Please find attached a series of Government updates for release to your clients and further guidance on the main Government supports. Please edit and use for your clients and prospects.
#1 Department for International Trade (DIT) has issued guidance for UK Businesses trading internationally.
This advice is for UK businesses that export or deliver goods and services abroad and have been impacted by the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). It includes:
- DIT support for UK business trading internationally
- financial support for business trading internationally
DIT can support businesses by:
- providing assistance with customs authorities to ensure smooth clearance of their products
- offering advice on intellectual property and other issues with business continuity
- British businesses that may face disruption due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) can visit the dedicated business support website for more information.
#2 Businesses and venues that must remain closed
On 23 March the government stepped up measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. All businesses and venues outlined in the table below must now close.
Takeaway and delivery services may remain open and operational in line with guidance below. Online retail is still open and encouraged and postal and delivery service will run as normal.
Employers who have people in their offices or onsite should ensure that employees are able to follow Public Health England guidelines including, where possible, maintaining a 2 metre distance from others, and washing their hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds (or using hand sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available).
#3 Government to suspend competition law to support Isle of Wight ferry routes
Competition law to be temporarily suspended to allow ferry operators to maintain a crucial lifeline between the island and the mainland.
#4 Rules on carrying over annual leave to be relaxed to support key industries during COVID-19
Workers who have not taken all of their statutory annual leave entitlement due to COVID-19 will now be able to carry it over into the next 2 leave years.
#5 Renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
#6 New advice to support mental health during coronavirus outbreak
People struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will be offered additional online support and practical guidance to help them cope.
#7 Staying at home and away from others (social distancing)
The single most important action we can all take in fighting coronavirus is to stay at home in order to protect the NHS and save lives.
