As we draw close to the start of the second lockdown, we would just like to say that we are still very much available to help and support you as much as we can.
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Saturday 31 October, we will be circulating as much information as possible, as we become aware of the help and financial support given by the Government to businesses and individuals over the next month.
So, what do we already know?
From Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December, the Government will be taking the following action:
- Requiring people to stay at home, except for specific purposes.
- Preventing gathering with people you do not live with, except for specific purposes.
- Closing certain businesses and venues.
What does this mean for your business?
- For work purposes, everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. Where people cannot do so (for instance people who work in critical national infrastructure, construction or manufacturing) they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace.
To reduce social contact, the Government has ordered certain businesses and venues to close. These include:
- all non-essential retail, including, but not limited to clothing and electronics stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, etc.
- indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, leisure centres, gyms and many more
- entertainment venues such as theatres, concert halls, cinemas, museums and galleries
- personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, spas, etc.
Food shops, supermarkets, garden centres and certain other retailers providing essential goods and services can remain open. Non-essential retail can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.
Hospitality venues like restaurants, bars and pubs must close, but can still provide takeaway and delivery services. However, takeaway of alcohol will not be allowed.
Hotels, hostels and other accommodation should only open for those who have to travel for work purposes and for a limited number of other exemptions which will be set out in law.
A full list of the business closures will be published and set out in law soon.
What support is available to you and your business?
The government have ensured that as restrictions get tougher, they will be taking steps to provide further financial support to protect jobs and businesses. This includes the extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, Mortgage Holidays and the New Style Employment and Support Allowance. As well as new business grants (amount dependant on business rateable values).
Please visit our COVID-19 Resource page for more information: www.xebraaccounting.co.uk/covid-19. This will give you more detail on what is available to your business with other useful links to follow. Alternatively, please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus for more in-depth details on Covid-19.
As always, if you have any questions and would like to get in contact, please give us a call on 023 8000 1313 or send an email to info@xebraaccounting.co.uk