Business Support Guidance From Fife Council’s Economic Development Team

As at 06/04/2020

Fife Council’s Economic team immediate priority is to support you as best we can. We are also working with our strategic partners to develop a coordinated support for the resilience and restructuring phases that will be vital beyond this immediate crisis period.

Our IT team have issued a warning on the increased threat of hackers looking to exploit the situation. They are seeing a significant rise in the number of scam e-mails. The BBC have published a useful article that shows a sample of some of the types of Coronavirus related phishing emails.

Our colleagues in the Rates Team have asked us to pass the message on that they are working as quickly as they can to process the grants applications. They absolutely understand the worry and stress you are under and they are totally focused on authorising the payments to you all as quickly as they can.

If you have any queries can you please E-MAIL Ec.Dev@fife.gov.uk and one of us will respond as quickly as possible to you. Page 1: ContentsPage 2/3: Business Support FlowchartPage 4: Self Employment Income Support SchemePage 5: Business Support Grant Page 6: Business Rate Assistance and ReductionsPage 7: Social Enterprise and 3 rd Sector Organisations Page 8: Food & Drink Sector (Inc self-catering)Page 9: Job Retention Scheme / Furloughed workers overview Page 10: HMRC / TAX advice Page 11: Fishing Fleet & Sea Food Sector SupportPage 12: Fife Council Page 13/14: Key Workers & Retail advice Page 15: Business support agenciesPage 16/17: Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS)Page 18: Statutory Sick Pay Page 19: Private & Voluntary Sector – ChildcarePage 20: Financial Sector SupportPage 21: Useful WeblinksPage 22: Support for the Creative SectorPage 23: Information for Street TradersPage 24: Legal Aid Agency Support Page 25: Enterprise Relief Fund (18-30) Page 26: Agricultural Sector SupportPage 27: Business-led innovation Grant

1

Business Support Flowchart

2

3

1. SELF EMPLOYMENT INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME

You cannot apply for this scheme yet. HMRC will contact you if you are eligible for the scheme and invite you to apply online.

Individuals do not need to contact HMRC now and doing so will only delay the urgent work being undertaken to introduce the scheme.

You will access this scheme only through GOV.UK. If someone texts, calls or emails claiming to be from HMRC, saying that you can claim financial help or are owed a tax refund, and asks you to click on a link or to give information such as your name, credit card or bank details, it is a scam.

Scheme Details

A taxable grant worth 80% of average monthly profits over last 3 years up to £2,500 Scheme open for 3 months (maybe extended) Open to anyone with trading profits of up to £50,000 Simple online form to claim, with funds paid direct to business bank A/C Support paid as a lump-sum in June Also able to access business interruption loans. Only open to those who are already self-employed and have a self-assessment tax return for

2019 For those who have only just begun working as self-employed, HMRC will look at whatever

accounts you have to work out entitlement. For the self-employed the Government don't have a record for you should claim Universal

Credit.

FAQs relating to the scheme can be found here: https://bit.ly/SelfEmployedFAQs

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

Deferral of Self-Assessment Payment: During the deferral period you can set up a budget payment plan. Hyperlink included within summary giving more details.

Self-Employed – Universal Credit

Before grant payments are made, the self-employed can access other available government support for those affected by coronavirus including Universal Credit and business continuity loans where they have a business bank account.

If you are able to claim Universal Credit, providing you meet the usual eligibility criteria. New claimants will not need to attend the Jobcentre to demonstrate gainful self-employment. You need to claim Universal Credit ONLINE. THEN book an appointment via the central number. DO NOT FORGET YOUR ID NUMBER. There are long queues on the phone. https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/contact-universal-credit Tel:- 0800 328 5644 (Mon to Sat 8:00 to 18:00)

4

2. BUSINESS SUPPORT GRANTS This grant is being administered for Fife businesses by Fife Council on behalf of the Scottish Government. Applications are now open. Two types of grant are available to ratepayers:

£10,000 grant to ratepayers of businesses in receipt of the 100% Small Business Bonus Scheme or Rural Relief. Business with a rateable value up to £18,000 are eligible. You can also get this grant if you applied for Nursery Relief or Disabled Relief but are eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme. To be eligible for the grant, the Non-Domestic Rates team need to have been aware of your occupation on the 17th March 2020.

