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We will try to keep this page updated as far as possible in the coming weeks.

SCHOOLS TO RE-OPEN FULL-TIME FROM 11 AUGUST (30 July 2020).

WORKPLACE RISK ASSESSMENT TOOL. The Scottish Government has published risk assessment guidance and a tool for staff across all industries which should be used by employers to support staff and line managers to understand and carry out effective risk assessments. (27 July 2020)

THE COVID-19 PULSE CHECK REPORT: The Impact of COVID-19 on the UK Publishing Industry provides a snapshot of the current state of the industry (24 July 2020).

JOB RETENTION BONUS. The government will introduce a one-off payment of £1,000 to UK employers for every furloughed employee who remains continuously employed through to the end of January 2021. This was included in its policy paper A Plan for Jobs 2020 (8 July 2020). Anderson Strathern have published an update (15 July 2020) on the job retention scheme including the bonus.

£1.57 BILLION SUPPORT PACKAGE FOR CULTURAL AND HERITAGE ORGANISATIONS. These new funds announced by the UK Government include an extra £97 million for Scotland. (5 July 2020)

LIFELINE SUPPORT FOR PERFORMING ARTS VENUES. A targeted £10 million fund to support Scotland's performing arts venues has been announced. It will be run by Creative Scotland, who will publish full details shortly. (3 July 2020)

CREATIVE COMMUNITIES. A new programme from Inspiring Scotland that aims to support and empower communities to develop cultural activities. The programme will distribute up to £600,000 to support communities to develop new initiatives involving culture and creative arts for the period October 2020 to June 2021. Applications close on 12 August 2020. (1 July 2020)

HIGH STREET SHOPS RE-OPEN. The public are being encouraged to shop local as retail businesses across the country prepare to re-open on 29 June 2020. (29 June 2020)

RETURNING TO WORK SAFELY. The Scottish Government has issued guidance for workers and employers on returning to work safely. (24 June 2020)

GRADUAL INTRODUCTION OF PHASE 2 IN SCOTLAND. This includes the provision for all retail premises with outdoor entrances and exits to re-open from 29 June 2020. (18 June 2020)

PUBLISHING SCOTLAND'S SUBMISSION to the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee of the Scottish Parliament in response to its call for views on the impact of Covid-19 on Scotland's culture and tourism sectors. (June 2020)

UPDATES ON SELF-EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT AND JOB RETENTION SCHEMES (29 May 2020). 

• The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme will close to new entrants on 13 July 2020. The scheme will be extended with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant capped at £6,570 in August. 
• The Job Retention Scheme will close to new entrants on 30 June 2020. This means that the final date by which an employer needs to agree with their employee and ensure they place them on furlough is 10 June. From 1 July 2020, businesses will be given the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back part time. From 1 August employers will have to pay ER NICs and pension contributions. The Government's contribution will further reduce from 80% of qualifying wages (to end of August) to 70% in September and to 60% in October. 

ROUTE MAP FOR MOVING OUT OF LOCKDOWN IN SCOTLAND. A route map setting out a phased approach to easing lockdown restrictions while still suppressing coronavirus (COVID-19) has been published by the Scottish Government (see the document on the Scottish Government website). it gives details of a gradual four-phase move out of the current state of lockdown. (21 May 2020)

UK GOVERNMENT ADVICE ON WORKING SAFELY DURING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19). Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic (11 May 2020). Includes specific advice for offices and shops. See also Health and Safety Executive latest advice including guidance on working safely at home. 

CALL FOR VIEWS ON THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SCOTLAND'S CULTURE AND TOURISM SECTORS. The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee has launched an inquiry on the impact of COVID-19 on Scotland's culture and tourism sectors and is seeking your views (28 April 2020).

UK BUSINESS SUPPORT FINDER

ACAS GUIDANCE ON FURLOUGH. ACAS has updated its guidance on furlough and qualifying start dates, following HMRC publishing new details on 15 April 2020. ACAS also has a template furlough letter to download.

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