All businesses will be aware that the impact of Corona Virus (COVID-19) is escalating and as such, the business community needs to respond in the appropriate way, especially in view of the Prime Ministers recent update on Monday evening, advising those who can work from home to do so and to wherever possible avoid social interaction.
Last week Norfolk Chambers published advice outlining our contingency plans for ensuring the continuation of our International Trade documentation which have now been implemented. There was also some practical advice on the areas your business needs to consider when dealing with the current situation. Below is an update on the latest advice from central government, together with some of the support already available for businesses.
Employees diagnosed with coronavirus:
Stay at home guidance. The guidance for people with confirmed or possible coronavirus infection has been updated. If a person has symptoms of coronavirus infection however mild, the person should not leave home for 14 days from when the symptoms started.
After 14 days, if the person feels better and no longer has a high temperature, the person can return to their normal routine. If the person has not had any signs of improvement and have not already sought medical advice, the person should contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk or call NHS 111.
Cough may persist for several weeks in some people, despite the coronavirus infection having cleared. A persistent cough alone does not mean the person must continue to self-isolate for more than 7 days. Find the updated guidance here.
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Government Business Advice & Helpline:
For individual businesses, the good port of call for advice and support is gov.uk. However, they are also scaling up their Business Support Helpline so businesses of all sizes, can pick up the phone and speak directly to an advisor. The number to call is: 0300 456 3565
Tax Helpline:
HMRC have launched a tax helpline to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Find all the information here. The number is 0800 0159 559.
Companies House: Filing your Accounts
Companies House has produced guidance if coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected your company and you need more time to file your accounts. Find all the information here.
Online resources for businesses and employers
For the latest information and advice, employers and business owners should visit guidance for employees, employers and businesses. Check the page regularly for updates and subscribe to receive email alerts.
Information includes:
- Guidance on advice to provide to staff including: how to help prevent spread of COVID-19; what to do if someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in a workplace setting; advice to give to individuals who have travelled to specific areas; and advice for the certification of absence from work resulting from COVID19
- Information on the support available to businesses impacted by COVID-19
- ACAS has published information for employees and employers, including information on simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff, sick pay and absence from work
Business Support announced in the Budget
The recent Budget announced a package of measures to provide support for public services, individuals and businesses affected by Covid-19.
A new Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, delivered by the British Business Bank, will enable businesses with a turnover of no more than £41m to apply for a loan of up to £1.2m, with the Government covering up to 80% of any losses with no fees. This will unlock up to £1 billion pounds to protect and support small businesses.
For businesses with fewer than 250 employees, the cost of providing 14 days of statutory sick pay per employee will be refunded by the Government in full. This will provide 2 million businesses with up to £2bn to cover the costs of large-scale sick leave.
A dedicated helpline has been set up to help businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities receive support with their tax affairs. Through this, businesses may be able to agree a bespoke Time to Pay arrangement.
There will be a £3,000 cash grant to 700,000 of our smallest businesses, delivered by Local Authorities, and worth a total of £2bn.
Finally, the Government is temporarily increasing the Business Rates retail discount in England to 100% for 2020-21 for properties below £51,000 rateable value.
The Government currently advises businesses to continue to operate as usual. There is presently no reason businesses or individuals should stop carrying out their daily activities as they normally would.
- There is currently no need to close your workplace, cancel meetings or large-scale events or initiate working from home.
- There is no need to close your workplace or send other staff home if a suspected case has recently been in your workplace, unless you have been directed to do so by the local Public Health England Health Protection Team.
- Businesses are not being advised to cancel travel, except to at risk regions. FCO travel advice remains under constant review and the latest guidance can be found here.
- Employees should continue to follow existing risk assessments and safe systems of work. There is no perceived increase in risk for handling post or freight from specified areas.
- Sector specific guidance for care professionals, workers in education and other affected sectors is available on GOV.UK and updated regularly.
- Businesses can check for daily updates at GOV.UK and subscribe to receive email alerts to ensure they are acting on the most up to date information.
Norfolk Chambers is working in partnership with the UK Chamber network and the British Chambers of Commerce, to ensure the local voice of business is clearly being listened to. We need to hear from you, about any challenges that your organisation is facing, and any potential solutions or support that you feel you would benefit from. These can then be fed into central government, to be taken into account when they are drafting policies and processes to deal with the current COVID-19 situation. Please contact our Head of Policy, Nova Fairbank on:
Email [email protected] or Call: 01603 729 713.
