COVID-19 Updates and Business Advice

COVID-19 UPDATES, INFORMATION AND SUPPORT LINKS TO HELP BUSINESSES

Updates:

  • Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) for premises that are closed

    The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) is for businesses that are required to close under the imposed coronavirus restrictions. For Dorset, the restrictions are currently in place between 5 November 2020 and 2 December 2020. Apply here.
    Businesses that have been told to close include non-essential retail, leisure, personal care, sports facilities and hospitality businesses. View a full list of business categories required to close on GOV.UK.
    The grant is for businesses that pay business rates on their premise.

  • If you are unsure about the new requirements on business closure or other restrictions on businesses, Dorset Council regulatory officers can provide further advice – send an email to envhealthteamb@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or telephone 01305 251010 (for food businesses) or 01305 224702 (any other businesses).
  • Economic support extended — In light of the increased restrictions, the UK government has extended the following economic and business support measures.
    The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough) 
    The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, also known as the furlough scheme, has been extended to 31 March 2021. Check to find:

    Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant 
    The grant has been extended from 1 November 2020. The grant will be increased from the previously announced level of 40% of trading profits to 80% for November 2020. Find out if you are eligible and how much you can get.

  • Loan deadlines extended – Deadlines have been extended to 31 January 2021 for: The Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), which provides financial support to larger businesses affected;
  • Download the Test and Trace app – https://covid19.nhs.uk/

Key COVID-19 Advice and Updates from Dorset Council

 

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.

RESOURCES:

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.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support

These 8 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.

WORKING IN CONSTRUCTION AND OUTDOOR WORK

WORKING IN FACTORIES,PLANTS AND WAREHOUSES 

WORKING IN OTHER PEOPLE’S HOMES

LABS AND RESEARCH FACILITIES

OFFICES AND CONTACT CENTRES

RESTAURANTS OFFERING TAKEAWAY OR DELIVERY

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.

TRAVELLING TO AND FROM WORK

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators – This guide will help businesses, agencies and others understand how to provide safer workplaces and services for themselves, their workers and passengers across all modes of private and public transport. It outlines measures to assess and address the risks of coronavirus in the transport sector across England. Guidance for passengers on how to travel safely – This guidance provides advice on how passengers should make journeys safely. The advice sets out that if people who cannot work from home and have to travel for work, they should first consider alternatives to public transport. Those driving their own cars have been asked to avoid busy areas. For those who have to use public transport, the guidance recommends:

  • Keeping 2 metres apart wherever possible;
  • Wearing a face covering if you can;
  • Using contactless payment where possible;
  • Avoiding rush hour travel where feasible;
  • Washing or sanitising your hands as soon as possible before and after travel;
  • Following advice from staff and being considerate to others.

All the latest guidance for people using transport or working in the transport sector during the coronavirus outbreak can be found here.

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