Release from social distancing restrictions in England, is deferred until 19 July 2021, which for most of us, means no change up to that date. We are still required to work from home when we can and maintain the other Step 3 social distancing provisions.…
Category: COVID-19
More on extended furlough scheme
Most employers who are eligible will be aware that the furlough scheme (the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme) has been extended for five months – from 1 November 2020 to 31 March 2021. The general terms for the first quarter to 31 January 2021 are: Maximum…
Cashback at all shops
Brits will be able to get cashback from shops without needing to buy anything under new proposals to protect the UK’s cash system, which were announced on 15 October 2020. Under the government proposals, cashback without a purchase could be widely available from retailers of…
New national lockdown and changes to business support measures
The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson speaking at a press conference on Saturday night, 31 October 2020, confirmed widespread expectations of a second national lockdown in England to help stem the growing resurgence of the coronavirus. The Government was faced with significant concerns that if they…
Are you recording customers’ contact details?
In a press release issued 10 September 2020, the Department for Health and Social Care has reminded affected businesses that they have a legal obligation to record the contact details of their customers, visitors and staff. Affected concerns in England should note: Businesses and other…
Annual Christmas bash?
Trying to double guess the social distancing rules is rather like placing bets on a throw of the dice. The current exhortation from the Prime Minister – to observe the rule of six – is yet a further change in the endless attempts at controlling…
Additional grant aid for local lockdown businesses
Last month, the Treasury announced further support for businesses adversely affected by lockdown in local areas to control local outbreaks. Local Authorities will be funded to pay the grants now offered. Businesses in England required to close Businesses in England required to close due to local…
The new winter economy plan - summary of measures
The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, has delivered a statement to the House of Commons outlining plans to help protect jobs across the UK whilst the country faces a resurgence of coronavirus and a winter of uncertainty. The Chancellor was facing mounting pressure to reveal future changes…
Redundancy pay
If you are faced with making employees redundant, the terms that determine the amount payable may be written into your staff contracts of employment. Otherwise, employees will normally be entitled to statutory redundancy pay if they have been working with you for two years or more.…
Keep an eye on the numbers
Recent economic forecasts for 2020 published by HM Treasury will do little to inspire business confidence. In their comparison of independent forecasts published last month the unemployment rate is estimated to rise to 8% and in the same period, GDP falls by 9%. The only…