This bulletin has been provided to us by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Businesses and Employers Bulletin - 7 May 2020
This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19). All coronavirus business support information can be found at gov.uk/business-support
- Business rates revaluation postponed
- Webinar Recording: Financial support for small businesses during coronavirus
- New Updates and Guidance
- Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance
Business rates revaluation postponed
A revaluation of business rates will no longer take place in 2021 to help reduce uncertainty for firms affected by the impacts of coronavirus.
The Government is continuing work on the fundamental review of business rates, with the key aims of reducing the overall burden on businesses, improving the current business rates system, and considering more fundamental changes in the medium-to-long term. The call for evidence for the review will be published in the coming months.
Webinar Recording: Financial support for small businesses during coronavirus
You can now review individual topics from our webinar on financial support for small businesses during coronavirus.
Other Government departments are also hosting a series of free webinars this week to help businesses understand the support available including:
- Multiple dates - Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim
- Multiple dates - Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
Keep up to date with all the latest available webinars here.
New Updates and Guidance
New
Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Dedicated app for social care workers has launched
A new dedicated app for the adult social care workforce in England has been launched to support staff through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Find out more here.
Actions for Higher Education (HE) providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Information is available for HE providers on the Government support package available for universities and students, the process for clearing and student numbers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Ministers urge councils to plan for safe re-opening of recycling centres
The Government has published new guidance on how recycling centres can be safely re-opened during the coronavirus outbreak.
New funding to support dairy farmers through coronavirus
A new fund will enable dairy farmers in England to access up to £10,000 each to help them overcome the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Update on Fisheries Response Fund: support for aquaculture businesses
Update on the support for aquaculture businesses under the Fisheries Response Fund.
Over 69,000 loans approved in the first day of the Bounce Back Loan Scheme
More than 69,000 Bounce Back Loans worth over £2 billion have been approved during the first 24 hours of the scheme, the Chancellor has announced. Find out more here.
Updates
Personal protective equipment (PPE): export control process
Information for economic operators who will temporarily need a licence to export PPE outside the EU, EFTA member states and certain other territories. Updated with removed notification form, clarified the date the changes came into force and added a link to the EU's updated FAQ.
Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance
Offer coronavirus support
Tell us how your business might be able to help with the response to coronavirus by using our online service.
Share the impact coronavirus is having on your organisation
Let us know how the outbreak is impacting your business. Please send your intelligence to intel@beis.gov.uk. Commercially sensitive information will be treated accordingly. Please note that this inbox is only for receiving intelligence and does not provide business advice.
Help us shine a light on the stories of key workers
Tell us about key workers you know that are helping to keep the UK moving during the Coronavirus pandemic. Please fill in this online form for key workers in the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, consumer goods, scientists/researchers, servicing, postal workers, and oil/gas/electricity/water/sewage/chemical workers.
Other useful links
Some aspects of business support are devolved. Specific information for businesses and employers in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales is available. In England, Growth Hubs can advise on local and UK Government business support.
Published on Thursday 7th May 2020