home if you can, but you should go to work if you can't work from home (the PM mentioned construction and manufacturing specifically).
- From Wednesday, people will be able to take exercise more than once a day, and play sports with members of their household
- There will be an increase in the fines for those who break the social distancing rules.
The Government hopes to start a phased reopening of shops and primary schools at the start of June, and by July, the Government hopes to reopen some of the hospitality industry and other public places.
The Prime Minister is set to announce more detail on the roadmap in Parliament today.
Devolved Assemblies
Published 11th May
The Scottish and Welsh Governments are continuing to promote the ‘Stay at Home' messaging, with the following minor changes to the lockdown rules:
Wales: From today, people will be allowed to exercise more than once a day, but will be told not to travel a significant distance from home. Garden centres will also be allowed to reopen, provided they can ensure that social distancing measures are followed.
Scotland: From today, people will be allowed to exercise more than once a day. There are no other changes to the lockdown restrictions in Scotland.
Press Conference
Published 7th May
Housing and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick led yesterday's press conference. The latest data shows the following:
- 1,448,010 tests have now been carried out, including 69,463 yesterday.
- 201,101 people have tested positive for Covid-19, an increase of 6,111 since yesterday.
- 13,615 people are currently in hospital with Covid-19 (down from 13,922 yesterday), and 30,076 people have now died (an increase of 649 since yesterday).
Mr Jenrick also noted that the Government is continuing to look at how workplaces can be adapted, how outdoor spaces, leisure areas and businesses can be managed, and how public transport networks can operate safely after the lockdown restrictions are eased. No significant further details were provided during the briefing.
Business Rates Revaluation Delayed
Published 7th May
The Government has announced that the scheduled business rates revaluation will no longer take place in 2021 to help ease uncertainty for firms affected by Covid-19. More details are available here.
Legislation had been introduced to bring the next revaluation forward by one year from 2022 to 2021, but following the recent economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic ministers want to ensure businesses have more certainty during this difficult time.
Press Conference
Published 6th May
- The latest data on testing is; a total of 1.3million tests completed across the UK, including 84,000 tests yesterday. There have been a total of 29,427 deaths as result of Covid-19.
- The First Secretary of State said that we continue to see evidence of a flattening of the peak of the virus, but the challenge is not over. In the coming days SAGE with give further advice to the Government.
- Later this week the PM will update the country on measures to safeguard the economy, NHS and avoid a second peak. Speaking about the second phase of response to Covid-19 Raab said "we will need to adjust to a new normal, where we as a society, adapt to safe ways to work, to travel, to interact and go about our daily lives."
- The First Secretary of State also warned of growing threats from organised criminal gangs and cyber threats. The National Cyber Security Centre has issued a joint warning about the cyber threats that are largely focused on stealing bulk personal data. More information is available here.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
HMRC has published new information on its Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, which will provide a taxable grant of 80% of average monthly trading profits capped at £7,500 over three months. Self-employed retailers may be eligible if they are either unable to work due to public health guidance or have had to temporarily scale down or stop trading. Retailers can check their eligibility using a new HMRC tool with their self-assessment unique taxpayer reference. The online portal to make claims will go live on 13th May and HMRC is contacting eligible individuals separately. Further information is available here.
Bounce Back Loans
Published 5th May
The ‘Bounce Back' loan scheme is now live, providing 100% Government backed loans of between £2,000 and £50,000 to businesses who are able to apply through a short online form. The Government will cover the costs and interest on the loan for the first 12 months, and a flat rate of 2.5% interest is charged on the loans after that period. No repayments will be due for the first twelve months. Information on applying for a ‘Bounce Back' loan is available here.
Press Conference
Published 5th May
Health Secretary Matt Hancock led yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
The latest data shows that 1,291,000 tests have now been carried out (85,186 of which were carried out yesterday), with 190,584 testing positive for Covid-19 - an increase of 3,985 since yesterday. The number of people in hospital stands at 13,258, and 28,734 have now died (an increase of 288 since yesterday across all settings - a lower figure than at any point since the end of March).
The Health Secretary also reported that there are currently 3,413 spare critical care beds in the NHS.
Mr Hancock updated on the development of the Government's test, track and trace program. From tomorrow, the program will be piloted on the Ise of Wight with people on the island being asked to download the test, track and trace app by the end of the week. Those who fall ill with Covid-19 symptoms should report this to the app, which will then alert those who have been in close contact with the sufferer. A test ordering function will be built in to the app.
Press Conference
Published 1st May
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
The latest data shows that 901,905 tests have now been carried out (81,611 of which were carried out yesterday), with 171,253 testing positive for Covid-19 - an increase of 6,032 since yesterday. The number of people in hospital stands at 15,043, and 26,711 have now died (an increase of 674 since yesterday across all settings).
The Prime Minister announced that the UK is now past the peak of the coronavirus outbreak, and that the NHS has not been overwhelmed at any point to date. The PM reiterated the importance of satisfying the five key tests, but also said that next week, the Government will outline in more detail plans to achieve the following:
• Get the economy moving again
• Enable children to get back into school and childcare
• Outline how we can travel to work and make life in the workplace safer
The Prime Minister stressed that keeping the R0 number (reproduction rate of the disease) below 1 (each person who has the disease passes it on to less than one other on average) is crucial to ensuring that there is minimal risk of a second peak.
COVID-19 Updates - April Part 1
Coronavirus Testing
Published 30th April
The government announced further expansion of access to coronavirus testing to help protect the most vulnerable. Anyone in England with coronavirus symptoms who either has to leave home to go to work or who is aged 65 and over will now also be able to get tested. Full guidance is available here and the self-referral testing portal can be accessed here. With regard to the employer referral process, which was launched last Friday. We are aware that there is currently a backlog delay in delivering employers with their login credentials for the employer referral portal.
Daily Press Conference
Published 30th April
Dominic Raab, First Secretary of State, led yesterday's press conference. The highlights from the conference are:
- A total of 26,097 people have died with coronavirus in the UK from 2 March to 28 April. The increase in deaths by 3811 is a reflection of a change in methodology, with figures now including deaths from all care settings, such as care homes and the wider community.
- The data sets from the press conference are available here. This is includes a comparison of the new figures on deaths from ALL settings as opposed to just hospital deaths.
- The First Secretary of State referenced Germany's increase in infection rates following the easing of lockdown measures and stated that the UK must proceed carefully with existing social distancing measures.
- The First Secretary of State confirmed that 52,000 coronavirus test took place today, but tomorrow is the government's self-imposed deadline to reach 100,000 tests per day.
Daily Press Conference
Published 29th April
Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
The latest data shows that 763,387 people have been tested to date (43,453 tests were carried out yesterday), with 61,345 testing positive. There are currently 15,796 people in hospital with Coronavirus, and 21,678 have now died in hospital.
The Health Secretary noted that the nation's efforts to protect the NHS were working, as there are now 3,260 spare critical care beds available.