Retail, Hospitality and Leisure business ratepayers with a rateable value between £18,001- £50,999 can apply for a one-off grant of £25,000.

Businesses and Individual traders can check their Rates demand notice which will state if they are in receipt of this relief. If you are unsure, they should contact the rates team via rates.team@fife.gov.ukDetails of the business support grant and how to apply can be found at: https://www.fife.gov.uk/coronavirus-business

If you are unable to locate your 11 digit rates reference number which can be found on any correspondence issued by the Business Rates Team, please quote the 9 digit valuation reference number which can be found at www.saa.gov.uk or a 6 digit property reference number which can be found at www.fife.gov.uk/businessrates under publications.

Please ensure when completing your application you populate all other relevant fields and include a current valid bank statement. Should we require further verification the team will contact you, by either letter or email, with your 11 digit rates reference number and ask that you resubmit your application quoting this rates reference number.

You can check the rateable value of the property and also who is registered as occupying the property. Please note the Assessors are an independent and separate entity to the Council. The website for checking properties is the Assessors portal www.saa.gov.uk. Fife Council’s rates team should be contacted if there is any doubt over this:- rates.team@fife.gov.uk

Please note that where the team are unable to verify your e-mail address, they will send written notification of your account number to the correspondence address they have on file. A PDF and Word version of the application form are available for download on Fife Council’s website: - https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/health-and-social-care2/coronavirus-covid-19/businesses-and-employers

Please note that these are grants and there is no obligation on the business to repay. The Rates team will NOT acknowledge receipt of applications; there are so many arriving

that do to so will slow the rate decisions being made. Eligible ratepayers can apply for a one-off grant payment up to 31 March 2021. Only ONE

grant is allowed per ratepayer regardless of the number of premises held. Please read all of the question and answer all applicable questions within the application Ensure you attach your bank statements along with the application Bank statements MUST be dates within the last 3 months Eligible business ratepayers should apply using the application form and return it to:-

rates.team@fife.gov.uk

5

3. BUSINESS RATE ASSISTANCE AND REDUCTIONS  There are a range of relief or discount schemes in operation, which you may qualify for.

To check please visit Fife Councils Business Rates Reduction page.Business Rates Support for Fife Businesses  No formal recovery will take place on Non-Domestic Rates 2020/2021 bills until October.

However, if you are experiencing difficulties in paying your bill even after the reductions have been applied please get in touch.  https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/business2/business-rates/covid-19-business-rates-support There may further assistance by extending instalment plans or deferring instalments. If you receive a recovery notice for non-domestic rates for years 2019/20 or earlier and are experiencing financial difficulties due to the coronavirus then please make contact https://www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/business2/business-rates/covid-19-business-rates-support Fife Council will look positively as it can at requests for payment deferrals for a fixed period. 75% rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure sectors with a rateable value of less than

£69,000 from 1 April 2020 A fixed rates relief of up to £5,000 for all pubs with a rateable value of less than £100,000 from

1 April 2020 1.6% rates relief for all properties across Scotland, effectively reversing the planned below

inflation uplift in the poundage from 1 April 2020

6

4. SOCIAL ENTERPRISE & 3 RD SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

The Third Sector Resilience Fund (TSRF). The Fund will be delivered by Firstport, Social Investment Scotland and the Corra Foundation and will provide grants between £5,000 - £100,000.

In addition there will be up to a further £5Mn available in fully flexible, 0% interest loans starting at £50,000. The fund will be complemented by specialist business advice from Just Enterprise to help grant recipients maximise the impact of the financial support.

Organisations must be: a charity, social enterprise or voluntary organisation based in Scotland and/or primarily

delivering services/activities in Scottish communities; already delivering those products or services prior to March 2020; and needing funding to stabilise cashflows directly as a result of the impact of COVID-19, as

opposed to pre-existing financial difficulties.

