Government Briefing and Additional Updates and Guidance: 9th July 2020
BUSINESS BRIEFING FROM GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 PRESS CONFERENCE
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has today announced the further reopening of the economy:
- Outdoor pools and theatres start up from Saturday
- Grassroots sport returns this weekend with cricket and from Monday, close contact services including beauticians, tattooists, tanning salons and spas will be allowed to reopen.
- From Saturday 25 July, indoor gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres will be able to open.
Mr Dowden also promised to protect theatres and venues from closure, demolition and change of use, with small pilots of indoor performances taking place.
Measures including timed booking systems to limit the number of people in the facility at any one time, reduced class sizes, spaced out equipment and enhanced cleaning will be carried out by operators.
Mr Dowden also reiterated the measures announced today were conditional and that government would not hesitate to impose lockdowns if there are local spikes.
The government has outlined the measures that will allow outdoor pools, indoor gyms, swimming pools and sport facilities to reopen here.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES AND GUIDANCE
Job Retention Bonus: ministerial direction
Letters regarding the ministerial direction for the Job Retention Bonus.
Treasury Direction made under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020: Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
The Chancellor has made a Treasury Direction in relation to the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. Read more.
Eat Out to Help Out Scheme: ministerial direction
Letters regarding the ministerial direction for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
Forestry Commision operational update: coronavirus
This update provides details on the Forestry Commission’s working practices during the coronavirus outbreak. Read more.
Supporting local areas to prioritise and meet the needs of children and young people with SEND
Ofsted and CQC will visit local areas to support strengthening special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) systems in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, before returning to full inspections when it is right to do so. Read more.
RESOURCES TO SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS DURING COVID-19
Government Coronavirus Business Support Hub
You can go here to find out all the latest information about what funding and support is available for your business, managing your business during coronavirus and business closures. There is also a new ‘support finder’ tool to help businesses easily determine what financial support is available to them during the coronavirus pandemic through a quick and simple online questionnaire. You can find out more about the tool here
Government Coronavirus Business Support WhatsApp
The government has also launched a Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp which is now updated with business support advice. Text ‘hi’ to 07860064422 via WhatsApp and there are business support measures highlighted under option 5 with the relevant links to GOV.UK pages
Government business support helpline
Contact the government’s business support helpline for free advice
Phone: FREEPHONE 0800 998 1098 Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm
Email: enquiries@businesssupporthelpline.org
HMRC have online help set up to help businesses and self-employed people concerned about not being able to pay their tax due to coronavirus.
The best way to get help from HMRC on any topic is to contact them online. Alternatively, you can call them on 0800 0159 559.
If your business needs more workers as a result of COVID-19, such as those in food logistics, preparation and retail, post vacancies on Find a Job.
Coronavirus support from Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations
Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations are providing coronavirus related support for specific sectors.
Thank you to White Label Creative who have been invaluable in passing on relevant information to us on a daily basis and Croydon Council Economic Development Team – we hope that in re-circulating the salient points, we can all work together to help as many businesses as possible.
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