Please find below the latest Businesses and Employers Bulletin from Government. This update includes:
In addition, please see updated guidance from gov.uk re: temporary adjusted processes in place for checking right to work documents in the circumstances, with regard to the EU Settlement Scheme.
A reminder that Leather UK will be on a conference call with Paul Scully, Minister responsible for Small Businesses, Consumers and Labour Markets on Tuesday 7th. Please share any concerns you have to info@leatheruk.org, in order that we can pass them on.
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Use of facemasks in the workplace
The guidance for employees, employers and businesses has been updated with guidance on use of face masks in the community. The UK does not currently advise use of face masks outside of care settings, in line with PPE guidance. Therefore, PHE does not advise masks in public places and for those working in supermarkets, waste collection, schools and similar settings. PHE recommends that employers should ensure that:
Business Secretary appeals to everyone to stay calm and carry on the good work
Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, writes thanking workers and businesses for their support during the coronavirus pandemic.
New Updates and Guidance
NHS asks people to share their coronavirus symptoms to help others
A new Coronavirus Status Checker will help the NHS coordinate its response and build up additional data on the COVID-19 outbreak. It is open to anyone in the UK to use on the NHS website and in its initial phase the NHS is particularly keen for anyone who thinks they may be displaying potential coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild, to complete it. Please share the checker with your employees and networks. You can find more information here.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 5 April 2020
Help find new ways to ease global disruption: apply for funding
UK businesses can apply for a share of £20 million in a fast-track competition to develop new ways to tackle global disruption such as that caused by COVID-19. Find out more here.
Updates
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) has been updated with information about State Aid.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): export control process
Information for economic operators who will temporarily need a licence to export PPE outside the EU, EFTA member states and certain other territories. Added link to a question and answer document by the EU.
Maintaining further education provision
The operational guidance for further education (FE) providers on maintaining education and skills training provision has been updated.
Annual inspection waiver for tank vehicles The notice allowing tank vehicles, with extended roadworthiness test certificates, to remain in service and on our roads without a valid ADR 1(C) certificate has been updated to say authorisation now includes class VII ADR vehicles.
Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance
Can your business offer coronavirus (COVID-19) support?
UK Government is looking for businesses who can offer support in the multiple areas and has set up an online tool where businesses can register. To find the list of areas and offer support click here.
Business Intelligence: share the impact Coronavirus is having on your organisation
We welcome information from businesses on impacts across supply, demand and labour markets, actions to address these impacts, and any gaps in the Government response from your perspective. Please send your intelligence to intel@beis.gov.uk. We are aware that individual company information may be commercially sensitive, and it will be treated accordingly. Please note that this inbox is only for receiving intelligence and does not provide business advice.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Business Intelligence and Readiness Directorate
6 April 2020