In order to apply, organisations must complete a short eligibility checker. Here is the main link to the site:-

https://scvo.org.uk/support/coronavirus/funding/for-organisations/third-sector-resilience-fund

Pre Grant SupportSome applicants to the Third Sector Resilience Fund do not have the required information to pass the eligibility criteria, particularly in regards to cashflow, so JUST ENTEPRISE are offering support to organisations wishing to better understand their business requirements. More Here

Fife Voluntary Action

Updates on their pandemic information and resource page .Update on their Helping Hand Crowdfunder FVA’s Capacity Building team can help organisations in applying for funding. Please contact Helen Rorrison for more information.

Social Investment Scotland

Are hosting a number of free expert webinars, partnering with leaders from the 3rd sector and beyond. Created to help 3rd sector organisations facing challenges as a result of COVID-19. You can find all of the webinars and links to access them on their website here . Currently, the following are all scheduled for 3pm on the dates below. Click the links marked ‘JOIN HERE’ at the correct time, to provide you with instant access to the live webinar.

Restructuring & Insolvency and COVID-19, with Michael Thomson of Burness Paull - 8th April - JOIN HERE

Public & Charity Sector Mergers & COVID-19, with Gillan Harkness of Burness Paull - 9th April - JOIN HERE

Scottish Communities Finance is offering interest-free loans of £3-5k to SEN members as part of its SEN Bond offer from last year. The SEN Bridging Loan – with a five day turn-around - is available for all organisations that are looking for money to bridge the gap between spending money and waiting for grant money or other forms of income. For more info, contact pauline@scotcomfinance.scot

7

5. FOOD & DRINK SECTOR – BEST PRACTICE

To support Food and Drink manufactures in protecting their workforce from Covid19, Scotland Food & Drink, along with their partners and member businesses, has pulled together best practice tips being used by members of the food and drink business community.

Please follow the link:- https://foodanddrink.scot/media/2907/factory-best-practice.pdf

Food and Drink Federation Scotland, along with partners, have also developed a downloadable pro-forma letter for businesses to issue to employees for whom it is absolutely essential to travel to work click the links below to download.

Key workers - movement between workplace letterKey workers - childcare letter

Social Distancing within Food Businesses.

Businesses can remain open if providing something essential to the wellbeing of Scotland (this includes food supplies), alongside being able to provide confidence to the workforce on their protection and social distancing. The revised guidance sets out all business workplaces that are not being specifically required to close should consider it imperative that they keep open only those premises or parts of premises that are truly critical or essential to the national and international Covid-19 effort. Additional guidance from Food Standards Scotland has been developed to supplement generic guidance for consumers and food businesses which has been published by Food Standards Scotland and on the Gov.uk website.

It intends to translate Scottish Government guidance on ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): business and social distancing guidance’ and the advice published by Health Protection Scotland for Non-Healthcare Settings for application in food manufacturing settings.

To access this guidance please click here.

Business-led innovation in response to global disruption (de minimis)UK registered businesses can apply for a share of up to £20 million to respond to new and urgent needs in UK and global communities during and following the Covid-19 pandemic. Food manufacture and processing are eligible. The grant competition opened on Friday 3rd and closes Friday 17th April. You can claim 100% of your project costs up to the maximum of £50,000.These will be paid in advance of the project start date. For more information click here.

SELF CATERING

Self-catering accommodation and caravans will be eligible for both the one-off £10,000 grant for small businesses and the one-off £25,000 grant for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors where this is the primary source of earned income and the property is let for 140 days or more.

https://www.gov.scot/news/supporting-tourism-through-coronavirus/

Update 6/4/2020It has been confirmed that, unless there are specific contractual restrictions, workers that are furloughed can do other paid work for a different employer.

8

6. JOB RETENTION SCHEME  

To access the scheme, employers will need to designate relevant staff as furloughed workers. The employer needs to get agreement from the worker to do this, unless it’s covered by a clause in the employment contract. The employer decides who to designate as a furloughed worker. If an employee disagrees with their employer's decision they'll need to talk to their employer and try to come to an agreement.

HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) will reimburse 80% of furloughed workers' wage costs to employers, up to a maximum of £2,500 per month.

Employers will be able to make a claim for the money once HMRC's new system is available.

It's up to employers whether they pay the remaining 20% of wages. They do not have to pay it.

