COVID-19 Lockdown Advice
The latest government Covid-19 guidance
Update: 5th November 2020
(COVID-19) Government extends Furlough to March and increases self-employed support
Workers across the United Kingdom will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension of the furlough scheme into Spring 2021, the Chancellor announced today, 5 November.
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businesses and people across the UK given certainty over winter months with further support announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak
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the furlough scheme will now be extended until the end of March – protecting millions of jobs across all nations
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the next self-employed income support grant will also increase from 55% to 80% of average profits - up to £7,500
Workers across the United Kingdom will benefit from increased support with a five-month extension of the furlough scheme into Spring 2021, the Chancellor announced today, 5 November.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will now run until the end of March with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked.
Similarly, support for millions more workers through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be increased, with the third grant covering November to January calculated at 80% of average trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:
"I’ve always said I would do whatever it takes to protect jobs and livelihoods across the UK - and that has meant adapting our support as the path of the virus has changed.
It’s clear the economic effects are much longer lasting for businesses than the duration of any restrictions, which is why we have decided to go further with our support.
Extending furlough and increasing our support for the self-employed will protect millions of jobs and give people and businesses the certainty they need over what will be a difficult winter."
The Chancellor also announced today an increase in the upfront guarantee of funding for the devolved administrations from £14 billion to £16 billion. This uplift will continue to support workers, business and individuals in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The furlough scheme was initially extended until 2 December. But the government is now going further so that support can be put in place for long enough to help businesses recover and get back on their feet – as well as giving them the certainty they need in coming months. Evidence from the first lockdown showed that the economic effects are much longer lasting for businesses than the duration of restrictions.
There are currently no employer contribution to wages for hours not worked. Employers will only be asked to cover National Insurance and employer pension contributions for hours not worked. For an average claim, this accounts for just 5% of total employment costs or £70 per employee per month. The CJRS extension will be reviewed in January to examine whether the economic circumstances are improving enough for employers to be asked to increase contributions.
Throughout the pandemic, the government has acted with speed to protect lives and safeguard jobs with an unprecedented £200 billion support package. The furlough scheme has protected over nine million jobs across the UK, and self-employed people have already received over £13 billion in support. This is in addition to billions of pounds in tax deferrals and grants for businesses.
On top of this, the government has announced:
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cash grants of up to £3,000 per month for businesses which are closed worth more than £1 billion every month
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£1.1 billion is being given to Local Authorities, distributed on the basis of £20 per head, for one-off payments to enable them to support businesses more broadly
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plans to extend existing government-backed loan schemes and the Future Fund to the end of January, and an ability to top-up Bounce Back Loans
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an extension to the mortgage payment holiday for homeowners
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up to £500 million of funding for councils to support the local public health response.
Further Information
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More information on today’s policy announcements can be found here: economic support factsheet (PDF, 143KB, 5 pages).
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This is just one element of the comprehensive package of support the government has set out for businesses, including more than £65 billion in government-backed loans, which have now been extended until 31 January, deferral of VAT payments, business rates holidays, generous grants for hospitality, leisure and retail businesses, a moratorium on eviction for commercial tenants and the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.
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In addition, the Jobs Retention Bonus (JRB) will not be paid in February and the government will redeploy a retention incentive at the appropriate time. The purpose of the JRB was to encourage employers to keep people in work until the end of January. However, as the CJRS is being extended to the end of March 2021, the policy intent of the JRB falls away.
(COVID-19) Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The UK Government recognises the continued impact that coronavirus (COVID-19) has had on the self-employed and has taken action to provide support.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension provides critical support to the self-employed in the form of 2 further grants, each available for 3 month periods covering November 2020 to January 2021 and February 2021 to April 2021.
1. Who can claim
To be eligible for the grant extension self-employed individuals, including members of partnerships, must:
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have been previously eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme first and second grant (although they do not have to have claimed the previous grants)
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declare that they intend to continue to trade and either:
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are currently actively trading but are impacted by reduced demand due to coronavirus
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were previously trading but are temporarily unable to do so due to coronavirus
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2. What the grant extension covers
The extension will last for 6 months, from November 2020 to April 2021. Grants will be paid in 2 lump sum instalments each covering a 3 month period.
The third grant will cover a 3 month period from 1 November 2020 until 31 January 2021. The Government will provide a taxable grant calculated at 80% of 3 months average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment and capped at £7,500 in total. This is an increase from the previously announced amount of 55%.
