COVID-19 UPDATES, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT LINKS TO HELP BUSINESSES
Updates
- Latest updates on COVID-19 in Dorset – Case rates remain low in the Dorset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council areas this week. However, nationally we are seeing cases start to increase so we must remain vigilant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Dorset. The best way to protect yourself and others is to continue to follow the rules on hands, face, space and fresh air, do twice weekly rapid tests and get both doses of the vaccine when it’s offered to you.
- What’s changing from Monday 17 May:
- you can socialise indoors in a group of up to 6 people or 2 households, including for overnight stays
- up to 30 people can meet outside
- pubs, theatres and other venues can open indoors
- hotels, hostels and B&Bs can open for people on holiday
- From 9 April, anyone in England who does not have symptoms can get regular rapid lateral flow tests to check for coronavirus. By testing more people, we can identify and isolate more asymptomatic cases, meaning the virus has fewer chances to spread. Find out more about rapid testing and where you can get tests. Lateral flow tests are for people without symptoms. If you develop coronavirus symptoms, you need to book a PCR test.
- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: guide for employers – Government have produced a step by step guide explaining the information that employers need to provide to HMRC to make a claim through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. It also describes the processes involved. There are monthly deadlines for claims. Use this list of dates to help you submit your claim before it’s too late. Step-by-step Guide
- Incase you missed it – Budget highlights.
- Bounce Back Loan borrowers will now have the option to tailor payments according to their individual circumstances and delay repayments. Pay as You Grow will be available to over 1.4 million businesses, which collectively took out nearly £45 billion through the Bounce Back Loan Scheme
- How to treat certain expenses and benefits provided to employees during coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Find coronavirus financial support for your business Use this business Government support finder to see what support is available for you and your business. Available to employers and the self-employed, including sole traders and limited company directors. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants, whether your business is open or closed. Start now
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Resources for your business: Coronavirus hub – a regularly updated information portal for all government updates, FAQs and other relevant information.
Dorset Chamber of Commerce:
We know there are huge concerns regarding the potential impact of Coronavirus and we’re doing all we can to support the business community through these challenging times.
C-19 Business Support Service 1:1 support for Dorset businesses and charities during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Immediate and ongoing expert mentor support to navigate your challenges with up to 3 months free of charge (and 90% subsidised thereafter). Open to all micro, small and medium size businesses on a confidential basis.
EXTERNAL RESOURCES:
- You can download and print all these health and safety signs for free and use them as you need. Please link to https://www.websiteplanet.com/blog/free-printable-posters-covid-19/ site.
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“Remote Working & Mental Health: A Young Professional’s Guide” – https://www.helloezra.com/remote-work-mental-health/
GOV.UK Guidance COVID-19: support for businesses
The Business Support Helpline number in England FREEPHONE 0800 998 1098. The helpline provides free, impartial business support and signposting services to businesses in England – which currently includes business advice on Covid-19.
These government.uk guides below cover a range of different types of work.
HEALTH SAFETY EXECUTIVE
Downloadable posters for the workplace Public Health England have lots of resources to download including posters for the workplace. You can find posters, social media posts, banners and more using the link below for: -Handwashing and hygiene -Symptoms -Shopping -Travelling to work -At work See all of the resources available on the Public Health England website.
- Latest information and advice about Covid-19 and health and safety
- Latest information about Covid-19 and social distancing, keeping businesses open and in-work activities.
- Latest information about protecting home workers
- A guide for talking with your workers about preventing coronavirus
- A short guide about working safely during the coronavirus outbreak
WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION AND OUTDOOR WORK
- Government information and guidance about working safely in the construction sector and other outdoor work
- BuildUK have compiled a list of useful resources and guidance for the construction sector
WORKING IN FACTORIES,PLANTS AND WAREHOUSES
- Government information and guidance about working safely in factories,plants and warehouses
- British Retail Consortium’s guide to social distancing in warehouses
WORKING IN OTHER PEOPLE’S HOMES
- Government information and guidance about working safely in other people’s homes
LABS AND RESEARCH FACILITIES
- Government information and guidance about working safely in labs and research facilities
OFFICES AND CONTACT CENTRES
- Government information and guidance about working safely in offices and contact centres
RESTAURANTS OFFERING TAKEAWAY OR DELIVERY
- Government information and guidance about working safely in restaurants offering takeaway or delivery
SHOPS AND BRANCHES
- Government information and guidance about working safely in shops and branches
VEHICLES
- Government information and guidance about working safely in vehicles
TEST AND TRACE
NHS Test and Trace service to form a central part of the government’s coronavirus recovery strategy. Anyone with symptoms will be tested and their close contacts will be traced. New guidance means those who have been in close contact with someone who tests positive must isolate for 14 days, even if they have no symptoms, to avoid unknowingly spreading the virus. Test and Trace guidance for workplaces can be found here.