help for your business

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Businesses and Employers Bulletin - 5 May 2020

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

 

Self-employed invited to get ready to make their claims for coronavirus (COVID-19) support

HMRC are beginning to contact customers who may be eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).

Those who are eligible will be able to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their average trading profits up to a maximum of £7,500 (equivalent to three months’ profits), paid in a single instalment.

You can check your eligibility using the new online checker tool. Once the online check is complete, those who are eligible will be given a date when they can submit their claim.

The claims service will open on 13 May and is being delivered ahead of the original timetable. The claims process will be very simple, and those eligible will have the money paid into their bank account by 25 May, or within six working days of completing a claim. 

There is also further guidance available on ‘How HMRC works out trading profits and non-trading income for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme’ and ‘How different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme’.

 

Help us shine a light on the stories of key workers

Tell us about key workers you know that are helping to keep the UK moving during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Please fill in this online form for key workers in the following sectors: manufacturing, construction, consumer goods, scientists/researchers, servicing, postal workers, and  oil/gas/electricity/water/sewage/chemical workers.

 

Reminder: Webinars to support your business

Government departments are hosting a series of free webinars this week to help businesses understand the support available including:  

  Keep up to date with all the latest available webinars here.  

Follow @bizsupportgovuk for updates and how to join a live Twitter Q&A on Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Wednesday 6 May at 1pm.

 

New Updates and Guidance

New

Tax credits customers will continue to receive payments even if working fewer hours due to COVID-19

People who cannot work their normal hours because of coronavirus (COVID-19) will still receive their usual tax credits payments. Find out more information here.

Updates

Alterations to services – patents

Updated information regarding new patent applications and subsequently filed documents, patent applications under section 22 of the National Security Act, international applications, time periods for reply, requests, correspondence and journal and publication.

Alterations to services - trademarks and designs

Updated information on time periods for reply, replying to us, publishing in the trademarks journal, registration and certificates, and international designs and applications.

Coronavirus important update on IPO services

Information on Certified Office Copies (COCs) and payments and refunds added.

 

Requests for Business Intelligence and Assistance

Offer coronavirus support

Tell us how your business might be able to help with the response to coronavirus by using our online service.

Share the impact coronavirus is having on your organisation 

Let us know how the outbreak is impacting your business.  Please send your intelligence to intel@beis.gov.uk. Commercially sensitive information will be treated accordingly.  Please note that this inbox is only for receiving intelligence and does not provide business advice.  

 

Other useful links

Some aspects of business support are devolved. Specific information for businesses and employers in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales is available. In England, Growth Hubs can advise on local and UK Government business support.

 

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy 

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