This page provides guidance on the support available for employers and businesses during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
It contains information on:
- small business grant funding
- support for businesses that pay business rates
- extended business rates discount for leisure, catering, tourism and retail
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
- Statutory sick pay
- business rates holidays
- useful links
Key business support measures
Businesses currently eligible for Small Business Rate Relief or Rural Rate Relief will receive grant funding of £10,000.
Retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 are eligible for grant funding of £25,000.
The existing Retail Discount scheme has been extended and eligible businesses in the leisure, catering, tourism and retail sectors which have a rateable value of £51,000 or less will receive 100% discount for the 2020/2021 financial year.
The exact eligibilities for this support and the claimant mechanism have not yet been set, further government guidance is required before accounts can be updated, and will be subject to State Aid limits. Once we have the exact details we will contact eligible businesses directly.
You can email the B&NES Business & Skills team at info@investinbath.co.uk. if you require any further information.
Long-term viable businesses that may need to respond to cash-flow pressures will be able to seek additional finance by applying to The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
For businesses with fewer than 250 employees, the cost of providing 14 days of statutory sick pay per employee will be refunded by the government in full. This will provide 2 million businesses with up to £2 billion to cover the costs of large-scale sick leave.
A business rates retail holiday will be introduced for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England for the 2020 to 2021 tax year.
For up to date information on these schemes and other local business support please visit Invest in Bath.
Key health advice
The NHS has some simple advice to avoid catching or spreading COVID19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially after using public transport, when you arrive at work or arrive home. Use a sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available.
- Always carry tissues with you and use them to catch your cough or sneeze. Then bin the tissue, and wash your hands, or use a sanitiser gel.
- Don't touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are unwell.
Useful links
- The NHS 111 website lets you check if you have the symptoms, and will tell you what to do next if you have.
- The GOV.UK website has guidance for employees, employers, and businesses.
- If you’re receiving benefits you may be able to get extra help on skills and training through a FutureBright work coach.
- 3SG is leading on recruiting volunteers and coordinating local charities to support elderly and vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic across Bath and North East Somerset.
- The NHS Jobs website has the latest opportunities in the NHS.
- This sort of incident could cause undue pressure and anxiety. The NHS Every Mind Matters website has some really useful tips and advice to support good mental health.
- Job Centre Plus website
- Universal Credit information
For updates about Bath & North East Somerset Council services as we respond to the Coronavirus Covid-19 visit our Coronavirus web page. Ypu can also contact us through our dedicated email address Covid-19incidentcomms@ bathnes.gov.uk.