Keeping you Informed
As we continue to navigate our way through the Coronavirus crisis there is lots of support and help out there for foodservice and on trade operators. With so much fake news and misinformation around, it’s important to get the real facts from the correct sources.
To take some of the hard work out of finding that, and in order to save operators time Take Stock has put together an information hub with links to all of the relevant information and websites you need in one place. As the situation is constantly changing we do recommend that you check the official websites regularly for any updates.
We’ve divided the information into three sections: cash flow, operations and staff. This link takes you to all the information that the government has provided to date: businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support
Cash flow
Government Business Loans – The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme is designed to help small and medium businesses (up to £45m turnover) manage cash flow. It provides access to loans, overdrafts, invoice and asset finance for up to £5m and for six years with no interest for 12 months. Sums borrowed will have to be repaid. This scheme is provided by the British Business Bank and managed by high street banks. There is a separate scheme for large businesses with turnover ranging from £45m to £500m. For more: businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme
Local Council Cash Grant – for businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure, cash grants are available – from £10,000 to up to £25,000 in England – depending on the business size. Amounts differ in Scotland and Wales. No need to apply as councils will contact eligible businesses, however, follow up if no one has contacted you. For more: businesssupport.gov.uk/cash-grant-for-retail-hospitality-and-leisure
Small Business Rate Relief – Additional Grant – a one-off grant of £10,000 to help manage costs is available to small businesses who also receive SmallBusiness Rate Relief (SBRR) or Rural Rate Relief (RRR). These are paid by local councils who will contact businesses who are eligible. Again, follow up if you are concerned you have been missed. For more: businesssupport.gov.uk/small-business-grant-funding
VAT Payments – any VAT incurred between 20 March and 30 June does not have to be paid until the end of the 2020/21 tax year. This will be automatic, and you do not have to apply for payment to be deferred. For more: businesssupport.gov.uk/vat-deferral
Business Rates – businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors in England will not have to pay business rates for the 2020 to 2021 tax year – 12 months from 1 April. Applies to any sized business and there’s no need to apply as your local council will automatically administer. For more information or to calculate savings: gov.uk/guidance/check-if-your-retail-hospitality-or-leisure-business-is-eligible-for-business-rates-relief-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19
businesssupport.gov.uk/business-rates-holiday-for-retail-hospitality-and-leisure
Business rates in Scotland – gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-individuals-and-businesses-in-scotland
Business rates in Wales – gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-individuals-and-businesses-in-wales
Business rates in Northern Ireland – gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-guidance-information-for-ni-businesses-employers
Operations
Lease Protection – new rules provide some protection against eviction or loss of lease if you can’t pay the rent on your property. Valid until 30 June, 2020 – though this could be extended – for businesses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This is not a rent holiday and you will have to agree terms with your landlord to repay rent owed. It is in your landlord’s best interest to work with you to help you keep going so keep talking – an agreed rent arrears schedule is better than a default. government/news/extra-protection-for-businesses-with-ban-on-evictions-for-commercial-tenants-who-miss-rent-payments
Insurance – it’s unlikely that your commercial insurance policy covers pandemics or unspecified diseases, however, it is worth checking to see if it covers government ordered closures due to pandemics or unspecified diseases and if you can make a claim. Most insurers have also adapted policies to extend protection periods for unoccupied premises. Contact your own insurer for details – and to discuss coverage for any change of use. For more visit the Association of British Insurers: abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/topics-and-issues/coronavirus-hub/business-insurance
Change of use – if you are a pub or restaurant you will be able to operate as a hot food and drink takeaway business for the next 12 months without having to apply for planning permission. However, there is no change to alcohol licensing laws. gov.uk/government/news/government-to-grant-permission-for-pubs-and-restaurants-to-operate-as-takeaways-as-part-of-coronavirus-response
Accommodation for key workers – hotels, hostels and B&Bs who offer accommodation with food to support key workers and vulnerable people are being allowed to stay open. Contact your local council for more information and keep checking for updated government advisories. gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-advice-for-accommodation-providers
Annual returns – a three-month extension has been given for the filing of annual statements and accounts without penalty. Applications can be made online and the process takes about 15 minutes. gov.uk/government/news/companies-to-receive-3-month-extension-period-to-file-accounts-during-covid-19
Staff
Job retention scheme – to help you keep your workforce together despite your operations being closed or cut back, you can apply fora grant that covers 80% of employees’ salaries – up to a payment of £2,500 per month per employee plus the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and pension contributions. Employees on furlough are not allowed to do any work for you although they can volunteer for other organisations or undertake training. Employees must be furloughed for a minimum of three weeks at any one time but employers can – if there is work to do – move employees in and out of furlough during his period. This is a temporary scheme for three months from 1 March, 2020 to help employers and employees during lockdown – but it could be extended. All companies are eligible and need to apply online for the grant to the HMRC. gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
Safety – if f you are operating a takeaway service,or providing meals for care homes, hospitals and schools, you need to ensure that employees are able to follow Public Health England guidelines including, where possible, maintaining a two 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).There are guidelines for staff and customer safety at: gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-food-businesses/guidance-for-food-businesses-on-coronavirus-covid-19
Recruitment – if your business is hiring – or in the process of hiring – the government has made it easier for you to carry out right to work checks. Checks are still necessary but from 30 March, 2020 checks can now be carried out over video calls and job applicants and existing workers can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals. These changes are temporary. For more information: gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-right-to-work-checks
