The Prime Minister has now ordered the closure of public premises to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
The following premises that are now closed:
- Shops (apart from food stores and chemists)
- Pubs
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Bars
- Leisure centres
- Theatres
- Gyms
Please note that this is under constant review and premises serving food can continue with take-out services.
How to Access Help in the Vale
Many businesses in the Vale will be eligible for a 100% cut in their business rates.
The Council will write to all business in the Vale to request information that proves occupation or ownership. Once processed, they can benefit from having the business rate relief applied.
The most efficient way to apply for a grant is via: https://forms.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/businessgrants
Regular updates will be posted by the Vale Council here: https://www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/working/Business-Support/Coronavirus-Advice-for-Business.aspx
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The Chancellor announced an unprecedented response, with one of most comprehensive packages of economic support in the world. This included the Government providing direct support with the payment of wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. This is a HMRC grant which can be used to pay the wages of staff who can no longer work due to Coronavirus, preventing their employers from taking the difficult and heart breaking decision to lay them off.
The Chancellor announced:
- A HMRC Grant which will cover at least 80% of wages up to the value of £2,500
- An increase in the basic rate of Universal Credit by £1000
- £7 billion of extra support through the welfare system
- Loans will be made available from Monday and will be interest-free for 12 months
As this package of support has only just been announced, further information will be included soon.
Find out if you're eligible
Find out if your employer is eligible, and how much your employer can claim if they're unable to operate or have no work for you to do because of coronavirus.
- Check if you’re eligible
- How much you’ll get
- While you’re on furlough
- If you do not want to go on furlough
More information here - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
Other Measures in Place
Many pubs have been concerned about insurance pay outs. These will be valid if their insurance covers pandemics. However, others may be eligible for a new £25,000 cash grant for businesses with a rateable value up to £51,000.
In the Budget the Chancellor announced, a major package of Government support as the first stage, including:
- 100% cut in business rates for every single shop and pub.
- £330 billion of government-backed loans for businesses.
- £10,000 cash grant (increased from £3,000) which would support 700,000 of the smallest of businesses.
- Cover and refund of statutory sick pay (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-back-statutory-sick-pay-paid-to-employees-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19)
- Statutory sick pay covering a wider group of people including the self-employed and potentially those on zero hour contracts.
- Support from DWP through access to benefits with the minimum income floor temporarily relaxed.
The contact for business support in Wales is 03000 603000 / www.businesswales.gov.wales / https://businesswales.gov.wales/financial-support-and-grants
For Business Support you can also go to: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
You can find more information on the measures taken to support businesses via the UK Government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
You can also find a helpful guide to the Government support packages on Chartered Insurance Institute website: https://www.cii.co.uk/news-insight/coronavirus-hub/articles/government-covid-19-support-packages-for-businesses/91347