The Health Secretary also updated the Government's plans for reaching the goal of 100,000 tests a day. The Government is increasing the dispatch of home tests and drive through testing centres, and is now expanding access to testing further, including the following new groups:
• asymptomatic patients and staff in care homes and in the NHS
• all over 65s and their households (with symptoms)
• all workers who have to leave their homes to go to work (with symptoms)
Scottish Government Recommends Face Coverings in Shops
The Scottish Government has recommended that people cover their faces while in enclosed spaces, such as public transport and in shops. The recommendation for Scotland is not mandatory, and the advice relates to any form of cloth face covering such as a scarf, rather than medical grade facemasks. The full guidance is available here.
HMRC scam warning
Published 29th April
HMRC have warned businesses to stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages such as 'Stay at home' and 'Stay home, stay safe', as a way of appearing authentic and unthreatening.
Don't give out private information or reply to text messages, and don't download attachments or click on links in texts or emails you weren't expecting. You can forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Daily Press Conference
- The latest data shows that a total of 21,092 people hospitalised with coronavirus have now died, but the trend overall is a gradual decline.
- Matt Hancock confirmed that families of NHS and social care staff who die from coronavirus in the course of "essential frontline work" will receive a £60,000 bereavement payment.
- A&E attendances have dropped by more than half during this pandemic, but Matt Hancock confirms restoration of NHS services and urges people to come forward.
- A new feature was introduced to the daily press conference, inviting a question from a member of the public selected by an independent polling agency. The first question addressed how soon family members will be able to make contact after the Government's five tests have been met.
Chancellor Announces Loan Scheme
Published 28th April
The Chancellor has announced that the Government will provide 100% government-guaranteed loans for the UK's smallest businesses. The Bounce Back Loans scheme will provide microbusinesses with loans for 25% of their turnover, up to a maximum of £50,000. The Government will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee for these loans and will pay the interest for the first twelve months. No repayments will be due during the first 12 months. The Bounce Back loans will be available from 9am on Monday 4th May. The Chancellor stated that the Government will not provide an 100% guarantee on the previously announced loan schemes for larger businesses. Read more here.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme update
Published 27th April
This Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme calculator can now also be used to work out what you can claim for most employees who are paid regular as well as variable amounts each pay period (for example, weekly or monthly).
For more information, click here.
Welsh Government Updates Stay-at-Home Rules
Published 27th April
The Welsh Government is changing the core requirement for people not to leave the place where they live to a requirement not to leave or remain away from that place.
The Welsh Government hope that this will help clarify that people who leave their home with a reasonable excuse cannot remain outside to do other things. For more information, click here.
Scottish Government Publish Framework for Easing Lockdown
Published 27th April
The Scottish Government has set out their position on the ongoing period of lockdown and have outlined the factors that must be considered as they move gradually to ease restrictions. In their framework for decision making, they state that Scotland must be prepared for restrictions to be reimposed as well as lifted and that any lifting of restrictions will rely on high levels of support and compliance from the whole population with any continued physical distancing. For more information, click here.
Daily Press Conference
Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, led yesterday's daily briefing. The highlights from the briefings are:
Matt Hancock announces a "test, track and trace" programme to help the UK out of the lockdown.
- Test: From today, all essential workers and their families can book tests on gov.uk. Employers will be able to go online and book a test for their employees (see more details below)
- Track: An NHS contact tracing app is under development allowing people suffering with symptoms to notify the NHS and other apps users that they have been contact and necessary action can be taken
- Trace: The Government will hire 18,000 people to roll out a government tracing service.
The latest test figures are: a total of 425,821 people have been tested, 4,583 people have tested positive, and deaths have increased by 616 yesterday.
COVID-19 Key Worker Testing Update
Published 24th AprilAs confirmed in yesterday's press conference, the Government will be imminently launching a digital booking system for employers to use to book tests for key workers. The tests are for colleagues self-isolating because they are showing symptoms of the coronavirus or because members of their household are showing symptoms of the coronavirus.
Tenant Support
Published 24th April
The Government is temporarily banning the use of statutory demands and winding up orders where retailers are struggling to pay bills due to covid-19. The measures will be included in the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill. The Government is also preventing landlords from using Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) unless they are owed 90 days of unpaid rent. These measures will apply until 30th June and may be extended. Further information is available here.
Deferral of VAT payments due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The deadline date to utilise the VAT payment deferral announced by the Chancellor is the 7th of May.
There's no need to apply for a deferral but you are still required to file a return through the normal route, including MTD if applicable.
Direct Debit payers will need to cancel their direct debit with their banks. If they don't HMRC will request payment. There is no automatic deferral of Direct Debit payment.
The GOV.UK guidance is here.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - how to make a claim
Published 23rd April
This webinar provides a step-by-step guide on how to make a claim through the scheme, including:
- essential information you need before you start
- how to work out your claim
- what happens after you submit your claim
Latest Measures from the Scottish Government
Published 23rd April
The Scottish Government has strengthened its social distancing measures by formalising the two metre distancing rules to all businesses that remain open. Businesses that do not take all reasonable measures to enforce those rules could be fined or ultimately prosecuted. The Scottish Government a £45 million Pivotal Enterprise Resilience Fund to support small businesses. The fund will be managed by Enterprise Agencies in Scotland with the aim to support vulnerable SMEs who are vital to the local or national economic foundations of Scotland.
Daily Press Conference
Published 23rd April
The Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab gave yesterday’s press conference. The most recent data shows that 559,935 people have been tested, and of those 133,495 have tested positive. 18,100 people have now died.
- The Government continue to take steps to slow the spread of the virus. Social distancing measures have meant that fewer people have needed to go to hospital.
- The Foreign Secretary also stated: "we are making progress through the peak of this virus - but we're not out of the woods yet."
- The Government warned that if the lockdown is lifted and social distancing measures are eased now the greatest risk would be a second spike in the virus and a second lockdown.
Daily Press Conference
Published 22nd April
- In yesterday's press conference the Government reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the PPE needed by healthcare workers. The Government is seeking to secure supply of PPE from around the globe and increasing UK provision of PPE by working with 159 UK based manufacturers.
- The Government remains committed to vaccine development, the Health Secretary confirmed a vaccine currently being worked on by Oxford University will be trialled in humans from this Thursday
- 397,670 people have been tested of which 129,044 tested positive. Of those hospitalised in the UK who tested positive for coronavirus, 17,337 have died, a daily increase of 823.
Grant Fund Allocation
The Government are tracking the amount of grant funding that has been allocated to business under the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Grant Fund. So far £6.11 billion has been paid out to 491,725 business properties, approximately half of the grant funding allocated.
Job Retention Scheme non-discretionary payments
Published 22nd April
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme portal is now open, with detailed information on how you can make your claim available on the ActSmart website here.
Clarity has now been provided on how to calculate wages for staff that are paid non-discretionary amounts such as commission. The amount you should use when calculating 80% of your employees' wages is regular payments you are obliged to make, including:
- regular wages you pay to employees
- non-discretionary overtime
- non-discretionary fees
- non-discretionary commission payments
- piece rate payments
Employees whose pay varies and were employed from 6 April 2019:
If the employee has been employed continuously from the start of the 2019 to 2020 tax year, you can claim the highest of either:
80% of the same month's wages from the previous year (up to a maximum of £2,500 a month)
80% of the average monthly wages for the 2019 to 2020 tax year (up to a maximum of £2,500 a month)
Daily Press Conference
Published 21st April
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak gave yesterday's press conference. The latest data shows that 501,379 people have been tested, and of those 124,743 have tested positive. 16,509 people have now died.
