COVID-19 Business Support

As part of our on-going programme of support for businesses across the region we commit to sharing the latest information in response to COVID-19.

Here is a summary of the advice and support available, as of 13:00, Wednesday 18 March. Full details are available on our COVID-19 Business Support webpage, which we will continue to update as new information becomes available. Further advice is available from our Dorset Gateway support team.

Public Health England Guidance

The government has set-up a dedicated page with a comprehensive suite of information for businesses and individuals relating to the COVID-19 virus. Businesses should read and follow this advice for employers.

If you have a query that isn’t covered by this guidance you can contact the National Business Support Helpline on: 0300 456 3565

Financial support for businesses

A range of support for businesses has been announced by government over the past few days, including the below, with more expected in the coming days.

Business Rates Relief: The government is temporarily increasing the Business Rates retail discount in England to 100% for 2020-21 for properties below £51,000 rateable value.

£25,000 cash grant for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors: Available to businesses not covered by insurance.

£10,000 cash grant to small businesses: Available to firms eligible for Small Business Rate Relief, this will be delivered by local authorities from the start of April.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS): An affordable loan scheme of up to £5m for businesses with a turnover of less than £41m – interest rates are not payable for the first six months and up to 80% of losses will be covered with no fee.

Time to Pay up-scaled: A dedicated helpline has been set up to help businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities to receive support with their tax affairs.

Other business support measures

Filing your annual accounts with Companies House: Businesses can option to request more time to file accounts if Coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected your company – you should make this request before your filing deadline.

Support for businesses paying tax: If businesses or self-employed people are concerned about being able to tax due to COVID-19 support may be available through HMRC’s Time To Pay service – call HMRC’s dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559.

Insurance cover for business interruption: Businesses that have cover for both pandemics and government-ordered closure should be covered, as the government and insurance industry confirmed on 17 March 2020 that advice to avoid pubs, theatres etc. is sufficient to make a claim.

Supporting employees

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): This should be made available to those who follow advice to stay at home and cannot work, even if they are not sick themselves – employers are asked to use their discretion and respect the need to self-isolate when making decisions about sick pay.

Certifying absence from work: By law, self-certification is valid for the first 7 days of sickness – after 7 days, employers should use their discretion around the need for medical evidence if an employee is staying at home, particularly if they are advised to stay at home as they are unwell or live with someone who is. 

What to do if an employee needs time off work to look after someone: Employees are entitled to time off to help a dependent in an unexpected event or emergency.

Call to action: Production and supply of ventilator components

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is looking for organisations that can support in the supply of ventilators and ventilator components across the United Kingdom as part of the government’s response to COVID-19. If your business can help with the Prime Minister’s call for ventilator production, please visit https://ventilator.herokuapp.com to register your details.

Alternatively, companies that can assist can 0300 456 3565 or email ventilator.support@beis.gov.uk

Limiting spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in business and workplaces

Businesses and employers can help reduce the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) by reminding everyone of the public health advice. Posters, leaflets and other materials are available.

Employees and customers should be reminded to wash their hands for 20 seconds more frequently than normal.

Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces that are touched regularly, using your standard cleaning products.