UK Government

General

The UK Government has published the 'COVID-19 Response - Spring 2021', setting out the roadmap out of the current lockdown for England. (22 February 2021)

Business Support

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

• From 12 April, more businesses and venues in England (including bookshops) can reopen. (updated 12 April 2021)
• Furlough scheme further extended to September 2021. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will now run until the end of September 2021. (3 March 2021)
• Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. Similarly, support through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will be extended, with a fifth and final grant covering May to September. The previously announced fourth grant covers February to April 2021. (3 March 2021)
• UK business support finder
• Job Support Scheme expanded to firms required to close due to Covid Restrictions. See announcement of 9 October 2020.
• Bounce Back Loan Scheme. Apply by 31 March 2021. Enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak. (27 April 2020 and updates)
• Coronavirus business interruption loan scheme. Apply by 31 March 2021. 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.
• Additional resources, including relevant business case studies, FAQs and bulletins you may find  helpful.

Self-employment support

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. If you're self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) you may be eligible to claim the grant. Details about the fourth grant will be announced on 3 March 2021. (13 May 2020 and updates) 
The Money Saving Expert website has useful advice on applying for this scheme.

For the newly self-employed in Scotland who are ineligible for the above, see the Newly Self-Employed Hardship Fund which is open for 4 weeks from 15 February 2021.

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 and updates).

For guidance for Scotland, see Coronavirus (COVID-19): creating and maintaining safer workplaces. (15 December 2020 and updates)

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

FCDO foreign travel advice