- The Government are working hard at getting PPE to NHS front line staff and continue to pursue every possible option for PPE procurement.
- Yesterday the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme launched. As of 4pm yesterday, more than 140,000 businesses had applied. The grants they received will help pay the wages of more than 1 million people. Businesses applying today should receive funding within six working days.
- The Chancellor stated that they are not only maintaining companies and jobs that already exist but are also encouraging the businesses, technologies and jobs of the future by launching a £1.25 billion government support packaged for innovation. The package includes a £500m investment fund high-growth businesses, called the Future Fund, and £750m of targeted support for small and medium sized businesses focusing on research and development.
- The Chancellor also reconfirmed the government's approach to the
lockdown and that measures would not be lifted until they were confident
about five specific things, including any adjustments will not risk a
second peak that will overwhelm the NHS.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme online claim service now open
Published 20th April
You can now 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).
Information on what you'll need and how to claim can be found on the Government website here.
Scottish Government Extends Support for Businesses
Published 20th April
The Scottish Government extended its support for businesses, with changes to the Small Business Grant scheme and the notice period for commercial tenants.
The notice period before a commercial lease can be terminated for non-payment of rent has been extended from 14 days to 14 weeks to relieve pressure on commercial tenants during the Coronavirus outbreak.
The Scottish Government has also extended the Small Business Grants scheme to allow businesses to be eligible for a 75% grant on subsequent properties, in addition to 100% relief on their first property. The Scheme is expected to be ready for applications on 5th May.
Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
A
government-backed loan scheme for large businesses affected by
coronavirus has been expanded to cover all viable firms. Businesses with
turnover of more than £45m will be able to apply for government-backed
support. Businesses with a turnover of more than £250 million can borrow
up to £50 million from lenders.
ActSmart Furlough Letter Template
ActSmart have produced a free-to-download template for employers to use to confirm that there is an agreement to temporarily furlough a worker or employee. The letter can be downloaded from the ActSmart website here.
Furlough Scheme Cut Off Date Extended to 19th March
The Government has announced that the cut off point for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended to 19th March. To qualify and to protect against fraudulent claims, individuals originally had to be employed on February 28th 2020, but following a review of the delivery system and to ensure the scheme helps as many people as possible, the eligibility date has been extended to March 19th 2020 - the day before the scheme was announced.
The online claim service will be launched on GOV.UK on 20th April, and claims will be paid within six working days. More information about the announcement is available on the GOV.UK website here.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme online claim service launches on 20 April
Published 17th April
Employers will be able to access funding for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from Monday 20th April. The Scheme will now be open for applications until the end of June, previously the end of May. The eligibility cut-off date has also now been extended to anyone who was on payroll on or before 19th March 2020.
Under the scheme, retailers can apply for a grant to cover 80% of the salary of retained workers, up to a cap of £2,500 per month. The Government has stated that there will be a period of six days between submitting an application and receiving funds while fraud checks are completed. Businesses should receive funds to pay furloughed employees before the end of the month, with the scheme fully operational next week.
As you prepare to make a claim, please note:
- the online claim service will be launched on GOV.UK on 20 April 2020 - please do not try to access it before this date as it won't be available
- the only way to make a claim is online - the service should be simple to use and any support you need available on GOV.UK; this will include help with calculating the amount you can claim
- you can make the claim yourself even if you usually use an agent
- claims will be paid within 6 working days; you should not contact us unless it is absolutely necessary - any queries should be directed to your agent, representative or our webchat service
- we cannot answer any queries from employees - they will need to raise these with you, as their employer, directly.
Information you will need before you make a claim:
- 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 into the system for each employee
- if you have 100 or more furloughed staff - you will need to upload a file with information for each employee; we will accept the following file types: .xls .xlsx .csv .ods.
Daily Press Conference
Published 17th April
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab MP gave yesterday's press conference. Today's data shows that 327,608 people have been tested, of those 103,093 have tested positive. 13,729 people have now died.
The Foreign Secretary confirmed that the lockdown/ social distancing measures that have been in place to date are to continue for at least the next three weeks.
Mr Raab set out five specific things that the Government must be confident of before any changes can be made:
- The Government must be confident that the NHS can provide the necessary specialist treatment to those who have Covid-19
- There must be a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates
- There must be reliable data showing that the rate of infection is decreasing
- The Government must be confident that testing capacity and supply of PPE is able to meet demand
- The Government must be confident that any adjustments will not risk a second peak that will overwhelm the NHS
The Foreign Secretary said that relaxing any of the measures currently in place would risk further damage to both public health and the economy, and that we must keep up the national effort to stay at home for a while longer.
Daily Press Conference
Published 16th April
Matt Hancock, Health and Social Care Secretary, gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
- The latest figures show there are 98,476 confirmed cases of coronavirus and the number of deaths has increased today by 761 to a total of 12,868.
- Today's press briefing focused on the government's support for the social care system. The government plan to increase testing for all symptomatic residents in care homes, patients discharged from hospital to care homes and all care staff that need one.
- The Government will also increase provision of PPE to social care workers and are developing a single brand for social care.
Daily Press Conference
Published 15th April
Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
The Chancellor commented on a new Office for Budget Responsibility report on the impact of coronavirus on the economy, stating that the report was not a forecast or prediction, but sets out what one scenario might look like.
The Chancellor made three main points about the report:
- OBR figures suggest scale of what we're facing will have serious implications for the economy. Impact will be significant but temporary with an expected bounce back in growth.
- The Government's planned economic response aims to directly support people and businesses while restrictions are in place. The Chancellor stated that the Government's response was the right response.
- The Chancellor emphasised that the single most important thing we can do to protect the health of the economy is to protect the health of people. The Chancellor said that the Government is not making a choice between the economy and public health, but is following expert advice on the NHS' ability to cope.
As of today, 302,599 people have been tested for Covid-19. 93,873 people have tested positive. Of the 19,706 people that have been admitted to hospital, 12,107 have now died.
PHE Campaign Materials: ‘Looking Out for Each Other'
Published 15th April
Public Health England have launched new campaign materials for businesses to share during the Covid-19 disruption. This campaign is to inform those who are well and not at risk, of the things that they can do to help support their friends and neighbours who need to stay at home because of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Campaign materials are available to download here.
Getting ready for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
If you're eligible for the scheme, there are things that you can do now to be ready when the system is up and running later this month. You'll need to provide the following to make a claim:
- The bank account number and sort code you'd like us to use when we pay your claim.
- The name and phone number of the person in your business for us to call with any questions.
- Your Self-Assessment UTR (Unique Tax Reference), Company UTR or CRN (Company Registration Number).
- The name, employee number and National Insurance number for each of your furloughed employees.
