Signposting you to Government support

Now more than ever, it’s really important that we reiterate to our business community – and indeed the wider, general public in Oxfordshire – that our economy remains a strong and resilient one. It’s an economy that is well-positioned to react in a measured way to the challenges brought about by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

We will continue to work with Government to ensure that our business community can be supported as best as possible during this challenging period and this includes highlighting the resources that have been made available by Government.

We will continue to signpost our business community to these resources, helping you to make positive decisions during this time.

Latest information:

UPDATE: It was announced by the Prime Minister on 4 January that England would enter a period of national lockdown until further notice. 

Find out more on national lockdown measures

Following this latest announcement from the Prime Minister, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced further measures that sees one-off top up grants available for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses (worth up to £9,000 per property) to help businesses through to this spring. In addition, a £594 million discretionary fund will also be made available to support other impacted businesses.

Find out more on the Chancellor's latest announcements 

NHS COVID-19 app - details for businesses:

Use this business support tool to understand what Government support is available to you and your business.

CORONAVIRUS BUSINESS SUPPORT TOOL

NHS COVID-19 app - details for businesses:

NHS COVID-19 app - information for organisations

Government financial support schemes:

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme:

Details on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Check if you can claim for your employees' wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

ELIGIBILITY: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses):

Details on the Local Restrictions Support Grant scheme

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS): 

Details on the SEISS

Details on self-employment and Universal Credit

Job Retention Bonus Scheme:

Details on the Job Retention Bonus Scheme 

Kickstart Scheme:

List of Oxfordshire gateway organisations - last updated 13.10.20

Kickstart Scheme employer guide

Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements

Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements

Tips for making a successful Kickstart Scheme application

Help employers apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant (Kickstart gateway)

Deferral of VAT payments due to Coronavirus (COVID-19):

Details of Deferral of VAT payments due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

VAT - reduced rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions:

Details of VAT reductions 

Coronavirus Business Interuption Loan Scheme:

Details on the Coronavirus Business Interuption Loan Scheme (CBILS)

Bounce Back Loans Scheme:

Details on the Bounce Back Loans Scheme

Apprenticeship incentivisation:

Details on government support for businesses looking to create apprenticeship programmes

Further measures of note:

Post-16 Provider Relief Scheme

Coronavirus 'Future Fund'

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme 

General guidance for businesses:

COVID-19: Working safely during Coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19: Safer travel guidance for passengers

COVID-19: Managing risks and risk assessment at work

COVID-19: Cleaning of non-healthcare settings

COVID-19: 'Getting tested' information

COVID-19: Guidance for employers

COVID-19: Guidance for employees

COVID-19: Support for businesses

Innovate UK: COVID-19 business support 

The Pensions Regulator: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - what you need to consider

Specific guidance for providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities:

Guidance for providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities   

Specific guidance for the visitor economy:

Guidance for people who work in hotels and guest accommodation, indoor and outdoor attractions, and business events and consumer shows

Specific guidance for rural businesses:

Funding to support dairy farmers through Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses

Specific guidance for those who run shops, branches, stores or similar environments:

Government guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Specific guidance around education and apprenticeships:

Government guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Institute for Apprenticeships: List of standards with temporary discretions or flexibilities 

Guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) in schools and other educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and learners

Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations and external quality assurance providers

Maintaining education and skills training provision: further education providers

Specific guidance for charities:

'Chancellor sets out extra £750 million coronavirus funding for frontline charities' 

Specific guidance on social interaction:

COVID-19: Information on entering or returning to the UK

COVID-19: Number of cases and risk in the UK

COVID-19: Guidance for businesses and other venues on social distancing measures

Specific guidance for places of worship:

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship during the pandemic

Other Government department resources:

Support for employers from Jobcentre Plus

Jobcentre Plus: 'Be a Work Hero - help keep Britain running'