Last updated: Wednesday 27th May
Reopening High Streets Safely Fund guidance
Guidance to help local authorities and partners to deliver activities supported through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund.
Click here for more.
The online service you’ll use to claim back Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is now available - 26th May
If you're an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees' coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Click here to find out more.
You can also view the HMRC guidance here.
Reallocating road space in response to COVID-19: statutory guidance for local authorities
Click here to read the guidance for local authorities on managing their road networks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
New public health measures for all UK arrivals at the UK border
You can view the full press notice here.
UK Government sets out a timeline for retail to reopen in June
It will come as a surprise to many retail shops that are already open that the Government announced on Sunday, a roadmap for reopening a broader range of shops, including furniture stores from 15th June.
Updated guidance for the retail sector has been published alongside this announcement, detailing the measures retailers should take to meet the necessary social distancing and hygiene standards. You can find the guidance here.
Thursday 28 May, 11am: Shops and branches
Free business webinar – find out how to make your retail workplace COVID-secure
Other webinars including for factories.
Treasury Direction made under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 - companies to contribute towards furlough wages
This amendment from the Chancellor includes a new direction that 'From August, employers currently using the scheme will have more flexibility to bring their furloughed employees back to work part-time whilst still receiving support from the scheme. This will run for three months from August through to the end of October. Employers will be asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff. The employer payments will substitute the contribution the government is currently making, ensuring that staff continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to £2,500 a month. More specific details and information around its implementation will be made available by the end of May'.
This is expected to be between 20-30 per cent of the cost of furlough.
Click here for more.
How the new Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill will help business
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill will put in place a series of measures to amend insolvency and company law to relieve the burden on businesses during the coronavirus outbreak and allow them to focus all their efforts on continuing to operate.
National Audit Office (NAO)- Overview of the UK government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Click here to read the full report from the National Audit Office (NAO) on the UK government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Working safely during the coronavirus outbreak
Click here to view HSE's guidance to help you work safely and manage the risk associated with running your business at this time.
Apprenticeship programme response
Click here to read the updated information on training and assessing apprentices in line with the Government’s new safer working guidelines, calculating wages for furloughed apprentices, off-the-job training, and redundant apprentices.
BFM members – supporting the national effort during the COVID-19 pandemic
We’ve put together a short video to showcase how BFM members have been supporting the national effort in the fight against COVID-19. Click here to view the video.
HM Treasury has today published details of an update to the terms of the Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF)
The aim is to promote the ability of companies to repay their borrowings from the facility in an orderly way after the Scheme closes to new drawings in March 2021. Click here to read the update.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May. Click here to read more.
The Coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors. The fund will be open for applications from Wednesday 20 May 2020.
These convertible loans may be a suitable option for businesses that typically rely on equity investment and are unable to access other government business support programmes because they are either pre-revenue or pre-profit.
The Future Fund was developed by the UK Government and is being delivered by the British Business Bank.
Business Support Helpline
The Business Support Helpline number in England has changed to FREEPHONE 0800 998 1098. The helpline provides free, impartial business support and signposting services to businesses in England – which currently includes business advice on Covid-19.
You can also find free support, advice and sources of finance through your local growth hub or speak to an advisor on webchat about support for your business.
The Business Support Scotland helpline is 0300 303 0660, Business Wales helpline is 0330 060 300 and the Invest Northern Ireland helpline is 0800 181 4422.
Department for International Trade Webinars
The Department for International Trade are running a series of webinars to help businesses through coronavirus.
Logistics and movement of goods during COVID-19 - 20 May
Risk management when considering new markets - 21 May
Managing disruption of supply chains during COVID-19 – 22 May
Legionella risks during the coronavirus outbreak
Employers, the self-employed and people in control of premises, such as landlords, have a duty to identify and control risks associated with legionella. Find out further information here.
HSE - Working safely during the coronavirus outbreak
Click here to view the guidance for employers and those who are self-employed and work with or near other people. It may also be useful to workers and their representatives.
Government to support businesses through Trade Credit Insurance guarantee
Businesses with supply chains which rely on Trade Credit Insurance and who are experiencing difficulties maintaining cover due to Coronavirus will get support from the government, the Economic Secretary to the Treasury, John Glen has announced. Click here to read more.
New ministerial-led taskforces have been set up to plan how closed sectors can reopen safely
New ministerial-led taskforces have been set up to plan how closed sectors can reopen safely. Click here to view.
Chancellor extends furlough scheme until October
The government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October, the Chancellor announced today (Tuesday 12 May 2020). Click here to read more.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidelines
Click here to view the guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
All Party Furniture and Furnishing Group (APPFIG) Update
1. Please note that a report on the Inquiry into the impact of Covid-19 on the furniture and furnishing industry will be issued soon.