HMRC has updated guidance on how to claim for your employees' wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The online service is not available yet, but it is expected to be available by the end of April 2020.

Click here to read the latest guidance.

9

7. HMRC /TAX ADVICE

VAT payments ALL UK business are eligible. For VAT, the deferral will apply from 20 March 2020 until 30 June 2020. This is an automatic offer with no applications required. Businesses will not need to make a VAT payment during this period. Taxpayers will be given until the end of the 2020/21 tax year to pay any liabilities that have accumulated during the deferral period. VAT refunds and reclaims will be paid by the Government as normal.

Income Tax

For Income Tax Self-Assessment, payments due on the 31 July 2020 will be deferred until the 31 January 2021. If you are self-employed you are eligible. This is an automatic offer with no applications required. NO penalties or interest for late payment will be charged in the deferral period.

Business Tax All businesses and self-employed people in financial distress, and with outstanding tax liabilities, may be eligible to receive support with their tax affairs through HMRC. These arrangements are agreed on a case-by-case basis and are tailored to individual circumstances and liabilities. Businesses concerned about being able to pay their tax due to COVID-19 should call HMRC’s dedicated helpline on 0800 015 9559. Lines are open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm and on Saturday, 8am to 4pm.

From 25 March 2020 businesses will be able to apply for a 3-month extension for filing accounts. Companies will still have to apply for the 3-month extension to be granted, those citing issues

around COVID-19 will be automatically and immediately granted an extension. Applications can be made through a fast-tracked online system which will take just 15 minutes

to complete. CLICK HERE FOR : full guidance on applying for an extension

Time to Pay

The HMRC “Time To Pay” scheme offers further support for businesses with outstanding tax liabilities and who may be experiencing cashflow difficulties. Individual arrangements are negotiated on a case-by case basis. Contact the HMRC for more information. If you have missed a tax payment or you might miss your next payment due to COVID-19, please call HMRC’s dedicated helpline: 0800 024 1222. If you’re worried about a future payment, please call them nearer the time.  https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hmrevenue- customs/contact/business-payment-supportservice 

10

8. FISHING FLEET/SEA FOOD SECTOR SUPPORT

Fife is home to the largest inshore fishing fleet in Scotland. This initial support will go to those that need it most and whose access to markets has disappeared almost overnight. The Scottish Government has identified and has started contacting vessels who will be directly offered funding.

Key features of the scheme are:

Those vessels receiving initial funding are all Scottish Registered vessels of 12m and under in length, and who have no other form of income to support them -– this includes creelers, divers, and smaller trawlers and dredge vessels, many of whom operate in remote and island communities;

Payments will only be made to those making a full time living from commercial sea fishing; Eligibility will only be for those who have or will suffer market failure or loss and not where

alternative markets clearly remain; For those eligible an initial payment of 50% of two months’ average vessel earnings will be

made. Initial payments will be capped at a maximum of £27,000 as we explore State Aid restrictions

and where there are owners of multiple vessels.

For more information please visit the Scottish Gvt website:-

https://www.gov.scot/publications/covid-19---emergency-hardship-support-for-scottish-fishing-industry/

Sea Food Sector

Scottish Seafood Business Resilience Fund provides a combination of grants and loans to businesses suffering severe hardship following the shutdown of international markets and the food service industry across the UK.

Businesses will be required to apply for support and meet the relevant criteria – further details of which will be published in the coming days. All seafood processors who meet the criteria can apply. A mix of grants, up to the revised state aid level of 120,000 euros, and loans will be available.

https://www.gov.scot/news/supporting-the-seafood-sector/

11

9. FIFE COUNCIL

Fife Council Business Occupants Should you require to discuss any business property related concerns, as a result of Coronavirus please contact Business.Property@fife.gov.uk

Licencing / Planning Fife Council has relaxed planning rules to allow pubs and restaurants to operate temporarily as takeaways. A full closure of pubs/restaurants has been requested .

Taxi licences

ALL annual tests for taxis and private hire vehicles have been cancelled until further notice. If you’ve already received appointments for your tests, do NOT attend the appointment. FC will be in contact with you, later in the year, with any new arrangements we put in place.

