Coronavirus (COVID-19) Businesses and Employers Bulletin - 4 February 2021

This bulletin is issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and provides the latest information for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19). All coronavirus business support information can be found at gov.uk/business-support

• Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant - employers can now apply to the scheme without a minimum threshold of 30 jobs.
• Sector Specific Support Schemes
• Business Support:Updated Guidance
• New video content to help keep your business moving
• Travel
• Other useful links

Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant - employers can now apply to the scheme without a minimum threshold of 30 jobs.

If you are an employer looking to create jobs placements for young people, you can apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme. The Kickstart Scheme has changed. You no longer need a minimum of 30 job placements to apply directly for a grant. 

• You can now apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant by either: 

• Applying online yourself. 
• Getting help from a Kickstart gateway who is already working with the Kickstart Scheme. 

• Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021. 
• If you need help with the Kickstart Scheme process, contact your local Kickstart Scheme contacts. 
• For promotional materials, check the Kickstart Scheme employer guide. 

Sector Specific Support Schemes

The Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme is now open to commercial airports and ground handlers 

The Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme has been set up to support commercial airports and ground handlers in England in recognition of their fixed costs and the impacts of COVID-19 on their revenue. Airports and ground handlers in England are eligible to receive up to £8 million each and can apply to the Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme online 

Film and TV Production Restart Scheme 

Productions can still register for the scheme until April 2021, helping them manage the continued uncertainty and support thousands more jobs. The Film and TV Production Restart Scheme is available to compensate productions starting or restarting production and covers losses due to delays or abandonment as a result of Coronavirus. This is a temporary measure, supporting productions which commence filming before 30 April 2021 and for coronavirus-related losses through to the end of June 2021. The deadline for claims if registered is 30 June 2021. Find out more here. 

Workforce Capacity Fund for adult social care 

Information for local authorities and adult social care providers on the £120 million Workforce Capacity Fund during coronavirus is available here.  

Business Support:Updated Guidance

Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus outbreak 

Guidance has been updated with information on face-to-face training and when to consider a break in an apprenticeship. 

NHS Test and Trace in the workplace 

Guidance on what to do if you or someone you employ is contacted by NHS Test and Trace has been updated on with information on when to contact your local health protection team 

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme: Claims for the third grant have now closed  

The last date for making a claim for the third grant was 29 January 2021. Details about the fourth grant will be announced on 3 March 2021. Find out more here.  

The deadline for applications for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs has been extended 

Guidance has been updated to reflect the deadline for applications for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs has been extended to 28 February 2021. For more information on eligibility, what you get and how to apply, click here. 

Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations are providing coronavirus related support for specific sectors. 

The government is working closely with Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations to support the national response to coronavirus.  A list is available here.  

Driver and rider trainer guidance: Teaching mobile emergency workers with an emergency driving test booked 

Guidance has been updated with added information and the rules about teaching mobile emergency workers with an emergency driving test booked in England and Wales. You cannot do this in Scotland.  

New video content to help keep your business moving

Doing business with Europe has changed. You need to follow new rules on exports, imports, tariffs, data and hiring.  

All businesses can find out what has changed, and check their preparations, by visiting new video content from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The short, on-demand videos cover 18 topics, including importing and exporting, rules of origin and audit and accounting. Register now to immediately access the video content. New rules are here – make sure your business is prepared. 

Travel

New Guidance: Travel Bans 

You must not travel, including abroad, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes. Check the rules that apply to you in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda added to travel ban: 

• From 1pm on Friday 29 January 2021, passengers who have been in or transited through the United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda in the last 10 days will no longer be granted access to the UK.– British, Irish and third-country nationals with residence rights in the UK will be allowed to enter. 
• From 4am on Friday 29 January 2021, all arrivals who have, in the 10 days before their arrival in the UK, been in United Arab Emirates, Burundi and Rwanda, and their households, are required to self-isolate immediately, and will not be eligible to use Test to Release Scheme. 

For more information, click here. 

Other useful links

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy 

You are receiving this bulletin because you have previously subscribed to this bulletin, the Industrial Strategy Bulletin or the Business Readiness Bulletin. Update your subscription preferences.  If you have been forwarded this bulletin, you can subscribe to receive them directly. After adding your email address click add subscriptions, tick the Coronavirus bulletin box and then click next.