19-Mar-20 | News

COVID-19 (coronavirus) – advice and resources

The Government’s guidance, which is updated frequently, will assist employers and businesses in providing advice to their staff on:

  • the novel coronavirus, COVID-19
  • how to help prevent spread of all respiratory infections including COVID-19
  • what to do if someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in business settings
  • what advice to give to individuals who have travelled to specific areas
  • actions to take if staff come into contact with someone who is self-isolating or is a possible or confirmed case of COVID-19.

Remote working

On Monday 16th March, the Government announced that people should work from home wherever possible. For guidance on remote working, read our factsheets, including:

Government support

On 17th March, the Government announced further measures, saying it would do ‘whatever it takes’ to protect people and businesses. The measures announced include:

  • Increasing the amount businesses can borrow through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme from £1.2 million to £5 million, and ensuring businesses can access the first 6 months of that finance interest free, as Government will cover the first 6 months of interest payments.
  • Giving all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England a 100% business rates holiday for the next 12 months
  • Increasing grants to small businesses eligible for Small Business Rate Relief from £3,000 to £10,000
  • Providing further £25,000 grants to retail, hospitality and leisure businesses operating from smaller premises, with a rateable value over £15,000 and below £51,000

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