This email is part of a regular update I send out to businesses in Scunthorpe. If you have not received this email directly from me please click here to subscribe to my COVID-19 Business newsletter.
Good evening,
Today's updates
The Prime Minister today updated the national COVID-19 restrictions, affecting several sectors. Below is a summary of the changes announced today, you can find the official guidances here:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): What has changed – 22 September
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Meeting with others safely (social distancing)
- Staying alert and safe
- You may also want to refer to the Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) page for industry-specific guidance
- Also helpful: Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Having received feedback from my previous survey, I’ve put forward the ‘uncomfortable’ question to the Treasury team to ask them to look again at VAT cuts for our hospitality sector.
I appreciate that there will be anxiety amongst the groups affected by today’s changes so I am keen to write to the Chancellor about what financial support will be available. My view is that, if possible, we should continue to rely on targeted measures taken by local health teams, instead of ‘blanket measures’ by the government. However, it is also important to note that these restrictions will hopefully prevent our return to the "full lockdown" we have previously seen in Spring.
Please could you fill in the survey form below to let me know of your thoughts which I will take into consideration ahead of my letter to the Chancellor by Thursday?
Click here to provide your feedback on my business survey
Update:
ALL BUSINESSES
Covid-secure guidance to be enforced
In retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors, Covid-secure guidelines will become law from Monday, meaning businesses may be fined or closed by local health authorities. Please have a look at the relevant guidance to make sure that you are compliant.
I know that that NLC’s public health team has conducted inspections in businesses across Scunthorpe to ensure these guidelines are followed. Should you need clarification you may want to contact customerservice@northlincs.gov.uk or trading.standards@northlincs.gov.uk, or myself.
Return to working from home
The government is now encouraging office workers to work from home if they can - taking into consideration mental health concerns and staff wellbeing.
Premise-based track-and-trace app to be launched
Businesses will need to display the official NHS QR code posters so that customers can ‘check-in’ at different premises using this option as an alternative to providing their contact details once the app is rolled out nationally. (from 24 September)
HOSPITALITY AND LEISURE
From Thursday, pubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, takeaways, along with entertainment and leisure venues, will have to close at 10pm daily.
Hospitality businesses will still be able to operate deliveries after the 10pm curfew.
Premises, except takeaways, must also operate table-service only.
Hospitality customers and staff must also wear face coverings in hospitality settings, except when seated at a table to eat or drink.
RETAIL
From Thursday, retail staff must wear face coverings at work.
TAXIS AND PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLES
From Wednesday, all drivers and users of taxis and private hire vehicles will be required to wear face coverings when in the vehic
WEDDINGS.
From Monday, the maximum amount of people allowed to an attend weddings will decrease from 30 to 15
PERFORMING ARTS & SPORTS
The following activities will no longer be exempt from the Rule of Six law:
-
Indoor grassroots sport
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Amateur performing arts
-
Amateur choirs
Live sporting events
Live Sporting Events with more than 1,000 people will not be able to resume from 1st October.
These changes are subject to constant review, including a Ministerial review by law every two months, but the Prime Minister has made clear that these measures could last up to six months.
The government is also constantly reviewing the measures which it could take to help businesses affected by these restrictions.
Therefore, I am keen to gather the views of residents and businesses on the impacts of these changes on our area, so that I can continue to make effective representations on your behalf.
Take care,
Holly
PREVIOUS UPDATES
- COVID-19 SUPPORT DIRECTORY FOR INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES
- Important update: Chancellor's statement and what it means for you - 08/07/2020
- Quick update - full list of businesses, guidance available - 24/06/2020
- Further opening of key sectors, self-employed support - COVID-19 Business update 23/06/2020
- NLC Discretionary Business Grants now open for application - COVID-19 Business update 01/06/2020
- COVID-19 Business update 29/05/2020 -Important update on furlough, Self-Employed income support scheme EXTENDED
- COVID-19 Business update 26/05/2020- Retail update, tax clarifications, claim for SSP
- COVID-19 Business update 14/05/2020- Major housing update, holiday entitlement guidance, guidance for discretionary council grant released - COVID-19 Business update
- COVID-19 Business update 13/05/2020- Furlough scheme extended, health and safety priority
- COVID-19 Business Update 11/05/20- Details on today's announcements, how to make your workplace "Covid-Safe"
- COVID-19 Business update 04/05/2020- Bounce back loans available NOW, Council to get discretion for grants, further info for employees
- COVID-19 Business update 27/04/2020- New 100% backed loans for small businesses, Furlough scheme feedback
- COVID-19 Business update 15/04/2020- Date set for furlough scheme (get ready!), more info for the self-employed
- COVID-19 Business update 03/04/2020- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans, Industry updates
- COVID-19 Business update 27/03/2020- Important update for employers: more details on "furlough"/ "80% scheme"
- COVID-19 Business update 26/03/2020- Self-employed details, letter to Chancellor and Business Secretary
- COVID-19 Business update 24/03/2020- Important guidelines and updates
- COVID-19 Business update 23/03/2020- Lockdown and further information
- COVID-19 Business update 22/03/2020- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, my pledge to the self-employed
- COVID-19 Business update 20/03/2020- URGENT UPDATE
- COVID-19 Business update 18/03/2020- Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Business Rates Holiday, Small Business Grants