COVID-19 Updates

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

Public 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.

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

Published 22nd September    

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

Contain Framework for Local Lockdowns

The 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

Public 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.

Updated Guidance: Keeping Workers and customers safe during COVID-19 in Shops and branches

Published 25th June

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

Choose a date and time

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

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.  

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:

1. Protecting NHS capacity
2. Sustained and consistent fall in the daily death rate
3. Rate of infection decreasing to manageable levels across the board
4. Testing capacity and PPE supply able to meet demand
5. 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:

• the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
• Statutory Sick Pay
• furloughed employees and more

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

Health 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

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

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

The 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

Furlough Scheme Extension

Published 13th May 

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

Published 12th May

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

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

Published 5th May

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

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.

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

Published 29th April
 

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

Published 28th April

• 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

Published 24th April

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

As 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)

Published 23rd April 

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

Published 22nd April     

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

Published 20th April   

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

Published 17th April     

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

Published 17th April     

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:

1. Name.
2. National Insurance number.
3. Claim period and claim amount.
4. 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:

1. The Government must be confident that the NHS can provide the necessary specialist treatment to those who have Covid-19
2. There must be a sustained and consistent fall in daily death rates
3. There must be reliable data showing that the rate of infection is decreasing
4. The Government must be confident that testing capacity and supply of PPE is able to meet demand
5. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 

Published 14th April  

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:

1. The bank account number and sort code you'd like us to use when we pay your claim.
2. The name and phone number of the person in your business for us to call with any questions.
3. Your Self-Assessment UTR (Unique Tax Reference), Company UTR or CRN (Company Registration Number).
4. The name, employee number and National Insurance number for each of your furloughed employees.
5. 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 

Published 9th April 

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

Published 9th April 

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

Published 8th 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

Update to VAT Notice 700/22: Making Tax Digital for VAT 

Published 8th April 

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

Published 8th April 

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.
  

Published 8th April 

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 

Published 7th April 

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 

Published 7th April 

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

Published 7th April 

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. 

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

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

Published 6th April

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

Published 6th April

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

Published 6th April 

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

Published 6th April 

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

Published 6th April 

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

Published 6th April 

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.

Chancellor Announces Extended Business Support

Published 3rd April 

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.

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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.
  

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.

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

Published 27th March

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.

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

Published 26th March

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.

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.

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