2. COVID-19: Strategy - Debate in House of Commons - 11 May 2020 - Mike Wood MP & Chair of the APPIFIG took the opportunity of the Prime Minister’s appearance in the House of Commons yesterday to ask him a question about the Job Retention Scheme. Please find the transcript of their exchange below.
Mike Wood (Con): Many businesses restarting operations are unlikely to have order books full enough to sustain a full workforce for months after the end of formal restrictions. Will the Prime Minister look at how job support can be tapered rather than being withdrawn overnight, and how more flexibility can be added, such as being able to re-furlough for a week at a time to reflect a firm’s workforce needs?
Boris Johnson (The Prime Minister): I think that the furloughing scheme has been one of the most remarkable features of the Government’s response. It is unlike anything seen internationally, with 6.5 million people currently being supported. It is absolutely right that we should do it. I do not want to anticipate what my right hon. Friend the Chancellor is going to say; the House will hear more about that tomorrow.
New guidance published to ensure transport network is safe for those who need to use it
Click here to read the latest guidance for safer travel and safer transport operations during the next phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Click here to view the safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): transport and travel guidance
Click here to read the latest information for people using transport or working in the transport sector during the coronavirus outbreak.
Staying safe outside your home
Click here to view the principles you should follow to ensure that time spent outside your home is as safe as possible.
Public advised to cover faces in enclosed spaces
The public has been advised to consider wearing face coverings in enclosed public spaces such as shops, trains and buses to help reduce the spread of coronavirus. Read more by clicking here.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and parents and other educational settings
Click here to read the guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students.
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
Read the UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy by clicking here.
Staying safe outside your home
You can find the principles you should follow to ensure that time spent outside your home is as safe as possible by clicking here.
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives. Read about staying alert and safe here.
PM address to the nation on coronavirus: 10 May 2020 - the way forward
Click here to watch Prime Minister Boris Johnson's latest speech the nation on coronavirus.
£2 billion package to create a new era for cycling and walking
Alternative ways to travel, such as walking and cycling, could relieve the pressure on public transport. Click here to read more.
Reallocating road space in response to COVID-19: statutory guidance for local authorities
Click here to read the latest guidance for local authorities on managing their road networks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
BFM survey shows most furniture manufacturers expect to start operations again this month
A BFM survey conducted last week shows that 68% of companies expect to start production by the end of May. A further 27% expect June to be their start date. There is an underlying assumption by many that measures will be introduced soon to ease current restrictions.
We understand that shortly government guidelines will be available on how to operate safely in business and these are being produced by a well-known consultancy.
Click here to access the survey.
Working Safely under Covid-19 guidelines for business
The Government are producing ‘Working Safely under Covid-19’ guidelines for businesses. We are in discussion with Government through BFC/BEIS and the purpose of these discussions is to solicit constructive feedback from a large group of businesses, their representative organisations and trade unions.
Ernst Young are supporting BEIS to engage with Industry and other stakeholders to develop the Working Safely guidance.
Please let us know your questions/issues as soon as possible - these guidelines will be issued shortly. You can do this by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
BFM looking for case studies on your help during COVID-19 crisis
We are looking for case studies of ways our members have supported the national effort in the COVID-19 crisis. From manufacturing PPE, supporting community initiatives, through to supplying furniture for emergency facilities, we’d really like to hear more. In these unprecedented times, we hope we can shine a light on some of the ways the furniture industry is working behind the scenes to support the national effort.
Therefore, if your company has helped in any way, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any stories you have.
Bank of England support to BBLS
The Bank of England has announced changes to the Term Funding Scheme with additional incentives for SMEs (TFSME) and the UK leverage ratio, in order to support HM Treasury’s Bounce Back Loans Scheme (BBLS).
HMRC advice & support
This guidance looks at measures to support your business during coronavirus disruptions and covers the business support helpline, HMRC Helpline, available webinars, Growth Hubs and the Find a Job service.
£6.1 million funding boost to help high streets and town centres through pandemic
Business Improvement Districts to receive funding in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Top-up to local business grant funds scheme
This additional fund is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding - guidance for businesses
For the latest updated guidance regarding tax, please click here.
Treasury Direction made by the Chancellor under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020
It sets out that HMRC are responsible for the payment and management of amounts to be paid under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, as set out in the Schedule to the Direction.
27 April - Update on coronavirus loan scheme – Bounce Back Loans
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP, has announced a new coronavirus loan scheme – Bounce Back Loans.
For this scheme, the Government will support lending by guaranteeing 100% of the loan.
The details are:
- Businesses can apply for new Bounce Back Loans worth up to 25% of turnover, up to a maximum of £50,000, with the Government paying the interest for the first 12 months.
- The loans will be available from banks from 9.00am on Monday 4 May 2020.
- There will be no-forward looking tests of business viability and no ‘complex eligibility criteria’.
