COVID-19

 

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COVID-19 Business Support

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We've compiled a round up of the most up to date Information for jewellery businesses... we hope its useful.

Updated: 24 July 2020

 

Chancellor announces measures for economy in support package

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak has unveiled a number of measures – including paying £1,000 to employers for each employee they bring back from furlough - to aid the UK’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.

The measures announced by the Chancellor today include:

  • A jobs retention bonus of £1,000, per employer, for businesses bringing back employees from furlough and continuously employing them from November until January
  • VAT cut from 20% to 5% for the hospitality and tourism sectors from 15 July to 12 January
  • People can get 50% off vouchers in August as part of the ‘Eating Out to Help Out’ scheme, aimed at getting people back in pubs, cafes and restaurants
  • The kickstart scheme - grant funding for employers to create new jobs for any 16 to 24-year-old at risk of long-term unemployment, with government paying their wages, plus overheads, for the first six months. The first kickstarters will be in their new jobs this autumn, and there will be no cap on the number of places available
  • For the next six months, businesses will be paid up to £2,000 per new apprentice they take on
  • Investing an additional £1 billion in the Department of Work and Pensions to support people back into work
  • From September, a £2 billion green homes grant for homeowners and landlords to carry out works to make homes more energy efficient
  • £1 billion to improve the energy efficiency of public sector buildings
  • £50 million fund to pilot the decarbonisation of social housing
  • Stamp duty threshold increasing to £500,000

The Chancellor said the UK faced "profound economic challenges" with the International Monetary Fund expecting the deepest global recession since records began. In just two months, our economy contracted by 25%, the same amount that grew in the previous 18 years," He added. “Our economy relies on consumption, especially social consumption - the pubs, cafes, restaurants, hotels and bnbs that bring life to our villages, towns and cities." 

£1.57bn rescue package for arts, culture and heritage industries

Britain’s globally renowned arts, culture and heritage industries will receive a £1.57 billion rescue package to help them manage the impact of coronavirus, the government has announced.

Thousands of organisations across a range of sectors including the performing arts and theatres, heritage, historic palaces, museums, galleries, live music venues and independent cinemas will be able to access emergency grants and loans.

The money, which represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, will provide a lifeline to vital cultural and heritage organisations across the country hit hard by the pandemic. It will help them stay afloat while their doors are closed. Funding to restart paused projects will also help support employment, including freelancers working in these sectors.

The Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "Our arts and culture are the soul of our nation. They make our country great and are the lynchpin of our world-beating and fast growing creative industries. I understand the grave challenges the arts face and we must protect and preserve all we can for future generations. I said we would not let the arts down, and this massive investment shows our level of commitment."

New Advice

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do

Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak have been updated. 

COVID-secure risk assessment tool

Employers that want to reopen their business have a legal responsibility to protect their employees and other people on site.

Use this guidance to help you carry out a risk assessment and make sensible adjustments to the site and workforce.

www.gov.uk

Government provides further halt to business evictions and more support for high street firms
New code provides support to shops and local firms planning their future recovery with their landlord.

www.gov.uk

Self-employed new parents can claim support grant

Self-employed parents whose trading profits dipped in 2018/19 because they took time out to have children will be able to claim for a payment under the self-employed income support scheme (SEISS), the government has announced. Further details of the change for self-employed parents will be set out by the start of July

www.gov.uk

Apply for the coronavirus Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund

The Discretionary Grant Fund supports small and micro businesses in England that are not eligible for other grant schemes. Guidance has been updated to includes details on eligibility points. To be eligible, your business should have ongoing fixed property-related costs, and occupy property (or part of a property) with a rateable value or annual mortgage/rent payments below £51,000.

www.gov.uk

Covid-19 Testing

Everyone in the United Kingdom with COVID-19 symptoms is now eligible for coronavirus tests
Everyone in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with coronavirus symptoms can now get a test. Find out more information here.