- The total amount being claimed for all employees and the total furlough period.
If you use an agent who is authorised to act for you for PAYE purposes, they will be able to make a claim on your behalf, so please speak to them now.
However, if you use a file-only agent (files your RTI return but doesn't act for you in other matters), they won't be able to make a claim for you and you'll need the information listed above from them to make the claim yourself.
For more detailed advice, please visit GOV.UK. This guidance is being regularly updated, so please review it frequently.
You may also find this recorded webinar helpful, 'Coronavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme'.
Updated: Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Published 14th April
Click here to find out if you're eligible, and how much your employer can claim if they put you on temporary leave ('furlough') because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Updated 15th April: Additional categories for eligibility have now been added, read the updated information here.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme webinar update
Published 14th April
Register for the next live government webinar about the Coronoavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme.
This webinar provides guidance on the Job Retention Scheme which will help support businesses and employers dealing with the economic impact of COVID-19 including:
- furloughed workers
- scheme eligibility
- how to calculate a claim and more
Secretary of State Thanks Retail Workers' Response to Covid-19
Published 14th April
The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Alok Sharma has written an open letter to those working in retail during the Coronavirus pandemic. The letter outlines the support that has been made available by the Government for retailers and thanks those working in stores for their contribution during COVID-19. The Minister wrote: "I would like to convey my heartfelt and personal thanks for everything that you are doing to support our joint national effort".
The letter is available here.
Latest coronavirus (COVID-19) updates for Companies House customers
Companies House are experiencing delays in processing paper forms due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Where possible, use their online services to help us process your information as quickly as possible.
Companies House urgently working on a service to upload your documents and make a payment where necessary for the small number of filings that do not currently have an online service.
If you think the impact of COVID-19 will cause delays in filing your company accounts, you can apply for an automatic and immediate 3 month extension. You must apply before your filing deadline.
Letter to the Retail Sector from Alok Sharma
Business Secretary Alok Sharma MP has published an open letter to the retail sector, in which he outlines the Government's support for retailers and thanks those working in and running stores. In the letter, Mr Sharma says: "Whether you're working in a shop, large or small, or in a distribution centre or supply chain supporting retailers operating online, I would like to convey my heartfelt and personal thanks for everything that you are doing to support our joint national effort."
Daily Press Conference
Published 9th April
Chancellor Rishi Sunak MP gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
- The latest figures on the spread of the virus are as follows: 232,708 people have been tested to date, of which 60,734 have tested positive (an increase of 5,492 since yesterday). 19,438 people have been admitted to hospital with the virus, and 7,097 have died as a result of Covid-19.
- The Chancellor updated on the Prime Minister's health. The PM remains in intensive care at St Thomas' Hospital, where his condition is improving.
- The Chancellor outlined the Government's plan to support the charity sector in the UK. There will be £750m of funding for the charity sector, of which £370m will support small local charities.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme webinar
Register for the next live government webinar about the Coronoavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme.
This webinar provides guidance on the Job Retention Scheme which will help support businesses and employers dealing with the economic impact of COVID-19 including:
- furloughed workers
- scheme eligibility
- how to calculate a claim and more
Update to VAT Notice 700/22: Making Tax Digital for VAT
Making Tax Digital for VAT has been updated to reflect the decision to provide businesses with more time to place digital links between all parts of their functional compatible software.
HMRC have reminded businesses that despite this relaxation they still need to ensure they are keeping digital records, submitting VAT returns via an API enabled software and maintaining all digital links they currently have in place.
Read more information on the VAT notice here.
Daily Press Conference
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab MP gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
- An update was provided on the Prime Minister's condition: he has been stable overnight and remains in good spirits. He is receiving standard oxygen treatment and is breathing without any other assistance. He has not required mechanical ventilation or non-invasive breathing support.
- The latest testing figures are as follows: 213,181 people have been tested of which 55,242 tested positive and 6159 deaths.
- Sir Patrick Vallance, the Chief Scientific Adviser, suggested that the number of new case and hospital admissions are not accelerating.
Wales Guidance on social distancing
New guidance on social distancing have been issued by the Welsh Government yesterday, outlining that retailers must take all reasonable measures to ensure that a distance of 2 metres is maintained between person on the premises and waiting to enter the premises.
These measures have been introduced using regulation in Wales and can be enforce by the police and local authorities by issuing fixed penalty notices of £60 to responsible persons.
Rent options during COVID-19
The government has provided guidance for landlords and tenants on the provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020, and further advice for landlords, tenants and local authorities more broadly about their rights and responsibilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The document states that there is no ‘one-size fits all' approach for landlords to take, as each tenant's circumstance is different and some will be worse affected in terms of their ability to pay than others. Government has advised that landlords be flexible and have a frank and open conversation with their tenants at the earliest opportunity, to allow both parties to agree a sensible way forward.
Government Support:
- Businesses renting properties may be entitild to small business rate relief, whereby you will not pay business rates on a property with a rateable value of £12,000 or less.
- Small businesses in the retail sector are also receiving £25K Government grants per property, for each property with a rateable value over £15K and below £51K, and £10K grants per property with a rateable value below £15K. Read more here.
Rent options during COVID-19
The government has provided guidance for landlords and tenants on the provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020, and further advice for landlords, tenants and local authorities more broadly about their rights and responsibilities during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The document states that there is no ‘one-size fits all' approach for landlords to take, as each tenant's circumstance is different and some will be worse affected in terms of their ability to pay than others. Government has advised that landlords be flexible and have a frank and open conversation with their tenants at the earliest opportunity, to allow both parties to agree a sensible way forward.
Government Support:
- Businesses renting properties may be entitild to small business rate relief, whereby you will not pay business rates on a property with a rateable value of £12,000 or less.
- Small businesses in the retail sector are also receiving £25K
Government grants per property, for each property with a rateable value
over £15K and below £51K, and £10K grants per property with a rateable
value below £15K. Read more here.
Daily Press Conference
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab MP gave yesterday's press conference. These are the highlights:
- To date, 208,837 people have been tested for Covid-19. Of those,
51,608 people have tested positive, 17,911 have been admitted to
hospital and 5,373 have died.
- The Prime Minister was admitted to hospital as a precautionary
measure on Sunday (5th April) due to continued symptoms. The PM will
continue to lead the Government.
- The Foreign Secretary updated on the Government's efforts to repatriate British people that remain abroad. £75m has been allocated to help with arranging flights for those in other countries.
Running your business through the coronavirus pandemic
Register for the next live webinar about running your business through COVID-19.
This webinar provides an overview of the support available to help businesses deal with the economic impact of coronavirus including:
- the deferral of VAT and Income Tax payments
- the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- the HMRC Time to Pay Scheme and more
Use of Facemasks
Public Health England has updated its guidance to businesses on the use of facemasks in the workplace, noting that "there is very little evidence of widespread benefit from the use of face masks outside of the clinical or care settings, where they play a very important role." The full guidance for businesses is available here.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme Introduced
The Scheme, introduced on Friday 3rd of April, will repay employers the current rate of SSP that they pay to current or former employees for periods of sickness starting on or after 13 March 2020.
