The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an unprecedented global situation, which is evolving on a day-by-day basis and understandably is a very worrying time for business owners and their employees. The pressure being placed upon businesses across all sectors and the ability to function is challenging in many ways and as the only Government Endorsed Quality Scheme, TrustMark has developed a new webpage to display all relevant government links in one place for your ease of reference and for use as a hub of information and guidance.
With regard to ECO updates, where TrustMark holds an element of control, we will endeavour to disseminate as much information as possible as it becomes available, to keep you informed.
To date, the Government has announced the following guidance
The UK Government has published "Our plan to rebuild:The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy". Alongside the plan, three sets of guidance have been published covering 'staying safe outside your home', 'staying alert and safe (social distancing)' and 'how to wear and make a cloth face covering'.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19). The Government has provided guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Guidance for people who work in or run outdoor working environments
Guidance for people working in, visiting or delivering to other people's home
Guidance for people who work in or run offices, contact centres and similar indoor environments
Guidance for people who work in or run factories, plants and warehouses
To date, the Government has announced the following support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until the end of October. Furloughed workers across UK will continue to receive 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500. New flexibility will be introduced from August to get employees back to work and boost the economy.
Self-employment Income Support Scheme will provide a grant worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of
£2,500 per month, for each self-employed worker or partnerships coping with the financial impact of coronavirus.
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) provides financial support to smaller businesses (SMEs)
across the UK that are losing revenue, and seeing their cashflow disrupted, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Deferral of VAT - If you’re a UK VAT registered business and have a VAT payment due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020, you
have the option to: defer the payment until a later date or pay the VAT due as normal. You will need to ensure your direct debit is cancelled.
Business rates - 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England This is automatic if your business is eligible. You will know if you qualify once the local authority in which you are based, sends you a Council Tax bill, sometime in April.
Working in people’s homes as a tradesperson, cleaner or nanny
On Monday 4th May, the Government updated the guidance on social distancing for employers in the workplace, by sector.
The Construction Leadership Council has published more detailed advice on how you might carry out Government guidance.
Additional useful information for businesses can be accessed on BuildUK’s website.
Guidance from HRMC for building and construction workers
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will allow you to claim a taxable grant of 80% of your average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single installment covering 3 months, and capped at £7,500.
Check if you’re eligible to claim
To help customers prepare to claim, HRMC have published updated guidance, which clarifies the eligibility criteria, the application process and how the grant is calculated.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will be delivered ahead of schedule and HRMC aim to make all payments by the 25 May (for all those who applied on time).
If you're not eligible for a grant under this scheme, you may still qualify for other forms of help. We’d encourage you to visit GOV.UK to see what support is available.
General Government guidance for employers and businesses
The Government has issued specific advice to employers, employees and businesses about actions to take and what support is available.
The Government has also created a Business Support Hub where you can find all the details of how to apply to the various support schemes as soon as they become available.
The Government has a Business Support Helpline which is available on 0300 456 3565, available between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, you can also follow their updates on Facebook.
Please see below useful links for other support available:
COVID-19: Testing now available for construction workers
Tradespeople and working in people's homes
General health advice for individuals is available on the NHS website.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): Employers guide
ACAS: Advice for employers and employees
Support and resources for social enterprises
Information about the Government's response including latest announcements, advice on social distancing, and its action plan is available on their website.
On behalf of TrustMark, we hope you’re remaining safe and healthy during this uncertain time. Should you need any support from TrustMark or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the team via info@trustmark.org.uk.
Government announcements:
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick has written a letter that provides an update on building safety reforms and the impact corona-virus will have on the measures that are planned.
Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma has written a letter to the UK construction industry.
