Covid support

On Thursday 24 February, the Government removed all remaining domestic restrictions in England. There are still steps you can take to reduce the risk of catching and spreading COVID-19:

  • Get vaccinated
  • Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside
  • Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
  • Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms, and stay at home if positive (free tests will be universally available until 1 April)

For more details, please check the Government website HERE.


WORKING SAFELY

The self-isolation advice for people with coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed, further information HERE.

Advice from the NHS

Latest Covid-19 Secure Government guidance links

  • Shops & branches – HERE
  • Close contact services – HERE
  • Gyms – HERE
  • Guidance for people who work in or run restaurants offering takeaway or delivery services – HERE
  • Guidance for maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace –HERE
  • Create a coronavirus NHS QR code for your business


Everyone should remain cautious

It’s important to stay cautious, and help protect yourself and others:
– If you think you might have COVID-19 symptoms, take a PCR test and stay home
– Wash your hands regularly and for at least 20 seconds with soap
– Wear a face covering in crowded places and public transport
– Get vaccinated, book an appointment HERE


FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Support for businesses most impacted by the Omicron variant
On Tuesday 21 December, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced £1 billion in support for businesses most impacted by Omicron across the UK.

  • Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises, plus more than £100 million discretionary funding will be made available for local authorities to support other businesses
  • Government will also cover the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related absences for small and medium-sized employers across the UK
  • £30 million further funding will be made available through the Culture Recovery Fund, enabling more cultural organisations in England to apply for support during the winter

Further information HERE.

Business Rate discounts
Business Rate discount for Retail, Leisure and Hospitality – HERE
Business Rate discount for Small Businesses – HERE

Temporary VAT cut
The temporary VAT cut – from 20% to 5% – for certain sectors like hospitality and tourism, it will remain until the end of September 2021, followed by a 12.5% rate for a further six months until 31 March 2022.

Recovery Loan Scheme – HERE

Bristol City Council business support
Visit the Bristol City Council website Covid-19 page.
If you have any questions about COVID-19, or businesses challenges, please email business@bristol.gov.uk. Responses will take a maximum of 7 days.
The Bristol City Council business newsletters are a great resource for insights, ideas and support, we would also highly recommend that you subscribe to receive them.

To help you access the latest business support, services and opportunities, visit the council’s website. Whether you are opening your first business, in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic or looking to expand, their website provides answers to the following questions.
Visit Bristol City Council’s website

WELLBEING IN THE WORKPLACE

Businesses continue to face tough challenges and many people are struggling with the uncertainties brought about from the pandemic. There are many mental health support tools available to businesses and individuals.
More info and links HERE.

The Thrive at Work programme, developed by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), offer free e-learning courses for Managers. ‘Managing Mental Health at Work’ is designed for SMEs (with a maximum headcount of 250) to equip their managers with the confidence and skills to have supportive conversations with their staff about mental health and wellbeing, particularly in these challenging times. Developed in partnership with Mind, the leading mental health charity, the course is free to access (funded by WECA) for SMEs in the West of England.