Trading Through Coronavirus

This page has been created to provide you with guidance with links to essential information and available support for your business. This page will be updated on a regular basis as new information is available.

 

We’re here to help however we can.

  

 

  

Coronavirus workplace guidance

The government has updated its guidance for businesses on working safely during Coronavirus.

 

Introduction To LFD Testing in Workplaces

 

Minister Scully Letter to Business on Covid Testing for Hauliers 11 Jan 2021

  

 

Supporting Our Members

 

Chamber Protect (Legal, HR, Tax and Health & Safety) 

As Coronavirus (COVID -19) continues to impact the operations of organisations, we understand the importance to take the correct steps in order to support the governments strategy as well as your business.  Our advisors can help you and your members. Call the Chamber HR advice line on 01455 852037 or alternatively, find out more about the Chamber Protect services here 

 

FUNDING

 

 

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) On the 5th of November, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP announced a five-month extension of CJRS, also known as the furlough scheme. The CJRS will now run until the end of March 2021 with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked.   Find more information on: • the extension to the CJRS which ends on 31 March 2021; • which employees you can put on furlough to use the CJRS; • if you can claim for your employees’ wages using the CJRS; • the steps you need to take before calculating your claim; • how much you can claim; and • claiming for wages through the scheme.   The Job Support Scheme will not be introduced until after Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends.

 

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant extension The SEISS grant was extended from 1 November 2020. Today, the Chancellor announced that 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. Find out if you are eligible and how much you can get.

 

 

Pay As You Grow Scheme Launched   HM Treasury and the British Business Bank have released further details of the Pay As You Grow Scheme. It is confirmed that the scheme will enable businesses who have started repaying their Bounce Back Loans to:

 

• request an extension of their loan term to 10 years from six years, at the same fixed interest rate of 2.5%; • reduce their monthly repayments for six months by paying interest only. This option is available up to three times during the term of their Bounce Back Loan; and • take a repayment holiday for up to six months. This option is available once during the term of their Bounce Back Loan.

More information can be found on the BCC’s Coronavirus Hub

    

Arts Council Grants

The Arts Council have recently re-opened their National Lottery Project Grants to help fund independent organisations, creative practitioners and freelancers.  The fund is open until April 2021, for more information visit the Arts Council website. 

 

 

British Chambers Coronavirus Resources 

As the Coronavirus continues to impact the operations of businesses, the British Chambers team has collated information and resources from the UK government and the Chamber Network in an online support hub.