This page will assist employers and businesses through the COVID-19 impact, providing advice on business support, access to finance and other uesful information.

     

Working safely during coronavirus

Guidance about how to make workplace COVID-secure.

Find out more on GOV.UK website

  

Customer notices to wear facemasks

Updated 30 November 2021

Targeted measures to prevent the spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron variant take effect from 4am on Tuesday 30 November, including compulsory face coverings in shops and on public transport. We have produced a poster which you can display in your shop to inform customers.

Download the poster

    

Claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

Updated 1 October 2021.

Claims for the fifth SEISS grant have now closed. The last date for making a claim was 30 September 2021.

Find out more on GOV.UK website

    

NHS Test and Trace in the workplace

While cases are high and rising, everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious. This is why we are keeping in place key protections:

• testing when you have symptoms and targeted asymptomatic testing in education, high-risk workplaces and to help people manage their personal risk
• self-isolating when symptomatic or having tested positive
• self-isolating when identified as a contact by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app unless you are fully vaccinated or under 18 and 6 months
• border quarantine: for all arriving from red list countries and for those people who do not meet the country-specific vaccination or age exemptions arriving from amber list countries
• cautious guidance for individuals, businesses and the vulnerable, including:
  • encouraging people to continue to use the NHS COVID-19 app
  • while the government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can, the government would expect and recommend a gradual return over the summer
  • the government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings in crowded areas such as public transport
  • being outside or letting fresh air in
  • minimising the number, proximity and duration of social contacts

This guidance explains how employers and businesses can maintain business continuity, help to slow the spread of the virus, and save lives.

Find out more on GOV.UK website

    

Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus outbreak

Find out how apprenticeships will continue during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It describes the temporary flexibilities which have been applied during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and how and when apprentices can safely train and take assessments in the workplace, educational and assessment settings.

Find out more on GOV.UK website

    

Coronavirus outbreak business communications toolkit

In the event that your business is affected by COVID-19, good communications will go a long way to support your staff, reassure customers and neighbours, and protect your reputation. This toolkit will help your business take the right steps to recovery. It complements the support that your local public health team will give you on operational matters.

View the coronvirus outbreak toolkit   

    

Better Business for All (BBfA) partnership Covid-19 Toolkits

See the following toolkits to help guide you to re-open your business and work safely:

• Considerations for restarting your business safely toolkit    
• Re-opening after a closure toolkit
• Risk Assesssment Toolkit
• Outbreak toolkit

   

Plymouth's COVID-19 Local Outbreak Management Plan Summary

The plan sets out how partner organisations across the city aim to work together to protect residents and support schools, care homes and businesses.

View the Outbreak Management Plan toolkit

  

Got symptoms? Get Tested

We've put together a simple graphic that you can share within your organisation and on social networks on COVID-19 symptoms and what to do.

View the graphic

    

Social distancing in the workplace 

The government, in consultation with industry, has produced guidance to help ensure workplaces are as safe as possible.

The guidance provides a practical framework for employers to think about what they need to do to continue or restart operations – in a safe manner and in support to workers’ health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These 8 guides cover a range of different types of work which can be read on the below link.

Find out more on the Invest Plymouth page

     

COVID-19 Workplace Risk Assessment Template

HSENI have produced an example risk assessment for businesses when carrying out a risk assessment for COVID-19.

You can download the template from their website via the link below.

Find out more on HSENI website.

          

Support from Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations

The Government is working closely with Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations to support the national response to coronavirus, including ensuring messages from Government are heard by all businesses and that business voices are heard by Government. Via the below website is a list of organisations you can speak with to get advice. Many of these websites also include sector specific guidance and Q&A.

Find out more on Business Support website

         

HMRC Business Support Helpline – 0800 998 1098

HMRC have opened a dedicated helpline for businesses and the self-employed to answer queries or concerns regarding tax payments and finding solutions including:

• agreeing an instalment arrangement
• suspending debt collection proceedings
• cancelling penalties and interest where you have administrative difficulties contacting or paying HMRC immediately

In addition to the helpline there is also a webchat service that is available. Both are open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.

      

Coronavirus WhatsApp Information Service

The Govt has started a Whatsapp information service get provide official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about coronavirus out to as many people as possible. It will provide information on topics such as coronavirus prevention and symptoms, the latest number of cases in the UK, advice on staying at home, travel advice and myth busting via a chatbot.

To use this free service, simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.

Find out more on GOV.UK website       

    

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

If you're an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees' coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

Find out more on GOV.UK website

     

Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)

A full range of business support measures is available to UK businesses and employees. This page helps businesses find out how to access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply.

See more on GOV.UK website.

     

Taxable expenses if employee works from home due to COVID-19

Find out what equipment, services or supplies are taxable if your employees are working from home due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

Find out more on GOV.UK website

    

Government to support businesses through Trade Credit Insurance guarantee

Businesses with supply chains which rely on Trade Credit Insurance and who are experiencing difficulties maintaining cover due to Coronavirus will get support from the government, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen has announced.

Find out more on GOV.UK website