This newsletter is part of a regular update I send out to businesses in Scunthorpe. If you have not received this directly from me please click here to subscribe to my COVID-19 Business newsletter.
Good evening,
Next week presents a huge shift for all industries, as we move from Covid Secure regulations to non-binding guidance. It is hoped that these guidances will help businesses reassure customers about covid-security in their premises.
Please find in today's Business Update:
- Guidance on keeping safe in business venues
- Hospitality Recovery Plan
- More funding for Social Care Providers via Infection Control and Testing Fund
- Guide for employers on the "Kickstart" Scheme
- Agricultural Transition Plan
- Update on timeline for UK-EU Imports & Exports
- Report Tax Avoidance Schemes
Guidance on Keeping safe in Business Venues
The government has released 'Step 4' guidance for the following industries:
Construction and other outdoor work
Restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs and takeaway services
Shops, branches, and close contact services
Weddings, Civil Partnerships and Celebrations
Commemorative Events and Funerals
As ever, my office and I are here to raise any further questions or feedback you have regarding these guidances with either the Government or the relevant authority.
Raising key issues in Parliament
Despite being fully vaccinated residents are still being asked to self-isolate when "pinged" by the NHS app, or through NHS Track and Trace. The government already has a plan to allow those who are fully vaccinated to avoid self-isolation through regular COVID tests, which will commence in mid-August.
Given how disruptive repeated self-isolation requests can be on individuals, families, and businesses, I have asked the Health Secretary to consider if he can bring forward his plans.
Hospitality Recovery Plan
Today, the government has released the 'Hospitality Recovery Plan'. Among other things, the government plans to actively signpost jobseekers to hospitality vacancies, consult on making alfresco changes permanent and ringfence rent debt accrued from March 2020 for tenants who have been impacted by Covid-19 business closures.
You can read the full Plan here. The government is also establishing a Hospitality Sector Council to ensure the commitments made in this Plan are kept to.
More funding for Social Care Providers via Infection Control and Testing Fund
The government has today announced an extra £251 million into infection control and testing, bringing the total spent on Covid-19 related funding to care homes at over £2 billion.
Guide for employers on the "Kickstart" Scheme
For those who are unaware of the value of the Kickstart Scheme to their business, the Treasury has released a guide for employers that explains what Kickstarters could do for your business.
I have worked with a number of businesses on this Scheme and having raised concerns to the government, I know a lot of the admin has been worked out and employers are benefitting from having Kickstarters in their workplace.
Agricultural Transition Plan
At the end of last month, the 'Agricultural Transition Plan' was released. This provides more detail on the early rollout of the Sustainable Farming Incentive in 2022, and news about the introduction of two soils standards from 2022, through which the government will offer payments for farmers to take better care of their soils.
I have put the relevant documents in an article on my website.
Update on timeline for UK-EU Imports & Exports
HMRC has written to businesses providing an update on the timeline for changes to customs rules. Please read here.
Report Tax Avoidance Schemes
Please do report tax avoidance schemes to HMRC if you are worried about becoming involved in tax avoidance or want help to get out of a scheme. More often than not, users of suspicious tax avoidance schemes find it costs them more time, money and stress as they simply do not work or give the tax advantages they claim to.
It's been more than a year since I started providing "Business Updates", with hundreds of emails sent and casework resolved during this period. As we reopen I will, of course, continue to do my best to provide updates and support businesses that get in touch.
Take care and stay safe,
Holly