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LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE - COVID 19

This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19). All coronavirus business support information can be found at gov.uk/business-support

Non-essential Retail

All non-essential retail shops (high street retailers, department stores, book shops, electronics retailers, tailors, auction houses, photography studios, indoor markets, and shops selling clothes, shoes and toys) can reopen in England from today, Monday 15 June, provided they follow guidelines to keep staff and customers as safe as possible. Please refer to the Working safely during coronavirus Shops and Branches guidance for further details and watch our webinar on working safely in shops and branches during coronavirus.

Face coverings become mandatory on public transport in England

From today, Monday 15 June, it is mandatory to wear face coverings on public transport in England (bus, coach, train, tram, ferry and aircrafts). This is to help reduce the risk of transmission when social distancing is not always possible.

  • Under the new rules, operators will be able to prevent passengers who refuse to follow the rules from travelling and police will be able to issue fines of £100;
  • Over 3,000 extra staff will be deployed from Monday to support the travelling public, reminding people about the need to wear face coverings and helping vulnerable passengers

Guidance remains to work from home if you can and avoid public transport where possible. Find out more here.

Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

  • From 1 July employers can only claim for employees who have previously been furloughed for at least 3 consecutive weeks between 1 March – 30 June.
  • Flexibly furlough employees meaning employees can come back to work for any amount of time and any work pattern.
  • Still be able to claim the furlough grant for the hours your flexibly furloughed employees do not work, compared to the hours they would normally have worked in that period
  • From 1 August, the level of the grant will be slowly reduced. No grant will be available for Class 1 employer NICs or pension contributions from 1 August although these contributions will remain payable by the employer.
  • From September 1, you will also be asked to contribute towards the cost of your furloughed employees’ wages to ensure they continue to receive at least 80% of their wages for the time they’re on furlough. Find out more information on how the amount of grant available through Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is changing.
  • HMRC are running a webinar to be held on Thursday 18 June 9:45am-10:45am and Friday 19 June 11:45am-12:45pm. It provides an overview of the changes to the scheme, how employers will be affected, flexible furloughing, key dates and support available. Sign up here.

New Updates and Guidance

New

Transmission licence exemptions for offshore wind farm generators affected by COVID-19

This consultation seeks views on a proposed exemption order for wind farm generators in tender rounds 5 and 6 of the offshore transmission owner (OFTO) regime, who have been affected by COVID-19. The order will extend the commissioning period to account for the impacts of COVID-19. We’re seeking views on a proposed exemption order, for wind farm generators in tender rounds 5 and 6 of the OFTO regime affected by COVID-19, this closes on 10 July. Find out more here.  

Updates

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer aviation guidance for operators

Safer travel and working principles for airports and aviation operators. Update includes the new requirements for passengers to wear face coverings. Find out more here. For guidance for passengers, find out more here.

How different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

If you're self-employed or member of a partnership, find out how your circumstances can affect your eligibility for the scheme. The update includes examples added, to show when the ‘adversely affected’ criteria for the first and second grants will be met. Find out more here.

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