The repayment will cover up to 2 weeks starting from the first day of sickness, if an employee is unable to work because they either have coronavirus or cannot work because they are self-isolating at home.
The scheme covers all types of employment contracts and can be used by employers if they:
- are claiming for an employee who's eligible for sick pay due to coronavirus
- had a PAYE payroll scheme that was created and started on or before 28 February 2020
- had fewer than 250 employees on 28 February 2020
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.
Updates to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
This guidance has been updated with more information about the
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Additional information includes:
- If you made employees redundant or they stopped working for you after 28 February: If you made employees redundant, or they stopped working for you on or after 28 February 2020, you can re-employ them, put them on furlough and claim for their wages through the scheme.
- Shielding Employees: You can claim for furloughed employees who are shielding in line with public health guidance (or need to stay home with someone who is shielding) if they are unable to work from home and you would otherwise have to make them redundant.
- Employees with caring responsibilities: Employees who are unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) can be furloughed. For example, employees that need to look after children can be furloughed.
- Apprentices: Apprentices can be furloughed in the same way as other employees and they can continue to train whilst furloughed. However, you must pay your Apprentices at least the Apprenticeship Minimum Wage, National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage (AMW/NLW/NMW) as appropriate for all the time they spend training. This means you must cover any shortfall between the amount you can claim for their wages through this scheme and their appropriate minimum wage. Guidance is available for changes in apprenticeship learning arrangements because of COVID-19.
- Apprenticeship Levy: The Apprenticeship Levy should continue to be paid as usual. Grants from the Job Retention Scheme do not cover these.
- Limb workers: The updated guidance also makes clear that the scheme can cover ‘limb (b) workers' - i.e. non-employees who satisfy the definition of ‘worker' in S.230(3)(b) of the Employment Rights Act 1996 - so long as they are paid through PAYE.
- The updated advice also provides answers to whether you can be furloughed if you currently have more than one employer, if you are on Universal Credit, if you are on maternity leave, adoption leave, paternity leave or shared parental leave and many other situations.
- Once you are on furlough you will not be able to work for your employer. You can undertake training or volunteer subject to public health guidance, as long as you're not making money for your employer or a company linked or associated to your employer, or providing services to your employer or a company linked or associated to your employer.
- If your contract allows, you may undertake other employment while your current employer has placed you on furlough, and this will not affect the grant that they can claim under the scheme.
To read the full updated guidance visit the government website here.
Welsh Government Economic Resilience Fund
The Welsh Government has announced a new £500m fund to support businesses of all sizes, in addition to measures already announced.
Grants of £10,000 will be available for micro-businesses employing up to
9 people, with qualifying businesses able to apply from mid-April.
Grants of up to £100,000 will be available for small and medium sized
firms with between 10 and 249 employees. Qualifying businesses will be
able to apply from this week (week commencing 6th April).
The fund will also support larger companies of social or economic importance. A new £100m Development Bank of Wales fund will also be available for companies experiencing cash flow problems as a result of COVID-19. This will provide loans of between £5,000 and £250,000 at favourable interest rates. More information is available here.
Scottish Coronavirus Bill Passed
The Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill was formally introduced to the Scottish Parliament last week and passed through the entire legislative process by MSPs on Wednesday 1st April. The Bill gives emergency powers to the Scottish Government to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak.
The Bill also allows Scottish stores to deliver food and offer takeaway services, ensure stores which temporarily close will not have to re-apply for an alcohol licence on re-opening, and provide more flexibility for retailers on renewing alcohol licences.
Most measures in the Bill will automatically expire after six months and can be extended for a maximum of two further six-month periods.
Policing Guidance Published
The National Police Chief Council and College of Policing have issued new guidance to forces on their powers and approaches during the Covid-19 outbreak. The guidance makes clear that the police approach will focus on "Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce". The guidance makes clear that Environmental Health Officers lead on enforcement with businesses and that the police's main focus is the regulations relating to individuals.
Cash Grants for Shops
Further information on cash grants available to shops has been published
by the Government confirming eligibility for the Small Business Grant
Fund (£10,000) and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund
(£25,000). IRC member ACS has produced guidance on the grant fund eligibility here and how you can gain access.
COVID-19 Updates - April Part 2
Chancellor Announces Extended Business Support
The Chancellor has announced an extension to the support available for businesses affected by the Coronavirus outbreak.
The Chancellor confirmed the government will extend the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to all viable small businesses affected by Covid-19, not just those unable to secure regular commercial financing. The government will also establish a Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme which will provide loans up to £25m to businesses with an annual turnover between £45m and £500m.
Lenders will also be banned from requesting personal guarantees on loans under £250,000. The Chancellor emphasised the importance for banks to move quickly to administer the loans in order to support the economy, jobs and businesses.
Councils Receive Funding to Issue Cash Grants
Published 3rd April
Local authorities in England now have funds available to issue the Small Business Grant Fund and Retail Grant Fund and are expected to contact eligible retailers shortly. The Small Business Grant Fund will provide one-off cash grants of £10,000 for stores eligible for either Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief. The Retail Grant Fund will supply one-off cash grants of £10,000 for stores up to £15,000 rateable value, excluding stores eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund. The Retail Grant Fund will also provide grants of £25,000 for stores with a rateable value between £15,000 - £51,000. Separate schemes are available in Scotland and Wales, detailed on the ACS website here.
Government pressures banks to support small independent businesses
Published 3rd April
The Business Secretary Alok Sharma has called on high street lenders to ease access to the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme (CBILS) for small independent retailers during the crisis.
His intervention comes following reports from businesses that their banks were making it increasingly difficult to access the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
Read the full story here.
Daily Press Conference
Published 3rd April
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock MP gave yesterday's press conference. Here are the highlights:
- The Government is taking unprecedented action to increase NHS
capacity. In the past week, the Government has completed the
construction of the NHS Nightingale hospital, with more hospitals being
constructed in Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
- Mr Hancock reported that as of yesterday, 163,194 people have now been tested, with 33,718 testing positive. 12,949 people have been admitted to hospital with the virus, and of those who have contracted the virus, 2,921 have died. The Health Secretary has noted that the rate of infection has been doubling every three to four days.
- Mr Hancock commended the new Public Health England guidance on PPE for people working on the front line.
- In addition to the £300m that has been made available for community
pharmacies, the Health Secretary announced that the Government is
writing off £13.4bn of historic NHS debt to help them cope with
increased demand as a result of the virus.
- Mr Hancock detailed the Government's approach to testing,
announcing that testing for the virus will expand first to NHS staff,
then to key workers, and then to the wider community in due course. The
Government remains committed to carrying out 25,000 tests per day by the
end of April at the latest.
Prime Minister' Press Conference
Published 2nd April
The Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, led the press conference yesterday evening.
- 152,979 people have now been tested, with 29,474 testing positive. 10,767 people have been admitted to hospital with COVID-19 symptoms. To date, 2,352 people have died, an increase of 563 - the highest daily rise in deaths so far.