Routes to Market

Artist Support Pledge #artistsupportpledge

Currently 193,757 posts

The Premise

‘Let generosity be infectious’, Matthew Burroughs

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many artists have found themselves without work, teaching, technical support and gallery work. Exhibitions and sales have disappeared. In an attempt to help alleviate some of this stress I have instigated the ARTIST SUPPORT PLEDGE #artistsupportpledge

The concept is a simple one. Artists post images of their work, on Instigram which they are willing to sell for no more than £200 each (not including shipping). Anyone can buy the work. Every time an artist reaches £1000 of sales, they pledge to spend £200 on another artist/s work

To make a pledge, post your work with the #artistsupportpledge and follow the # to see everyone else's work. Keep updated on new opportunities and announcements @artistsupportpledge Repost and tell your friends, colleagues and collectors. Let generosity be infectious.

#supportartists #covid19 #coronavirus #livegenerously 

What is #artistsupportpledge ?

Search the hashtag #artistsupportpledge on Instagram which will show a feed of work for sale by an international array of artists and makers for £200 or less (excluding postage).

How it works for Artists and Makers

Artists and Makers post an image /s of their work on Instagram which they are willing to sell for £200 or less (excluding postage) using the #artistsupportpledge hashtag. Anyone can buy the work.

When they reach £1,000 of total sales, the Artist or Maker pledge to buy a piece from another artist or maker in the scheme using hashtag #artistsupportpledge. 

www.instagram.com

www.matthewburrows.org

Makers Support Pledge #makersupportpledge

Currently 4,283 posts

The Premise

‘Let generosity be infectious’, Matthew Burroughs

What is #makersupportpledge ?

Along the same lines as the Instagram hashtag #artistsupportpledge, makers have taken to creating #makerssupportpledge hashtag on Instagram which has a feed of thee dimensional work for sale by an international array of makers for £200 or less (excluding postage).

How it works for Makers

Makers post an image /s of their work on Instagram which they are willing to sell for £200 or less (excluding postage) using the #makerssupportpledge hashtag. Anyone can buy the work.

When they reach £1,000 of total sales, the Maker pledges to buy a piece from another maker in the scheme using hashtag #makerssupportpledge. 

#makerssupportpledge

or #makerssupportpledge

Sources of Funding

Arts Council
Ensuring the people and organisations that make up our arts, museums and libraries are protected during the coronavirus crisis is our number one priority.

www.artscouncil.org.uk

Back Her Business

Together we'll help you raise money for your business through crowdfunding, and we'll also provide free coaching, mentoring and opportunities to meet like-minded women.

What's more NatWest, Royal Bank and Ulster Bank will also be offering up to 50% of your fundraising target (max. £5,000) in grant funding for certain successful projects. You can read more about how this works in their eligibility criteria.

crowdfunder.co.uk/back-her-business

The Benevolent Society - British Allied Trades Federation

The Benevolent Society want to reassure it’s beneficiaries and bursary students that the charity remains fully operational and will continue it’s absolute support - wherever and however we can - in these unprecedented times.

We encourage anyone who is concerned about their financial situation to contact us on 0121 236 1150 / 07985611209 Laura.b.banner@gmail.com, as we will do our utmost to help and assist you at this most difficult of times.

www.thebenevolentsociety.co.uk

Crafts Council Launch Hardship Fund

The Craft Sector Hardship Fund will open at 11am on Wednesday 17 June.

The Crafts Council recognise this is an incredibly challenging time for makers and with generous support of The Radcliffe Trust they will be awarding 150 makers with a £500 bursary.

They will award on a first come first served basis in order to get cash into makers hands as soon as possible. They are therefore relying on your integrity to only apply if you really need this help.

Apply here

Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund

The Discretionary Grant Fund supports small and micro businesses in England that are not eligible for other grant schemes. Guidance has been updated to includes details on eligibility points. To be eligible, your business should have ongoing fixed property-related costs, and occupy property (or part of a property) with a rateable value or annual mortgage/rent payments below £51,000.

www.gov.uk

The Goldsmiths' COVID-19 Fund

Providing a safety net and protection to jewellers, silversmiths and those working in the allied industries in the UK during the COVID-19 crisis is important to us.

www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk

The Prince's Trust and Natwest Enterprise Relief Fund

The £5million Enterprise Relief Fund will offer grants to 18 to 30-year olds across the UK who are self-employed and/or running their own business. In conjunction with cash grants, the initiative will offer one-to-one support and guidance to anyone who needs it and who may be worried about their future. Find out more. 

