Please find below the latest Businesses and Employers Bulletin from Government.
Please note the update from the Small Business Commissioner on late payment support through the coronavirus virus.
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The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill debated in the House of Commons
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill will implement reforms to the insolvency and corporate governance framework, together with temporary measures to support continued trading through the crisis. This Bill will help companies by:
You can view factsheets for more information on the Bill here.
Update from the Small Business Commissioner on late payment support through the coronavirus virus
It is more important than ever to ensure small businesses are paid on time. Many small businesses are reaching out for assistance, with disputes over delayed payments or in some cases, non-payment because of the financial hardship being experienced by all sectors during this difficult time. As many small business owners are directly or indirectly impacted by Covid 19, they will be eager to get back on their feet, so keeping on top of the business basics and maintaining cash flow by getting the money in for work carried out or goods supplied is paramount.
The Small Business Commissioner has helped small businesses recover over £7.2 million owed to them (Dec 17 - May 2020) and £500,000 specifically during the coronavirus crisis. If you’d like more information or help:
Read case study examples on our website.
Upcoming and on-demand business webinars
Selling services overseas during and after COVID-19, 10 June 2:30pm: This Department for International Trade webinar will look at formulating your international plan, how to market your service, where in the world should you focus, developing effective relationships, and the top success factors. Register here.
HMRC Business support videos during COVID-19: Watch HMRC videos on running your business through coronavirus, coronavirus job retention scheme, self employment and income support scheme, statutory sick pay rebate scheme, helping employers support employees and other help available. Find videos here.
Working safely during coronavirus – find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure: Watch recordings of webinars covering 8 types of workplace settings here.
New Updates and Guidance
Coronavirus: Environment Agency
The Environment Agency has provided an update to businesses and communities on its services, to support those they regulate during the coronavirus pandemic. You can find the update here.
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 15 June, and details of the flexibility that enables apprentices to take end-point assessment ahead of receiving their calculated functional skills qualification results.
Advice for Tier 2, 4 and 5 sponsors
Advice for Tier 2, 4 and 5 visa sponsors in the UK who are sponsoring those affected by coronavirus has been updated to add information on scanned documents.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Guidance for early years and childcare providers has been updated including: in relation to the Competition and Markets Authority and insurance, on infection prevention and control, attendance section, use of community centres and before and after school clubs, a new section of safeguarding and welfare including provisions for children with SEND and a clarification on paediatric first aid certificates. Find out more here.
Farmers, landowners and rural businesses – Basic Payment Scheme (BPS): update to land change requests
The deadline to accept email requests to link land parcels to a customer’s SBI, or requests to change the land tenure of a land parcel, has been extended until midnight on 9 June. You should therefore continue to submit land change requests as quickly as possible. More information here.
Coronavirus support from Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations
Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations are providing coronavirus related support for specific sectors. The list of organisations you can speak with to get advice has been updated. Find out more information here.
Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance
Offer coronavirus support
Tell us how your business might be able to help with the response to coronavirus by using our online service
Share the impact coronavirus is having on your organisation
Let us know how the outbreak is impacting your business. Please send your intelligence to intel@beis.gov.uk. Commercially sensitive information will be treated accordingly. Please note that this inbox is only for receiving intelligence and does not provide business advice
Help us shine a light on the stories of key workers
Tell us about key workers you know that are helping to keep the UK moving during the Coronavirus pandemic. Please fill in this online form for key workers in the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, consumer goods, scientists/researchers, servicing, postal workers, and oil/gas/electricity/water/sewage/chemical workers.
