VLOG: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Government support for businesses during the easing of lockdown restrictions

As part of the next stage of easing lockdown the Government has made a number of announcements to help support businesses during this transition.

On Monday (11 May) the Government published guidance to help employersemployees and the self-employed to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.

This ‘COVID-19 secure’ guidance will help get businesses back up and running and workplaces operating safely.

The new guidance covers 8 different workplace settings which are allowed to be open:

• Construction and other outdoor work
• Factories plants and warehouses
• Labs and research facilities
• Offices and contact centres
• Other people’s homes
• Restaurants offering takeaway or delivery
• Shops and branches
• Vehicles

Please note that you may need to use more than one of these guides as many businesses operate in more than one type of workplace such as an officefactory and fleet of vehicles.

Yesterday (12 May) the Government also announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of Octoberthis ensures furloughed workers across UK to continue to receive 80% of their current salaryup to £2500 a month.

In addition to this the Government has stated that new flexibility will be introducedfrom the start of August furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.

Find out more about the Government guidelines

Find out more about the Government the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme 

Head to our coronavirus section for up-to-date information