- The Government want to thank the thousands of businesses, large and small, which have worked with staff to ensure they are supported in the days and weeks ahead.
- Mr Sharma stated that as businesses are doing all they can to support people, Government will continue to do all it can to support businesses. From today, businesses start benefitting from the previously announced £22bn of support in the form of grants and rate relief.
- Mr Sharma said that to date, local authorities have now received more than £12bn, with the business secretary making clear that this money should get to businesses as soon as possible.
- The Business Secretary also said that would be completely unacceptable for banks to unfairly refuse funds to good businesses in financial difficulty at this time.
- In response to concerns from businesses, the Government are looking at ways to ensure that they can get the support they need. The Chancellor will be saying more on this in the coming days.
Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill
Published 1st April
The Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill was formally introduced to the Scottish Parliament yesterday and will be debated by MSPs today. Most measures in the Bill will automatically expire after six months, if passed, and can be extended for a maximum of two further six month periods.
Daily Press Conference
Published 1st April
Cabinet Minister Michael Gove MP gave yesterday's press conference. Here are the highlights:
- Mr Gove updated on the latest figures on Covid-19. To date, 143,186
people have been tested, with 25,150 testing positive for Covid-19.
- Yesterday there were 381 recorded deaths, taking the total number of deaths to 1,789.
- Mr Gove also reinforced the importance of respecting social distancing guidelines to slow the spread of the virus.
Contactless Payment Limit Increases Today
Published 1st April
The limit on contactless payment is rising to £45 from today (April 1st) to enable more customers to use the facility. WHO and Government guidance suggests that people use contactless payment if they are able to, but stores should still accept cash and regular card payments from those who cannot use contactless payment. A poster for retailers asking customers to use contactless is available on our website here.
COVID-19 Updates - March
ActSmart supports Government's challenge to business insurers
Published 31st March
Government and business may have misjudged the potential access to cash support via business interruption insurance. It is a retrospective cover that may provide some interim payment towards costs, but only once there is clarity over the degree of the loss, but surety of its support would be enough to see many businesses through the crisis.
Members of the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), initiated by ActSmart, are calling upon Government and insurance brokers to challenge policies where there is ambiguity.
Let us know your experiences with BII by completing the online survey at indieretail.uk/business-interruption-insurance.
For more information click here.
Supporting employees if your business is affected by COVID-19
Published 31st March
The Government has provided a YouTube video about the support available to help you and your staff during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Register for the next live webinar to get help with how you can support employees.
This webinar provides an overview about the support available, including:
- the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- refunding eligible Statutory Sick Pay costs
- furloughed employees and more
Press Conference
Published 30th March
Yesterday evening's daily press conference was led by the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, Robert Jenrick, key highlights included:
- Deputy chief medical officer, Dr Jenny Harries, said that the effectiveness of the current restrictions would be reviewed at the end of the original three-week period
- Harries also stated that the lockdown in the UK to try to slow the spread of coronavirus could go on for six months and the country may not return to its normal way of life until the autumn
- Boris Johnson is still in isolation in No 11 Downing Street after testing positive for coronavirus
Deferral of VAT payments as a result of COVID-19
Published 27th March
UK VAT registered business with VAT payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020 have the option to defer the payment until a later date or pay the VAT due as normal.
For more information click here.
Job Retention Scheme guidance published
The new guidance for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was published yesterday evening.
The temporary scheme is open to all UK employers for at least three months starting from 1 March 2020. It is designed to support employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Self-employment Income Support Scheme
Published 27th March
This scheme will allow self-employed individuals or a member of a partnership to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months. This may be extended if needed.
The support will be limited up to £50k of trading profits and people who
make the majority of their income from self-employment. Eligibility
also depends on years traded and whether the business has been affected
by COVID-19 among other things.
The grant will be calculated using average monthly profits over last three financial years. Self Employed people will be able to access the support by the beginning of June.
Government measures to support businesses
Published 27th March
• Business rates expanded retail discount
• Grants: retail and hospitality grant scheme and small business grant funding
• Tax support: deferred VAT payments, HMRC Time to Pay service and extension for filing accounts with Companies House
• Clarity on insurance claims
• COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility
• Coronavirus Business Interruption Scheme
• Commercial Renter Protection
• Critical workers
• Support for employers: coronavirus job retention scheme, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and selfisolation
• Colleague safety: hygiene & social distancing practices and violence & abuse
• Sources of new temporary colleagues
• Rapid induction
Coronavirus Act
Published 27th March
The Coronavirus Act has now become law Parliament is now in early recess until 21st April to restrict the spread of COVID-19.
The powers of the Act are time-limited for two years and the Government
must publish a report every two months on the use of non-devolved
aspects of the legislation. Every six months, the Government must ‘as
far as practicable' make arrangements for MPs to vote to keep the Act's
powers in force, otherwise the powers will fall after 21 days. If
Parliament is not sitting, the powers will remain in force.
Three Month Extension to File Accounts
The Government has announced that businesses will be granted a three month extension on filing their accounts as a result of disruption related to Covid-19. As part of the measures, while companies will still have to apply for the three month extension to be granted, those citing issues around Covid-19 will be automatically and immediately granted an extension.
More information on this announcement is available here.
Coronavirus Bill
Published 26th March
The Coronavirus Bill is continuing progress in the House of Lords and is
expected to pass into law some time today, before Parliament enters an
early recess until 21st April. The House of Lords has been examining the
Bill line-by-line and considering recommendations from the Delegated
Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee and Constitution Committee.
Amendments raised so far include a new scheme of statutory
self-employment pay and for the Act to expire after three months, with
an option to extend its powers in three-month segments.
This Bill will allow the Government to proceed with previously announced policies to:
• establish a rebate system for retailers to reclaim sick pay costs
• make sick pay payable from day one of COVID-19 related absence
• require retailers to share supply chain data when requested
• order premises to close to help restrict COVID-19
• postpone all 2020 elections until 2021
The Bill also contains powers for the Government to increase or extend sick pay funding to larger employers and quickly modify National Insurance Contribution rates for employers and workers.
Help with non-domestic rates in Scotland
Published 25th March
Small Business Grants
Published 25th March
In response to the Coronavirus, Covid - 19, the Government announced there would be support for small businesses, and businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
This support will take the form of two grant funding schemes, the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund.
Read more here.
Press Conference
Published 25th March
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock gave yesterday's press conference, here are the highlights:
- The Health Secretary reiterated the Prime Minister's messages from
yesterday's address to the nation, saying that the steps outlined ‘are
not requests, they are rules' and that everyone has a responsibility to
follow those rules.
- The Health Secretary said a quarter of a million people are needed to assist with the national effort to tackle coronavirus, help the NHS and support the vulnerable.
- More than 35,000 extra NHS staff have already joined up to help fight against the virus, including retired doctors and nurses returning to the service and final year students.
- Mr Hancock also confirmed that a temporary hospital - the NHS Nightingale hospital - would be opening at London's ExCeL centre.
- Mr Hancock announced that the Government has purchased 3.5m antibody tests, and has shipped 7.5m pieces of personal protective equipment.
