UK Government

Business Support

Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19). See also

• UK business support finder
• Claim for your employees' wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - note that the scheme will close to new entrants from 30 June.  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. The scheme has been extended to October (12 May 2020) and will apply to workers returning part-time from 1 July. The amount the government will pay will reduce in increments from 1 August. See update on furlough next steps (29 May 2020) and Anderson Strathern's update (15 July 2020) on the job retention scheme including the Job Retention Bonus.
• Bounce Back Loan Scheme. Enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak.
• Coronavirus business interruption loan scheme. The Treasury announced changes to the scheme to make it easier for firms to access these emergency loans. See the BBC report of 3 April 2020.
• British Business Bank. A government-owned business development bank dedicated to making finance markets work better for smaller businesses.
• Relaxed rules to support business
• Financial assistance for employers unable to pay statutory redundancy payments 
• Tax helpline to support businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19): If you run a business or are self-employed and are concerned about paying your tax due to coronavirus, you can call HMRC's helpline for help and advice: 0800 0159 559.
• Companies can apply to receive 3-month extension to file accounts during Covid-19 (25 March)
• UK government announces it will amend insolvency law to give companies breathing space and keep trading while they explore options for rescue (28 March 2020).
• Additional resources, including relevant business case studies, FAQs and bulletins you may find  helpful.

A Plan for Jobs 2020
The UK government published this policy paper on 8 July setting out the second phase of its response to the Covid-19 crisis with a targeted Plan for Jobs.

Self-employment Support

Self-employment Income Support Scheme  (opened early on 13 May 2020). First time claimants must apply by 13 July 2020. It will be extended with those eligible able to claim a second and final grant capped at £6,570 in August (see update of 29 May 2020).

Advice on working safely and social distancing

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.

Staying alert and safe (social distancing) - UK Government advice for people in England (11 May 2020). NOTE that the Scottish position is different ie Stay at home and away from others (physical distancing) - Scottish Government advice for people in Scotland (11 May 2020).

Emergency powers, response and travel advice 

Emergency powers. The UK Government published guidance on the Coronavirus Bill (its emergency powers legislation) on 17 March 2020: What the Coronavirus Bill will do. The Bill received Royal Assent and became law on 25 March 2020: see the UK Parliament website.

UK Government response

FCO travel advice