As each week passes we see more clearly what our short-term world looks like. Local lockdowns, wearing face masks to prevent a resurgence of Covid-19 and significant easing of restrictions on where we can work and spend our leisure time. Overall, the progress being made is welcomed by everyone.
The feedback from our clients has revealed that they are becoming more confident about their future. Having helped many clients work on their business plans over the last four months, it is pleasing to hear about the repurposing and pivoting going forward and to adjust to the “New Normal”. If you have yet to review your plans please talk to us, we will be delighted to help.
BREXIT: THE UK TRANSITION
The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end this year. The Government has put up a new website to help us get ready for new rules from January 2021.
If your business is affected by Brexit you can sign up for updates if things change.
See: https://www.gov.uk/transition
SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS FROM OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT
Public bodies, organisations and charities have produced additional resources that may be useful to employers and employees.
Guidance and information is provided by Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), “Be the Business”, Chartered Institute of marketing (CIM), Business in the Community (BITC), Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Companies House, Enterprise Nation and a number of other organisations.
These resources include a variety of information and it is worth a look:
QUALIFICATIONS IN COVID-19 SUPPORT PACKAGES
The qualifications Education and Skills Funding Agency will fund to support economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak.
See the List of level 2 and level 3 qualifications included in the high value courses for school and college leavers: a one year offer for 18 and 19 year olds here:
HOW DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES AFFECT THE SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME
The Government has updated its page on the Self-employment income support scheme. If you are self-employed or member of a partnership find out how your circumstances can affect your eligibility for the scheme.
The scheme is now closed for claims for the first grant.
The scheme has been extended. If you were eligible for the first grant and can confirm to HMRC that your business has been adversely affected on or after 14 July 2020, you will be able to make a claim for a second and final grant from 17 August 2020.
The scheme allows you to claim a second and final taxable grant worth 70% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering 3 months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total.
As with the first grant HMRC will contact you if you’re eligible.
HMRC will work out your eligibility for the second grant in the same way as the first grant.
You can make a claim for the second grant if you’re eligible, even if you did not make a claim for the first grant.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EAT OUT TO HELP OUT SCHEME
The Government has updated its information about the Eat Out to Help Scheme and you can get more help with registration, eligibility and how to offer the discount for the Scheme here:
NEW PLANS ENSURE TRADE BETWEEN EACH PART OF THE UK
The UK government has laid out plans to deliver on its manifesto commitment to ensure businesses across the whole of the United Kingdom will continue to enjoy seamless internal trade, as they have done for centuries, when we leave the Brexit transition period at the end of the year.
From 1 January 2021, powers in at least 70 policy areas previously exercised at an EU level will flow directly to the devolved administrations in Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast for the first time. This will give the devolved administrations power over more issues than they have ever had before, without removing any of their current powers.
Powers are set to return across a raft of areas, including regulations for energy efficiency of buildings, air quality and animal welfare. To ensure businesses can continue to trade seamlessly across the UK as they do now, new legislation will be brought forward to preserve access to all parts of the UK for goods and services.
Holyrood, Cardiff and Stormont will receive new powers in at least 70 policy areas including parts of employment law, land use and air quality, among many others.
Under plans now open for consultation, the Government has stated it will strengthen and maintain the coherence of the UK’s internal market, guaranteeing the continued ability of all UK companies to trade unhindered in every part of the United Kingdom.
For more information see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-acts-to-protect-jobs-in-every-part-of-the-uk?utm_source=378c8f94-2b33-4fc4-8935-eec2b3cb9222&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
DRIVING TESTS – RESTART DATES
Check when driving tests and motorcycle tests restart in England, Scotland and Wales, and find out what changes to expect when you take your test.
GUIDANCE FOR COMPANIES HOUSE CUSTOMERS
Company authentication codes can now be sent to a home address as well as the registered office address.
ENGLAND – SCHEME TO HELP UNIVERSITIES IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES
New government scheme launched to support English universities at risk of insolvency has been launched.
Universities facing severe financial difficulties as a result of the coronavirus will now be able to apply for further Government support, the Education Secretary has announced. Eligible providers will be able to seek this additional support to develop cost effective restructuring plans with conditions designed to focus the sector towards the future needs of the country, such delivering high quality courses with good graduate outcomes.