This Fund compliments existing support available from the government for small businesses and the self-employed. To see what support you may also be entitled to from the government, check out businesssupport.gov.uk.

www.princes-trust.org.uk

The Silversmiths & Jewellers Charity

2020 Hardship Fund

The new Hardship Fund enables us to offer a one-off grant to those who work within the Silversmithing and Jewellery industries, who are suffering personal financial difficulty due to the Coronavirus Epidemic. It is not designed to replace your income, but could help towards basic living expenses.

If this is you, we look forward to receiving your application.

www.tsjc.org.uk

Turn 2 Us

People in financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic will receive immediate help in the form of a cash grant, thanks to an emergency coronavirus fund from national poverty charity, Turn2us. 

A one-off payment of £500 will not need to be paid back and is an expansion of the support the charity already provides via its grant making and support services. This crisis grant is intended to be a financial life line for people who meet the fund’s simple eligibility criteria; and will be put into people’s bank accounts as soon as possible.

turn2us.org.uk

Coming Out of Lockdown

Government announces roadmap taskforces

New ministerial-led taskforces have been set up to plan how closed sectors can reopen safely.

OUR PLAN TO REBUILD: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy:

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

Face coverings to become compulsory on aircraft, trains, buses and ferries

Face coverings on public transport will be compulsory from June 15 to help stop the transmission of coronavirus as more people go back to work, 

The government will require people to wear face coverings on buses, trains, tubes and other modes of public transport on the same day non-essential shops re-open.

The public will have to provide their own face coverings and fines may be imposed for anyone who flouts the new rules.

Working Safely During Covid-19

The Government has produced guidance to help make workplaces in England as safe as possible during the coronavirus pandemic. They have set up a range of free webinars, hosted by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The webinars cover a range of different workplace settings which are allowed to be open. Many businesses operate more than one type of workplace, such as an office, factory and fleet of vehicles. You may need to use more than one of the webinars depending on your own business's operations.

To see the full list of webinars, and to register, click here.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

www.gov.uk/guidance

Social distancing for shops

The government guidance on social distancing in the workplace has been updated to include information for shops running a pick-up or delivery service.

Click here for more information.

Business closures FAQs

Click the button below to see the frequently asked questions about business closures and staying at home on the government business support website.

www.gov.uk

Shops and branches 

Guidance for people who work in or run shops, branches, stores or similar environments.

www.gov.uk

Factories, plants and warehouses 
Guidance for people who work in or run factories, plants and warehouses

www.gov.uk

Working in people's homes
Update on social distancing for working in people’s homes as a tradesperson, cleaner or nanny

www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Business Grants and Loans

Employer Bulletin: June 2020

A bi-monthly magazine for employers and agents giving up-to-date information on payroll topics.

www.gov.uk

 

  • The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5million for SMEs through the British Business Bank: Guidelines from both the British Business Bank and the government are here. 

  • Final date for the furlough scheme
    The final date by which an employer can furlough an employee for the first time will be June 10 2020, in order for the current three-week furlough period to be completed by June 30 2020. Employers will have until July 31 to make any claims in respect of the period to 30 June.  Further details can be found here.

  • A lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans: 

  • Small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief

  • Future Fund - For Start Ups

    From 20 May, companies have been able to apply for a convertible loan of between £125,000 and £5 million, to support continued growth and innovation in sectors such as technology, life sciences and the creative industries.

    The Fund will be open until September and is delivered in partnership with the British Business Bank. To check if your business meets the criteria for funding, go to the British Business Bank website. 
    www.gov.uk/guidance/future-fund

Government Coronavirus Business Support Pages

A full range of business support measures have been made available to UK businesses and employees.

This page helps businesses find out how to access the support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the schemes open and how to apply.

www.businesssupport.gov.uk

Some aspects of business support are devolved.
For business support outside of England go to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Guidance COVID-19: support for businesses

www.gov.uk

General Business Support

Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Financial Support Finder

Coronavirus (COVID-19) support is available to employers and the self-employed. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants, whether your business is open or closed.

