We want to reassure our clients that we are fully committed to the safety and health of our employees and our clients whilst continuing to provide a professional and reliable service.
We are reviewing the government advice daily and will act accordingly.
We are reviewing our ability to work remotely and will continue to be available by telephone. We will be able to offer video meetings if clients would prefer.
We have reviewed our office hygiene protocols and we are in daily communication with our staff so that they know what action to take should they, or a member of their family show any symptoms.
The government announced several measures in the budget to help businesses survive the outbreak:
For small businesses with staff, including those who work through their own limited companies, where a director or employee has to self-isolate or falls sick with coronavirus, the affected individual can be paid Statutory Sick Pay for up to two weeks and reclaim the cost in full from the government. This relief applies as long as the business had fewer than 250 employees on 28th February 2020. As Statutory Sick Pay cannot normally be reclaimed, this could bring a welcome cash boost.
This relief cannot be claimed by sole traders and partners who do not have employees. The rules around claiming certain other state benefits have been relaxed for the duration of the coronavirus outbreak but as not all self-employed individuals claim benefits, this will not help everyone.
Small- and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus have the option to apply for a loan under the temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Under this new scheme, banks and other lenders will be able to make loans to affected businesses of up to £1.2million per loan, with up to 80% of each loan backed by a free government guarantee.
Small businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure industries will pay no business rates for 2020/21 and many will also be eligible for a £3,000 cash grant to help meet their costs.
HMRC’s Time to Pay service will be scaled up to give businesses affected by coronavirus more time to pay their taxes. HMRC will also waive late payment fines and interest where a business is unable to contact HMRC or pay their tax due to coronavirus.
If you need advice as an employer we would recommend contacting ACAS https://www.acas.org.uk/ for free confidential advice.
If you have any concerns or require more information please contact the office.