In the meantime, we would ask you to continue to maintain your vehicles to the high standards you’ve always done & use the Council’s service sheets to assist you in continuing with your maintenance regimes. More info- www.FifeCounciltaxilicence

Private and Third Sector Childcare Providers

Local Authorities will no longer be legally obliged to deliver 1,140 hours of funded childcare from this August. This will be reinstated at a later date when the time is right.

Council Tax Complete this on-line form to contact the Benefits and Council Tax Team with a general enquiry. Council Tax Forms

Economic Development team

Please e-mail Ec.Dev@fife.gov.uk with any queries. We promise to return your e-mail as soon as we can.

12

10. KEY WORKERS  Each Local Authority will be slightly different to allow the country to address local priorities.

Fife Council has now released a clear guide to who can access free childcare in our Children's Activity Centres. Carrie Lindsay, Executive Director of Education and Children's Services has issued the following advice to parents and carers who think they may need to access Fife's Children's Activity Centres.

Link to Fife Council website:-https://www.fife.gov.uk/news/2020/key-worker-categories-for-use-in-childrens-activity-centres Fife Council is not able to advise you on whether to close or remain open. We can simply guide you to follow the Scottish Government guidance.

If you remain open as a Category 3 essential business then please also follow the guidelines for your workforce.

We are being advised that workers should have a work ID with them. (with 2 people max in cars) as the Police are beginning to stop motorists.

It is for the employer/business to decide who is essential, along with the need to balance social distancing with health & safety. The below link is the guidance from UK Gov on what is to be closed:

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

The Government has not made it illegal to travel (27/03/2020 10:00) but business should ensure their staff have appropriate ID as the law may be changed, with little notice given.

Category Definitions Category 1 – Health and Care workers directly supporting COVID response, and associated staff;

Health and Care workers supporting life threatening emergency work, as well as primary and community care provision; Energy suppliers (small numbers identified as top priority already); staff providing childcare/learning for other category 1 staff.

Category 2 – All other Health and Care workers, and wider public sector workers providing

emergency/critical welfare services (e.g Fire, Police, Prisons, Social Workers, etc), as well as those supporting our Critical National Infrastructure, without whom serious damage to the welfare of the people of Scotland could be caused.

Category 3 – All workers (private, public or third sector) without whom there could be a significant

impact on Scotland (but where the response to COVID-19, or the ability to performessential tasks to keep the country running, would not be severely compromised).

This definition may be updated to take account of developing circumstances.

13

29 Children’s Activity Centres are being established in Fife to allow for learning and supervision ofchildren of Key Workers. These Children’s Activity Centres are planned to open initially for NHS critical staff and care staff in category 1 on Tuesday 24 March and will be operational for more groups as time progresses.

Scottish Government advice is that where a Key Worker and a Non-Key Worker are in a household,

then their children should, wherever possible, be looked after at home. Businesses will appreciate that by having some children remain at home will allow the Children’s Activity Centres to operate effectively and safely at this time. For the longer term businesses should be considering if there are any key groups of staff that would be key workers rather than the total workforce of a business.

Education update for parents/carers - Covid-19 (updated 26/03/20) fife.gov.uk/childrencentres

Retailers Guidance.

The link below takes you to the UK Governments website which provides guidance on the closure of all retailers that sell non-essential goods and other non-essential premises, as part of further social distancing measures.

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

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, 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).

Parks will remain open but only for individuals and households to exercise once a day. Communal spaces within parks such as playgrounds and football pitches will be closed.

14

11. BUSINESS SUPPORT AGENCIES

Business Gateway Fife There is support locally through Business Gateway Fife. The Covid-19 information page on the Business Gateway website: https://www.bgateway.com/resources/coronavirus-support They are putting in place actions to allow delivery of a virtual advisory and workshop service where possible. The advisers can offer free support with a wide range of business matters including continuity planning, managing cashflow, HR and dealing with suppliers.

There may be funding options. Click the link to discuss further with your local Adviser.https://www.businessgatewayfife.com/finance You can also find further information and watch a short YOUTUBE video you watch just now to help you plan for any disruption here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLd1bG8SOC4

Scottish Enterprise

https://www.scottish-enterprise.com/

Scottish Government Link to page - Find business Support The business helpline number is 0300 303 0660. The helpline will be open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. Callers should select option one to speak to the COVID-19 team. Businesses should sign up for email updates  from the Scottish Government. 