Coronavirus Bill
Published 25th March
The Coronavirus Bill passed through the House of Commons yesterday without any opposition MPs forcing any votes on the Bill's provisions after the UK Government supported an amendment to review the Bill's powers every six months, which is additional to time-limiting the powers for two years. This means Parliament will debate powers provided by the Bill in six months and have to vote to allow the powers to remain. The Bill has also been debated at Second Reading in the House of Lords. The Bill is expected pass through other stages in the Lords today and become law by Thursday at the latest.
The Bill will allow the Government to proceed with previously announced policies to:
- establish a rebate system for retailers to reclaim sick pay costs
- make sick pay payable from day one of COVID-19 related absence
- require retailers to share supply chain data when requested
• order premises to close to help restrict COVID-19
• postpone all 2020 elections until 2021
The Bill also contains powers for the Government to increase or extend sick pay funding to larger employers and quickly modify National Insurance Contribution rates for employers and workers.
COVID-19 Job Retention Scheme Advice for employers
Published 24th March
The latest information on how employers can access the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) to continue paying 80% of the salary for employees that would otherwise have been laid off or made redundant, the practical next steps and potential complications of the scheme. Key points include:
- Furloughed workers should not undertake any work for the company, including answering calls or emails
- JRS should not interrupt an employees' continuity of service
- Annual leave will continue to accrue
- No PAYE tax/ or national insurance contributions are due
- The grant is a reimbursement by HMRC so businesses may face cash flow issues
- Changing the status of employees remains subject to existing employment law and may be subject to negotiation
Read more here.
Business Closures
Published 24th March
The Prime Minister's announcement last night stated that non-essential businesses and premises must now close.
You can read the Government guidance here.
Ban on Commercial Tenant Evictions for 3 Months
Published 24th March
The Government brought forward emergency legislation to bar evictions of
commercial tenants for 3 months, to support firms struggling with
rental payments ahead of the quarterly deadline this week. This is not a
rental holiday. Landlords are still owed rent and, should this not be
paid once this clause of legislation has lapsed, will be able to claim
for forfeiture. This approach encourages businesses that are in a
position to make their rent payment to do so, whilst providing three
months' grace to those that are struggling.
Coronavirus Bill
Published 24th March
The Coronavirus Bill begun its debate stages in Parliament yesterday. The Bill is being fast-tracked as emergency legislation and is expected to be formally passed later this week. The Bill is relevant for all UK nations. All measures in the Bill will be time-limited for two years. The Bill will allow the Government to proceed with previously announced policies to; establish a rebate system for retailers to reclaim sick pay costs, require food supply chain business to share data when requested and powers for the Government to; order premises to close to help restrict COVID-19.
CMA Covid-19 Taskforce
Published 24th March
The CMA has launched a taskforce in response to the Covid-19 taskforce.
One of the key focus areas of the taskforce is to: "Scrutinise market
developments to identify harmful sales and pricing practices as they
emerge." More details on the taskforce is available here.
Social Distancing
Published 24th March
The Government are in the process of developing social distancing
guidance for retailers that continue to trade. Fundamentally this means
maintaining a 2 metre distance between customers and between customers
and colleagues. We advise that members consider introducing floor
markings and vertical signage showing customers where and how to queue.
Contactless Limit Raised
Published 24th March
Payment providers across the UK have upped their contactless payment limits from £30 to £45 in an effort to help customers cut down on cash usage. This will come into effect from the 1st April.
The latest update from ActSmart's Business Insurance partner
Published 23rd March
In light of the current difficulties and the drive for employees to work from home, Butterworth Spengler have compiled the following general information to be considered:
COVID-19 - Considerations for working from home
Butterworth Spengler have also sent an update in regard to their Business Interruption Insurance policies:
Business Interruption Insurance and COVID-19
Press conference highlights
Published 20th March 5:45pm
Highlights from today's press conference with the Prime Minister and Chancellor Rishi Sunak are included below. Further details of the measures below are due to be published by the Government shortly.
The PM announced that he is telling cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants to close tonight as soon as they reasonably can and not to open tomorrow. They can however continue to provide takeaway services to customers. Nightclubs, gyms, cinemas and leisure centres are also advised to close tonight.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a package of measures aimed at helping workers, including:
- Coronavirus job retention scheme:
The government is going to help to pay people's wages through a
Coronavirus job retention scheme. Any employer will be eligible for the
scheme, and will be able to apply for a grant to cover 80% of the salary
of retained workers up to £2,500 per month. Workers in any part of the
UK can retain their job even if their employer cannot afford to pay
them. The scheme will be open for an initial three month period, with no
limit to the amount of funding available for the scheme.
- Extension of the interest free period on loans: The Coronavirus business loan interruption scheme will be interest free for 12 months (previously 6 months). Those loans will be available from Monday.
- Deferring the next quarter of VAT payments for businesses: No business will pay VAT from now until the end of June. Businesses will have until the end of the year to pay those bills.
- Strengthening the safety net:
Universal credit allowance will be increased by £1000 over the next 12
months. Working tax credit will also be increased by £1000 over the same
period.
- Supporting the self-employed: The
Government is suspending the minimum income floor for anyone affected by
coronavirus. The next self-assessment payments will also be deferred to
January 2021.
- Raising awareness: There will be a national advertising campaign launching in the coming days to highlight support for businesses.
- Rental support: £1bn support for renters, local housing allowance will now cover 30% of renting costs
Prime Minister's Press Conference
Published 20th March 2020 (conference held on 19th March)
-
The PM has said we can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks, but only
if we all take the steps we have outlined to reduce the peak of the
virus.
- The PM asked for businesses to stand by your employees and workers because we will stand by you.
- Government is in negotiations to buy a so-called antibody test to tell you if individuals have had the disease.
- There will be a further announcement from the Chancellor today on support for workers.
School Closures and ‘Key Worker' Definition
Published 20th March 2020
The Cabinet Office is expected to confirm that the definition of "Key Workers" in relation to school closures is a public sector or private sector employee who is considered to provide an essential service. It will be the responsibility of schools to validate and implement the measure with the support of government guidance. Further information is expected soon.
Single Use Carrier Bag Charge
Published 20th March 2020
The Department for Food Environment and Rural Affairs is announcing that from Saturday 21 March, for six months, large retailers (over 250 employees) will no longer be obliged to charge 5p for each single-use carrier bag (SUCB) supplied with online deliveries. It is optional for smaller retailers to charge for single use plastic bags, but you may wish to review your existing policy in response to this change of policy. This temporary measure has been taken to help protect the health and safety of customers and delivery drivers. The use of SUCBs will reduce the need for drivers and householders to come into close contact with each other reducing the risk that infection will be passed on and support customers already in self-isolation as the bags will be easier and quicker to collect from the front door.
Coronavirus Bill
Published 20th March 2020
The Government are introducing emergency legislation in parliament today
in the form of the Coronavirus Bill, the explanatory notes are
available here.
The Bill provides general powers to the Secretary of State to require
information to issue directions relating to events, gatherings and
premises. The legislation allows the Secretary of State to use
discretion in enforcing these powers in relation to "preventing,
protecting against, delaying or otherwise controlling the incidence or
transmission of coronavirus".
