Coronavirus Business Update

Please find below a series of Government updates and further guidance on the main Government supports.

#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.

Please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-uk-businesses/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-uk-businesses-trading-internationally

#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).

Please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance

#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.

Please see:  https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-suspend-competition-law-to-support-isle-of-wight-ferry-routes?utm_source=82b2b43b-874a-4eea-b7fd-b0b8988b7391&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

#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.

Please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rules-on-carrying-over-annual-leave-to-be-relaxed-to-support-key-industries-during-covid-19?utm_source=c6e6eb22-18fd-4e76-9ec9-0eb32c478b5f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

#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).

Please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities?utm_source=3f5d6b00-cdcd-4d01-981e-438c90d66133&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

#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.

Please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-advice-to-support-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak?utm_source=6030a355-bc47-42d5-acc5-8499a6f38573&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

#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.

Please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others?utm_source=83ea2888-1632-4f1a-97ed-768dae05c4a4&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate