Stay informed with useful links to ongoing advice related to COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We’ll keep you updated with the latest news as the coronavirus outbreak evolves here in the UK as of December 2021.
Business Rates
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03/06/20 - RAISE THE BAR CAMPAIGN UPDATE
The #RaiseTheBar campaign continues to ask Government to increase the business rates threshold from £51,000 to £150,000 to allow retail, hospitality and leisure businesses across England and Wales a fighting chance of survival.
Read the update -
UPDATED 02/04/20 - BUSINESS RATES: GUIDANCE
The guidance provided to local authorities on the expanded retail discount response 2020 – 2021, supporting operation and delivery of the scheme.
Rates Discount -
01/04/20 - £22 BILLION GRANTS AND BUS. RATES
From 1st April, high streets will begin to receive £22 billion, with grants of up to £25,000 already being paid into bank accounts of high street businesses.
Read more -
17/03/20 - BUDGET 2020: NEW RATE DISCOUNTS
Information on the new business rate discounts following the 2020 Budget and the Chancellors Statement 17 March. There will be extra relief available to certain business ratepayers to help alleviate effects from the coronavirus.
Read more
TENANTS & LANDLORDS
March 2020: COVID-19 advice for accommodation providers and a new ban on evictions for commercial tenants
The Government has released advice for businesses providing accommodation to take the necessary steps to close as quickly as possible, whilst following social distancing guidelines. Read more to find guidance for families in temporary accommodation, for hostels serving food and for residents showing COVD-19 symptoms.
There is also now extra protection for businesses as commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of COVID-19 will be protected from eviction. Aiming to help businesses struggling with their cash flow due to worries around eviction, the measure supports the current conversations between landlords and tenants around voluntary rental payment arrangements.
EMPLOYMENT & FINANCES
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02/04/20 - EXTEND THE DEADLINE FOR FILING YOU
If you think the impact of COVID-19 will cause delays in filing your company accounts, you can now apply for an automatic and immediate 3-month extension. You must apply for the extension before your filing deadline.
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27/03/20 - CARRYING OVER ANNUAL LEAVE RULES T
Employees will now be able to carry their annual leave entitlement over into the next 2 years so that they don’t miss out due to COVID-19. These new measures will ensure workers won’t lose their leave entitlement.
Read more -
26/03/20 - DEFERRAL OF VAT PAYMENTS
Temporary changes to the VAT payments due between 20 March 2020 and 30 June 2020have been announced to help businesses manage their cash flow.
Read more
Webinars
Our series of free webinars will provide guidance for businesses in the City Centre BID area during this unprecedented crisis.
LEARNING PORTAL
Level-up in lockdown with free online courses.
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HM GOVERNMENT SKILLS TOOLKIT
The UK Government’s free-to-use online skills toolkit allows people to develop their skills during the current lockdown. The toolkit includes a selection of high-quality courses.
Skills Toolkit -
BARCLAYS DIGITAL CONFIDENCE LIFESKILLS
LifeSkills is a free programme designed to help young people develop the skills they need for the 21st century workplace and includes valuable content for educators, parents and young people.
Lifeskills -
LLOYDS BANK ACADEMY
The Lloyds Bank Academy is packed with free digital skills learning for any level, with the option to learn online or face-to-face. Gain skills for everyday life, as well as skills to boost business.
Academy -
BRISTOL MIND YOUTUBE CHANNEL
The team at Bristol Mind have put together a series of short, free videos from a variety of local trainers and experts, offering advice and support to help you look after your wellbeing during the pandemic.
Training Videos -
GOOGLE DIGITAL GARAGE
Use Google Digital Garage to learn at your own pace, with flexible and personalised training courses that are designed to build your confidence in the digital world. Get access to: – Online courses – Free webinars – Certification – Workshops
Learn More -
PEARSON UK LEARNS
UK Learns provides a curated selection of online courses, from data science to childcare, to help the UK workforce and businesses acquire new skills and earn qualifications and accreditations. Many are free of charge, some for a limited period.
UK Learns