15

12. CORONAVIRUS BUSINESS INTERRUPTION LOAN SCHEME (CBILS)     The European Commission approved two separate UK schemes to support SMEs affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Under the first support scheme The UK will set up the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).

The second support scheme, direct grants will be provided to support SMEs affected by the coronavirus.

The schemes will initially run until 30 September 2020, with the possibility for the UK to extend them until 31 December 2020.

Updated scheme features - Announced 03/04/2020

No personal guarantees for facilities under £250k: Personal guarantees of any form cannot be taken

under the scheme for any facilities below £250k.

Personal guarantees for facilities above £250k: Personal guarantees may still be required, at a lender’s discretion, but recoveries under these are capped at a maximum of 20% of theoutstanding balance of the CBILS facility after the proceeds of business assets have beenapplied. A Principal Private Residence (PPR) cannot be taken as security to support apersonal guarantee or as security for a CBIL backed facility.

Security: For all facilities, including those over £250,000, CBILS can now support lending to smallerbusinesses even where a lender considers there to be sufficient security, making more smaller businesses eligible to receive the business interruption payment.

These changes are to be retrospectively applied by lenders for any CBILS facilities offered since 23March 2020.

For any commercial (non-CBILS) facilities offered since the same date, providing the borrower meetsthe CBILS eligibility criteria, lenders have been asked to bring these facilities onto CBILS wherever possible (e.g. where the lender is accredited to offer the same facility through CBILS) and changes retrospectively applied as necessary.

Existing scheme featuresUp to £5m facility: The maximum value of a facility provided under the scheme is £5m, available onrepayment terms of up to six years.

No guarantee fee for SMEs to access the scheme: No fee for smaller businesses. Lenders will pay afee to access the scheme.

Interest and fees paid by Government for 12 months: The Government will make a Business

16

Interruption Payment to cover the first 12 months of interest payments and any lender-levied fees, so smaller businesses will benefit from no upfront costs and lower initial repayments.

Finance terms: Finance terms are up to six years for term loans and asset finance facilities. For

overdrafts and invoice finance facilities, terms will be up to three years.

80% guarantee: The scheme provides the lender with a government-backed, partial guarantee (80%

gross) against the outstanding facility balance, subject to an overall cap per lender.

Principal Private Residence (PPR) – A borrower’s/guarantor’s PPR cannot be taken as security to

support a Personal Guarantee or as security for a CBIL backed facility.

The borrower always remains 100% liable for the debt.

New eligibility criteria

Smaller businesses from all sectors can apply for the full amount of the facility. To be eligible for a facility under CBILS, a smaller business must:

Be UK based in its business activity, with turnover of no more than £45m per year.Have a borrowing proposal which, were it not for the current pandemic, would be considered viable

by the lender.Self-certify that it has been adversely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

More Info:-https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses#support-for-businesses-through-the-coronavirus-business-interruption-loan-scheme

INSURANCE

The UK Government and the insurance industry have agreed that the advice to avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres constitutes sufficient grounds for businesses to make a valid claim under any business interruption provisions contained in business policies that include notifiable diseases and thus pandemics.  The Association of British Insurers have noted that standard business insurance policies do NOT

commonly include such cover. Businesses are advised to check their policies and to contact their insurance providers. Ministers have now agreed the inclusion of self catering and caravans, provided it is their

primary source of earnings and that the property was let more than 140 days.

17

13. STATUTORY SICK PAY    A statutory sick pay relief package for SMEs employing up to 250 as of 28 February was included. This will refund up to 2 weeks SSP per eligible employee who has been off work due to Covid-19. In addition, employers will be able to reclaim expenses incurred in respect of any employee who has claimed Covid-19 related SSP. Employees will NOT be required to produce a GP fit note. Employers should make sure that accurate records of staff absences are maintained.  ACAS can give businesses free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. The usual sick leave and pay entitlements apply if you or an employee has coronavirus. By law, anyone classed as an employee has the right to take time off work to help someone who depends on them (a 'dependant') in an unexpected event. A repayment mechanism for employers will be built as soon as possible.