Use this business support finder to see what support is available for you and your business.

gov.uk/business-coronavirus-support-finder

Innovate UK: COVID-19 business support

An update on the support available to businesses from Innovate UK due to COVID-19 and advice for award holders.

Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations has been updated with information on which apprentices should be prioritised in the offer of face-to-face training from June 15, and details of the flexibility that enables apprentices to take end-point assessment ahead of receiving their calculated functional skills qualification results.

3D printing of medical devices or component parts during the coronavirus pandemic
The requirements on manufacturing 3D printing will depend on whether the item is classed as a medical device or personal protective equipment (PPE). There has been an increased number of enquiries about the use of 3D printing to manufacture medical devices and personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus pandemic. Find out more here.

Business Support Events

Government departments are hosting a series of webinars to help businesses understand the support available

  • For topics that cover supporting and retaining staff and the self-employed, register to attend future webinars or watch recorded sessions
  • For international trade, register here
  • For small businesses, register here
  • For changes to reporting, regulation and tax, register here

  Current upcoming webinars include:

www.eventbrite.co.uk

Support for Employers

  • The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.- Updated 30/05/20
    Government furlough scheme extended until October
    The government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (add link) will remain open until the end of October.  Furloughed workers across UK will continue to receive 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500. New flexibility will be introduced from August allowing furloughed workers to return to work part-time with employers paying a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff.
    Click here for more information.
     

  • Employer contributions
    From August, the government grant provided through the job retention scheme will be slowly tapered.
    - in June and July, the government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 as well as employer National Insurance (ER NICs) and pension contributions for the hours the employee doesn’t work – employers will have to pay employees for the hours they work
    - in August, the government will continue to pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 but employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions – for the average claim, this represents 5% of the gross employment costs that they would have incurred if the employee had not been furloughed
    - in September, the government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 for the hours the employee does not work – employers will pay ER NICs, pension contributions and 10% of wages to make up 80% of the total up to a cap of £2,500
    - in October, the government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875 for the hours the employee does not work – employers will pay ER NICs, pension contributions and 20% of wages to make up 80% of the total up to a cap of £2,500
    the cap on the furlough grant will be proportional to the hours not worked.
     
  • ​Furloughed workers to receive full parental leave entitlement
    Furloughed workers planning to take paid parental or adoption leave will be entitled to pay based on their usual earnings rather than a furloughed pay rate.
    Click here for more information.

  • Statutory Sick Pay relief package for SMEs

  • Annual Leave Relaxation of rules

  • Financial assistance for employers unable to pay statutory redundancy payments

Support for the Self Employed

HMRC has announced it will begin contacting customers who may be eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

Those who are eligible will be able to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average trading profits up to a maximum of £7,500 (equivalent to three months’ profits), paid in a single instalment. HMRC is also inviting customers, or their agents, to go online and check their eligibility for SEISS.

HMRC has also announced that the claims service will open on 13 May ahead of the original timetable. Those eligible will have the money paid into their bank account by 25 May, or within six working days of completing a claim

Universal Credit

understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk

What Covid-19 Means if your are Self Employed or a Sole Trader

Money Advice Service - The spread of coronavirus, also called COVID-19, in the UK and across the world could have implications for your work, benefits and travel plans. This guide will look at your rights to sick pay, what benefits you can claim if you’re self-employed or not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). This page will help you find out what help is available to you based on your circumstances.

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Small Business Assistance

Small Business Grant Fund

Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding - guidance for businesses.

Guidance for businesses setting out details of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk

National Cyber Security Centre Covid-19 SME Guidance

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published guidance to support businesses moving from physical to digital delivery as part of the ongoing Covid-19 response. The guidance has been created specifically to support businesses who are relying more heavily on IT services to run their business.

The support package includes guidance on home working, video teleconferencing and spotting email scams related to Covid-19. All additional and pre-existing guidance for business can be found on the NCSC webpage. 

Organisations and Bodies for Further Business Help and Support

Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations

  • Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE)
    Relevant to: Self-Employed
    IPSE supports the self-employed including freelancers, contractors, consultants and independent professionals with training, information and campaigning.
    Find more information on Covid-19 here.
     
  • British Chambers of Commerce
    Relevant to: Businesses
    BCC are a network of chambers which build connections between businesses and share best practices to help businesses trade.
    Covid-19 information here.
     