Guidance and Support
ACS has provided the latest information on compensatory measures for business and support for employers and colleague safety.
Government slashes interest rates again
Published 19th March 2020
To support the UK economy during these challenging times the Bank of England has once again cut interest rates.This is the second cut in just over a week, which sees them brought down to 0.1% from 0.25%.
Home Delivery for Retailers
Published 19th March 2020
More retailers are looking at home delivery as an option to reach local
customers that are self-isolating or otherwise unable to travel to their
local shop. This new guidance details what retailers should consider
when starting a home delivery service.
The guidance covers the following areas:
- How to take an order
- How to take payment
- How to operate a collection service
- How to manage data security
- Age restricted products
The guidance has been designed in consultation with Surrey/Bucks Trading
Standards and Woking Borough Council, who work with ACS on its existing
Assured Advice scheme.
Latest updates
Published 19th March 2020
Yesterday, the government announced that schools will close until
further notice from after Friday this week, except for children of key
workers. Key workers are yet to be identified.
Lobbying action
Key areas the IRC are lobbying the Government:
- A Government fund to be provided to compensate businesses impacted by Coronavirus. Many business insurance policies will not pay out on business interruption and other claims because these policies list notifiable diseases at the time the policy was taken out.
- An automatic deferral of payment of VAT, employers NICs, business rates, PAYE and corporation tax for at least six months. During this time the Government should explore the fairest ways to reduce businesses' liabilities for the period before, during and immediately after the outbreak.
- Wages to be subsidised by the Government for people laid off as a
direct result of the outbreak. This will allow businesses that can no
longer trade viably to cut their costs without unduly exposing
colleagues who will lose their jobs as a result.
The latest updates from Government
Published: 18th March 2020
- How to help prevent spread of all respiratory infections including COVID-19
- What to do if someone with suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in a workplace setting
- What advice to give to individuals who have travelled to specific areas, as outlined by the Chief Medical Officer (full list is available here)
- Advice for the certification of absence from work resulting from Covid-19
Stay At Home Guidance: Stay at home guidance has been issued by the Government and is available here.
Action Plan: The Government has also published its coronavirus action plan which provides information on what further action can be expected from the Government in response to coronavirus.
How Government is helping businesses
Published: 17th March 2020
On March 17th, the Chancellor announced a package of measures for businesses affected by Covid-19, building on previous commitments made in the Spring Budget.
To ensure the impact on businesses is minimised, the following measures were announced:
- The Government is providing Government backed and guaranteed loans totalling up to £330bn, equivalent to 15% of GDP. Any business that needs access to funding can get Government backed loans or credit at attractive terms.
- For SMEs, there will be an extension of the Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Instead of loans of £1.2m, loans will be offered for up to £5m with
no interest due for the first six months. This scheme is due to be in
place by the end of next week. These are to be available through your
bank as loans, overdrafts or other forms of financing.
- There will be a cash grant of up to £25,000 for all local shops who have a rateable value of less than £51,000 but are not eligible for Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief.
- The Government is extending the business rates holiday to all businesses in the retail and hospitality sector, irrespective of their rateable value, for 12 months.
- The £3,000 cash grant for businesses that are currently eligible for Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief will be increased to £10,000.
- Mortgage lenders will offer a three month mortgage holiday for those individuals affected by coronavirus.
- The Chancellor will go much further in the coming days to develop new forms of employment support to help protect people's jobs and their incomes.
- The Chancellor confirmed that he has agreed with insurance companies
that all businesses with an insurance policy relating to the current
situation will be able to claim against their policies.
Housing,
Communities and Local Government Secretary, Robert Jenrick, also
announced that he was relaxing planning rules to allow all pubs,
restaurants and cafes the ability to offer takeaway and delivery
services if they wish - The Chancellor announced that he intends to take further legal action to allow the Government to outline further support where needed
The Bank of England have also announced a package of measures
to help UK businesses and households bridge across the economic
disruption that is likely to be associated with COVID-19. Interest rates
have been reduced from 0.75% to 0.25% and additional funding will be
available for banks to increase lending, especially to SMEs.
Devolved Administrations
The Welsh Government has announced a package of support worth more than
£200m for small businesses to help them during the coronavirus outbreak.
Retail, leisure and hospitality businesses with a rateable value of
£51,000 or less will receive 100% business rate relief and pubs with a
rateable value of between £51,000 and £100,000 will receive a £5,000
reduction on their bill. This follows the UK Government taking similar
action to support businesses in England in the Budget.
The Chancellor also clarified on 17th March that as part of the additional measures, devolved administrations will receive at least £3.5bn in funding to support businesses in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Sick Pay and Employment
Employees are entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP) for up to 28 weeks of work absence, if they earn an average of £118 per week or more. SSP is paid at £94.25 per week on a pro-rata basis.
The following changes are in place on SSP:
- Self-Isolation - SSP will be payable to people who are staying at home on government advice, not just those who are infected, from 13 March 2020. Regulations were laid on 12 March 2020 to bring this into effect. Retailers can use their discretion about what evidence, if any, to ask for.
- Commencement - Employees claiming SSP due to coronavirus will now be eligible from day one of absence, rather than the fourth day of their illness. The Government intends to legislate so this applies retrospectively from 13 March 2020.
- Evidence - Employers are advised to use their discretion around the need for medical evidence for a period of absence where an employee is advised to stay at home due to suspected COVID-19, in accordance with the public health advice being issued by the government.
- Funding - The Government is bringing forward legislation to allow retailers with up to 250 employees to reclaim up to 14 days of statutory sick pay paid for sickness absence due to COVID-19.
Colleagues not Eligible for SSP
Employees not entitled to SSP (earning under £118 per week) may be eligible for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit. You can advise the following changes to employees due to coronavirus:
- Evidence - People claiming for either ESA or Universal Credit are no longer required to produce a fit note.
- Universal Credit - People affected by coronavirus can now apply for Universal Credit and receive up to a month's advance up front without physically attending a jobcentre.
- ESA - ESA will now be payable from day one for new claimants who are either suffering from coronavirus or required to stay at home.
ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) has published guidance for employers and employees which states that it is good practice for employers to treat self-isolation as sick leave and follow their usual sick pay policy or agree for the time to be taken as holiday.
Hygiene and Safety In Store
ACS has Assured Advice is available for retailers on food hygiene standards and practices in store, and the things that should be considered when offering a water refills service. These guides are available below:
Assured Advice - Food Safety and Hygiene
Assured Advice - Water Refills
Pricing Advice
Retailers are experiencing some increased cost prices due to scarcity of some products in the supply chain. As a retailer you are then faced with a choice of passing this cost on, but possibly being perceived as profiteering from the current situation. Clear communication is your best approach in tackling this, for example:
- Putting up a poster explaining that some supply prices have gone up and that these may be reflected in your prices to customers.
- Adding the supply price of certain affected products next to the retail price.
- Responding to customer complaints in person or on social media by explaining the relevant facts.