COVID-19 Impact on your business.
Guidelines and policies change daily. The information we provide is based on the official links listed below. See our newsletter for local websites and updates.
Ealing businesses do not have to apply for the retail rate relief grants; eligible businesses will have the grant paid into the bank account of the named business ratepayer held on the council database as of March 11, 2020.
The grants will roll-out week starting April 6. Please beware of scammers offering to apply for the loan on your behalf for a fee of £99.
The grant does not have to be repaid; it is not a loan. If the council does not have your bank account details on file, they will contact you by post at the business rates billing address to get your details.
To check your eligibility and find answers to some typical Q&A’s; see here
£10,000 Small Business Cash Grant Fund; see here
£25,000 Cash Grant for Retail, Hospitality and Leisure; see here
What is Furlough? Find out here.
Claim for your employee’s wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme; see here
Full details of the Expanded Retail Relief; see here
Government Links to Legislation
Government legislation about guidance and support; see here
Guidance – COVID -19: Support for Businesses; see here
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme; see here
The closing certain businesses and venues; see here
Guidance for businesses trading Internationally;see here
Support for Businesses paying tax; see here
Deferral of Self-Assessment payment; see here
Business rates holidays for Nurseries: see here
Government information, press conferences and health advice; see here
Ealing council, in collaboration with Make It Ealing, InWest Ealing and Acton Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) is carrying out a survey to understand the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on businesses in the borough.
The survey is for all business owners operating within the London Borough of Ealing, as well as individuals who are self-employed or who do freelance work. Results from the survey will be invaluable in shaping our support and assistance to address the pandemic’s impact. Please take part in the survey.
If you are able to offer advice and would like to be a part of the information panels we are setting up, please contact Gerry here.
Check out a new GOV.UK WhatsApp Coronavirus Information Service.
Its launch is to try and stop the spread of propaganda and misinformation. To use the service, members of the public must add +44 7860 064422 to their contacts and send a WhatsApp message saying “Hi”. (speech marks around the “Hi” are required)
The London Growth Hub has launched a new free to use portal to support London-based businesses and employers, to manage and mitigate their exposure to COVID-19 (coronavirus)
It brings together essential free resources to help them keep up to date with the latest developments, support offerings and all relevant COVID-19 information, including:
– Access to book a free 1-2-1 meeting with an expert business adviser (subject to availability)
– Checklists, factsheets and guides for businesses and employers
– Information on Government and sector-specific support
– Information about financial assistance, grants and schemes
– Access to COVID-19 webinars, virtual events and external resources
– The latest news and updates
– A feedback survey to help London Growth Hub, and partners, understand the changing needs of businesse
There is no additional risk in handling post, packages or food from affected areas.
Certifying absence from work: Legally, no medical evidence is required for the first seven days of absence. It is up to the employer after that.
Statutory Sick Pay is now payable from day 1 & available for eligible people self-isolating or diagnosed with COVID-19. A new system is being put in place to help smaller companies who have paid SSP out. Employers with fewer than 250 employees – as of 28 February 2020 – can reclaim up to two weeks SSP paid per eligible employee. NB: This is new legislation and a new system. The allowable period for claims only begins the day after the law comes into force. Employers should maintain records of staff absences, but a medical certificate isn’t required. Employers will also be able to reclaim expenditure for absent employees.