18

14. PRIVATE AND VOLUNTARY SECTOR CHILDCARE     The Scottish Gvt has said that private and third sector childcare providers can stay open, provided they: (i) support only the children of key workers and vulnerable children; and (ii) wherever possible, they work with local authorities in their areas to do this. Childminding services can continue to operate, but will be subject to new public health guidance which will issue shortly. This may mean that these providers are involved in local arrangements for school-aged children as well as younger children.  

19

15. FINANCIAL SECTOR SUPPORT The Bank of England at its latest meeting (19/3) reduced the Bank Rate to 0.1% p.a. Lloyds Bank Group has announced £2bn of arrangement fee-free finance to support businesses with a turnover of up to £25m in order to support on-going cashflow needs. Repayment holidays on term loans can be negotiated. Tel. 0808 202 1390 RBS has announced support including repayment holidays, interest rate reductions, emergency loan facilities and immediate access to deposit balances. In addition, £5bn of working capital support has been announced to help businesses facing Covid-19 related disruption. Dedicated phone line: 0345 600 2230 Clydesdale Bank have said that the right support is available to all customers, whether it is increased credit limits, repayment holidays, interest rate reductions and immediate access to term deposits. Tel. 0800 032 3971 Barclays Bank have also announced a similar package of support options for business customers including emergency financial assistance and have established a dedicated helpline - 0800 197 1086. Santander have not announced anything specific but as with the other banks recommend that affected business owners should contact their relationship managers for which there is a dedicated phone number: - 0800 731 6666 Bank of Scotland have put together a £2bn support package for affected businesses to help minimise the impact including no-fee overdrafts and overdraft increases; no-fee invoice discounting and finance facilities; repayment holidays on term loans, all subject to negotiation. Tel 0345 300 0268 TSB Bank are taking a tailor-made approach to their support and have said that business customers should contact the bank to arrange a package suitable for their individual needs. Tel. 0345 835 3858 Co-operative Bank state on their website that they are currently discussing with The British Business Bank and UK Finance how they will work together to implement their recently announced Coronovirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme. This is on top of a package of measures including overdrafts and overdraft increases, term loan facilities and other credit facilities. Temporary increases and adjustments to repayment schedules are also available. There is a dedicated phone line :- 03457 213213 HSBC have introduced a similar package to the other banks and have set up a £5bn fund to help affected businesses. Tel. 08000 121 614 POSSIBLE CASH GRANTS

 

20

16. USEFUL WEBLINKS  

With the situation changing so rapidly, it is important to stay informed, so check regularly for updates.

Overall UK Government response (including health and travel advice, and latest announcements)

UK-wide Coronavirus action plan

Scottish Gvt business Support Website https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/  

https://www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance/

Tourist Sector https://www.visitscotland.com/

FCO guidance for British people travelling and living overseas during the outbreak

Fitfortravel advice for before, during and after you travel. UK Government website for business support info:- www.businesssupport.gov.uk

21

17. Support for the Creative Sector

Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. They enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life.

Given the unprecedented nature of the situation they have made some very urgent changes to their funding routes with immediate effect. They have announced two funds to support Covid impact for creative industries.

One is for freelance artists and freelance creative practitioners, one is for freelance or self-employed screen practitioners.

Bridging Bursary

This £2m fund offers a one-off bursary to support freelance artists and freelance creative practitioners working in the not-for-profit sector in Scotland. Targeted at freelance artists and freelance creative practitioners who derive a significant proportion of their income from working in the not-for-profit sector in Scotland and have experienced a loss of earnings as a result of COVID-19 ·

Bursaries of between £500 and £2,500 to help support immediate needs (You may only request more than £2,500 if your request includes access costs). Requests for funding are currently paused.