The Government are providing the same level of support for the self-employed as is being provided for employees through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which has also been extended until March 2021.
The Government has already announced that there will be a fourth grant covering February 2021 to April 2021. The Government will set out further details, including the level, of the fourth grant in due course.
The grants are taxable income and also subject to National Insurance contributions.
3. How to claim
The online service for the next grant will be available from 30 November 2020. HMRC will provide full details about claiming and applications in guidance on GOV.UK in due course.
2nd November 2020
Following the Government's announcement on 31st October 2020:
For information about the New National Restrictions as from Thursday, 5th November, click here
The "Coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant" for non-essential businesses that have to close on 5th November 2020 (until 2nd December 2020).
Birmingham City Council will be receiving further advice from the Government as to how businesses can apply for the grant. This information should be available by Friday, 6th November 2020.
In the meantime, please check to see if your business is eligible for the grant. For more information from Birmingham City Council, click here
Further information about the Furlough Scheme Extention can be found here
The BID will continue to keep you updated as and when more announcements are made.
22nd September 2020
The Prime Minister has made a statement announcing new Covid19 restrictions in England.
Please ensure that you and your small business follow the the latest government guidance on Covid-19.
For latest updates, visit the government's website HERE
New restrictions to be introduced in England include:
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Asking office workers who can work from home to do so. In key public services – and in all professions where homeworking is not possible, such as construction or retail – people should continue to attend their workplaces.
From Thursday 24th September 2020:
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All pubs, bars and restaurants must operate table-service only, except for take-aways.
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All hospitality (including pubs, bars and restaurants) must close at 10pm (this means closing and not last orders). The same will apply to takeaways - though deliveries can continue thereafter.
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The requirement to wear face coverings will be extended to include:
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Staff in retail (in addition to the existing requirement on customers)
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All users of taxis and private hire vehicles
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All staff and customers in indoor hospitality, except when seated at a table to eat or drink
In addition:
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Support for businesses & Self Employed - New Package to Support & Enforce
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Schools, colleges and universities will stay open
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Covid-secure guidelines will become legal obligations (businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach these rules)
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From Monday, a maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions (however up to 30 can still attend a funeral as now)
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The rule of six will be extended to all adult indoor team sports
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Business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events will not be able to reopen from 1 October as previously planned
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The Government has already introduced a fine of up to £10,000 for those who fail to self-isolate and such fines will be applied to businesses breaking Covid rules
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The penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will now double to £200 for a first offence
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Those who were shielding early in the pandemic, do not need to shield – except in local lockdown areas – which will be kept under constant review
Follow Government advice, including:
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wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds
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avoid touching your face
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wear a face covering in shops and public transport (if you’re not exempt)
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keep a safe distance away from others
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if you, or someone in your household, have symptoms, it is very important that you stay home and book a test by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk
Source: Small Business Saturday
Birmingham Localised Restrictions
The government has announced new restrictions for Birmingham in order to push down the coronavirus rates of infection. From Tuesday 15 September Birmingham residents will not be able to mix with any other households, indoors or in private gardens, except for those in a support bubble. Find out more here.
Local Birmingham Solihull Sandwell guidance
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/birmingham-sandwell-and-solihull-local-restrictions
BCC Lockdown FAQ on the new COVID-19 restrictions in Birmingham
Birmingham & Solihull Lockdown Q&A from Justin Varney, Birmingham Public Health Chief on Birmingham Live site
National Guidance - What has changed since 9th September?
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-what-has-changed-9-september
The Rule of Six regulations
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/986/pdfs/uksi_20200986_en.pdf
These restrictions do not affect school, work or transport and you still will be welcome to visit shops, restaurants and pubs.
We realise this is frustrating, but action must be taken so we can prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep each-other safe.
Further Guidance on:
COVID-19: What You Need To Do?
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Support For Businesses & Employers During COVID-19
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
General Guidance for Employees During COVID-19
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/worker-support
Birmingham City Council
https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/coronavirus_advice
NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
West Midlands Police
https://west-midlands.police.uk/coronavirus
Public Transport
West Midlands Railway:
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/
West Midlands Metro:
https://westmidlandsmetro.com/
National Express West Midlands:
https://nxbus.co.uk/