We know it’s tough right now
The news avalanche can feel overwhelming right now and it’s sometimes hard to know what’s real or not. For the latest guidance on responding to COVID-19 check out www.gov.uk and www.nhs.uk.
There are some great tips and advice on how to stay connected to the older generation during these uncertain times. We can all help prevent loneliness in some simple ways. Check it out at www.independentage.org
Useful resources
We know that many people are facing a reduction or loss of income altogether as a result of these unprecedented times. The Government has put in place some wide-ranging measures for business and in welfare and we encourage you to look at these. Go to HMRC for news and details of business and employee support.
Business Grants
The Chancellor has also announced approved additional funding to support cash grants of up to £2,100 per month primarily for businesses who may be adversely impacted by the restrictions in high-alert level areas.
For further detail please go to the link here.
Job Support Scheme
• As part of the overall support offered by the Job Support Scheme, the Job Support Scheme Open is designed to protect jobs in businesses who can operate safely but are facing lower demand over the winter months due to Covid-19. The scheme enables these businesses to retain employees on shorter hours, preserving valuable employment matches and protecting incomes.
• The Government will pay 61.67% of hours not worked up to a cap of £1,541.75 per month, with the employer contributing 5% of non-worked hours up to a cap of £125 per month. These caps are based on a monthly reference salary of £3,125. This will ensure employees earn a minimum of at least 73% of their normal wages, where their usual wages do not exceed the reference salary. The employee will have to work a minimum of 20% of their normal hours.
• Employers using the Job Support Scheme Open will also be able to claim the Job Retention Bonus if they meet the eligibility criteria.
For further detail please go to the link here.
Self Employed Income Support Scheme
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension provides support to the self-employed in the form of two grants, each available for three month periods covering November 2020 to January 2021 and February 2021 to April 2021.
For further detail of how to apply and eligibility criteria please go to the link here.