Second round of requests will open Monday 20th April which will likely close Friday 24th April (possibly earlier)

The third is more general as it aims to enable organisations to explore ways of working that will help them to adapt and respond to the current changing circumstances.https://www.creativescotland.com/what-we-do/latest-news/archive/2020/03/covid-19-impact-funds

For further funding advice:

Creative Scotland Funding & Advice page: https://www.creativescotland.com/resources/professional-resources/covid-19-directory?dm_i=FES,6T1IY,NMKL4C,R8Y1B,1

For regular updates please visit: www.creativescotland.com/coronavirus

If you have any queries, please e-mail: enquiries@creativescotland.com

22

18. Information for Street Traders (Food)

Environmental Health have prepared this guidance to assist Street Traders (including fish vans, burger vans etc) during the COVID-19 Pandemic

As far as we are aware, food retailers will not be stopped or prevented from street trading by the police or local authorities at this time. This may change, and you should keep up to date with the current government advice. You may also be in a position to assist some of your vulnerable customers if you feel that they are struggling in some way and need help. This may be in many forms so be alert to their particular needs.

Hygiene

You must have hand washing facilities with soap and paper towels in the van. Make sure you have a supply of hot and cold water at all times and ensure frequent hand washing techniques in-line with current COVID-19 Guidance is followed.

Social Distancing

You must ensure a distance of 2 metres between yourself and the customer you are serving. You can achieve this by bagging the food then stepping back 2 metres while the customer collects the bag.

Customers must not congregate around the van and must keep to the 2 metres separation rule. You should politely ensure customers do this.

You should also think about how you could provide a service to customers who may be sociallyshielding, for example contactless delivery and payment methods.

Payments

Contactless - If you have a mobile contactless payment system, then use that as your preferred method of payment.

Cash - Ensure customers place their money on a specific surface on the van whilst you stand back 2 metres. Instruct customer to stand back 2 metres to allow you to place their change on the same surface. Other recommendations for transactions.

Deferring payment - Creating an account with the customer.

Change of customer delivery

Online - Ordering and accepting payment over the internet.

Delivering to order only.

23

19. Legal Aid Agency Support

Advice for legal aid providers setting out what the Legal Aid Agency is putting in place to help them continue to provide service for their clients during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

The arrangements outlined will apply until 30 June 2020 but will be kept under review on at least a monthly basis and amendments may be necessary, based on wider Government advice.

More information on the UK Governments website:-

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-legal-aid-agency-contingency-response

24

20. ENTERPRISE RELIEF FUND (18-30)

A £5 Million fund from the Prince’s Trust and NatWest offering grants to self-employed people aged 18-30

Grants can be used to maintain core business operations during the crisis, as well as meet any existing financial commitments, such as paying for essential equipment or settling invoices from suppliers.

Grants will also support young people to diversify their business to respond to opportunities created by the crises.

You must be a business owner aged 18 to 30, who set up their business in the last four years

You can register your interest for grants and tailored support via The Prince’s Trust website.

https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/about-the-trust/coronavirus-response/enterprise-relief-fund

25

21. Agricultural Sector

Farm payment schemes to alleviate COVID-19 pressures.

Around 7,000 specialist beef producers will benefit from payments worth around £40 million in the coming weeks, ensuring money is still going to farmers and crofters during these unprecedented and challenging times.

The 2019 Scottish Suckler Beef Support Scheme (SSBSS) payment rates are €114.00 (£101.56) per animal for SSBSS Mainland and €166.35 (£148.20) per animal for SSBSS Island (2019 conversation rate €1 = £0.89092).

These payments are being made as set out in the CAP payment timetable published in January with further payments to be made in the coming weeks.

26

22. Business-led innovation in response to global disruption (de minimis)

Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, will invest up to £20 million in innovation projects.

The aim of this competition is to support UK businesses to focus on emerging or increasing needs of society and industries during and following the Covid-19 pandemic

Competition opens: Friday 3 April 2020 Competition closes: Friday 17 April 2020 12:00pm

Your project

have total eligible costs between £25,000 and £50,000 be able to start by 1st June 2020 at the latest be no longer than 6 months in duration

To lead a project your organisation must:

be a UK registered business of any size carry out its project work in the UK intend to deliver the proposed outcomes for UK domestic or global benefit

Sole traders are NOT eligible to apply for this competition.

More information :- https://apply-for-innovation-funding.service.gov.uk/competition/583/overview#summary

27