  • British Retail Consortium 
    Relevant to: Retailers and Shop Owners
    During the Covid-19 crisis, BRC are focused on ensuring the Government is aware of the issues impacting retail businesses, their workforce, their supply chains and their customers, while providing retailers with the operational guidance they need on issues like HR, competition law and financing.
    For further information, contact Tom Ironside, Director of Business & Regulation, tom.ironside@brc.org.uk
     
  • Citizens Advice
    Check what benefits you can get if your work has been affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). You might be able to get extra money if you’re sick, self-isolating or if you’re earning less
    citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits
     
  • Crafts Council
    Staying connected and supporting makers, craft businesses and organisations.
    Find more information on Covid-19 here.​
     
  • Confederation of Business Industry (CBI)
    Relevant to: Economy-wide
    The CBI speaks on behalf of businesses across every region, sector and size.
    The CBI has a Covid-19 Hub, where business can find out a wide range of work support, guidance and intelligence and get in touch.
     
  • Enterprise Nation
    Relevant to: New Businesses
    Enterprise Nation supports new and growing businesses through a community of advisers and other businesses.
    Find more information on Covid-19 here.
     
  • Federation of Small Businesses
    Relevant to: Small Businesses
    FSB represents small businesses and offer them advice, financial expertise and support.
    Further Covid-19 information can be found here.
     
  • IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed
    Is the voice of the UK’s self-employed population who make up one in seven people working today.
    Find more information on Covid-19 here.​
     
  • Make UK
    Relevant to: Manufacturers
    Make UK represents British manufacturing and manufacturers.
    Make UK have further information on Covid-19 here.
    Source: www.businesssupport.gov.uk
     
  • Money Saving Expert
    Coronavirus Self-Employed & Small Limited Company Help
    Your rights if you're self employed incl help for limited company directors
    moneysavingexpert.com
     
  • The Jeweller Support Network
    The Jeweller Support Network is made up of leading industry associations, including the National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), the Diamond Producers Association, Houlden Jewellers, the Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ), the London Diamond Bourse, the Goldsmiths’ Company, the Goldsmiths’ Centre, the Women’s Jewellery Network, Society of British Jewellers, Incorporation of Goldsmiths and the Responsible Jewellery Council. 
  • naj.co.uk/jewellersupportnetwork
     
  • The Mone Advice Network
    The spread of coronavirus, also called COVID-19, in the UK and across the world could have implications for your work, benefits and travel plans. This guide will look at your rights to sick pay, what benefits you can claim if you’re self-employed or not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). This page will help you find out what help is available to you based on your circumstances.
    moneyadviceservice.org.uk

Business Guidance

Upskilling in Lockdown

The Skills Toolkit

Free digital and numeracy courses to build your skills.
Want to learn a new skill while at home?
Find free, high quality digital and numeracy courses in The Skills Toolkit.

theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk

Mental Health

  • The Mental Health Foundation
    Coronavirus resulting in stressful and uncertain times, the need to consider the mental well-being of you and your employees has never been more important.  The Mental Health Foundation, part of the national mental health response during the coronavirus outbreak, have compiled a range of resources to help employers and employees look after their mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak.
    Find out more here.
     
  • Every Mind Matters
    Looking after your mental health
    Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. We have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
    nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
     
  • MIND

    You might be worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include having to stay at home and avoid other people.
    This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing. 
    www.mind.org.uk

  • Samaritans
    The coronavirus outbreak is affecting the way many of us live our lives, and it's normal that this will affect people's mental health. We've gathered some resources that might be helpful.
    samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/if-youre-having-difficult-time

Bereavement

Find bereavement services from your council
www.gov.uk

NHS Bereavement support services

www.nhs.uk

Help with loss, grief or bereavement

www.nhs.uk

At a loss

AtaLoss.org is a charity that provides the UK’s signposting website for the bereaved to help the bereaved find the national bereavement support services that are appropriate to their loss, as well as local services, relevant resources and information. They also host a free online ‘Griefchat’ service run by trained counsellors.

www.ataloss.org

Author: 

Rebecca van Rooijen

Published: 

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