- Businesses will have to complete a ‘simple, quick, standard form’.
- For most firms, loans should arrive within 24 hours of approval.
You can find more information on the scheme here.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – first payments now being made
Wages for furloughed employees are now being paid through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme - six working days after claims opened.
Read more here.
Launch of SME Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webinar Series
The Department for International Trade (DIT) in partnership with Newable, Enterprise Europe Network and J.P. Morgan, has launched an SME Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webinar Series.
Click here to register.
HMRC Employer Bulletin - April 2020
Click here to view HMRC’s April 2020 Employer Bulletin.
New measures to protect UK high street and other businesses from aggressive rent collection and closure
High street shops and other companies under strain will be protected from aggressive rent collection and asked to pay what they can during the coronavirus pandemic.
Read more here.
Apprentices
You can find updated information on furloughed apprentices, end-point assessment, functional skills apprentices and qualification certification by clicking here.
Vital routes for supplies and people kept open through coronavirus support package
Vital routes for supplies and people have been protected through a coronavirus support package to keep the flow of goods and services running smoothly in and out of the UK, and around the country, throughout the pandemic. Read more here.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for industry covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak can be found here.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Update
HMRC - To be sure payment comes through to employers before the end of the month, applications need to be made today (Wednesday 22 April).
More information here.
HMRC Webinar on Job Retention Scheme
During this webinar, we’ll be taking a look at:
- furloughed workers
- who can apply for the scheme
- following the rules of the scheme
- how much may be claimed
- how to claim and what you’ll need to claim.
Choose a date and time.
Business Support Finder Tool
Find coronavirus financial support for your business. Find out if you are eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants. The business support finder tool is intended to make finding help easier for businesses.
The online tool may be found here.
For more details - see here.
Members are encouraged to write to their local MP asking for more support and guidance for our industry
To help with this, British Furniture Confederation (BFC) has put together a template letter.
Support and guidance was sought in the following areas:
Find your local MP.
See BFC Letter to Chancellor.
Billion pound support package for innovative firms hit by coronavirus
Last night, the Chancellor announced that UK businesses that are driving innovation and development will be helped through the coronavirus outbreak with a £1.25 billion government support package.
Key points:
- Chancellor announces new £1.25 billion coronavirus package to protect firms driving innovation in the UK
- Package includes a £500 million investment fund for high-growth companies impacted by the crisis, made up of funding from government and the private sector
- SMEs focusing on research and development will also benefit from £750 million of grants and loans
Read more here.
Claim for wages under Job Retention Scheme up and running from 20th April
The access point to make a wages claim is the HMRC Gateway.
You can find more information here.
HMRC - new and updated guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).
Joint statements from the HSE
HSE has issued two joint statements with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI); and with the Partnership on Health and Safety in Scotland (PHASS). The statements concern the safety and there is an emphasis on social distancing. For more Coronavirus (COVID-19) – HSE latest advice and information - see here.
Procurement Policy Note 02/20: Supplier relief due to COVID-19
This PP Note sets out information and guidance for public bodies on payment of their suppliers to ensure service continuity during and after the current coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): early years and childcare closures
Guidance for local authorities, early years settings and childminders about childcare provision following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found here.
Help to claim – Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
HMRC have advised on how & when to claim back wage costs, read more here.
Treasury Direction sets out legal framework for Job Retention Scheme
The Chancellor has made a Treasury Direction under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020. It sets out that HMRC are responsible for the payment and management of amounts to be paid under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, as set out in the Schedule to the Direction.
The Direction sets out the legal framework for the Scheme.
Further guidance for employers and employees can be found here.
Government invitation to business to help with the response to the coronavirus, including:
- protective equipment for healthcare workers, such as masks, gowns and sanitiser
- transport and logistics, for moving goods or people
- warehouse or office space, for medical use or storage
- expertise or support on IT, manufacturing, construction, project management, procurement, engineering or communications
To access the site: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-support-from-business or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If the offer of assistance that you send in is something that is required to aid the response to COVID-19, then the co-ordinators – the Cabinet Office - will get in touch with you.
Action from The British Standards Institution
BSI, the UK National Standards Body, has made a suite of risk and business continuity standards publicly available to help businesses navigate the challenges they face as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The standards available include: Continuity and Resilience, Risk Management, Community Resilience and Emergency Management
https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/topics/novel-coronavirus-covid-19/risk-management-and-business-continuity
Use of facemasks in the workplace
The guidance for employees, employers and businesses has been updated with guidance on use of face masks in the community. The UK does not currently advise use of face masks outside of care settings, in line with PPE guidance. Therefore, PHE does not advise masks in public places and for those working in supermarkets, waste collection, schools and similar settings. PHE recommends that employers should ensure that:
- spaces in the workplace are optimised to allow social distancing to occur, wherever possible
- signs are visible in the workplace reminding employees not to attend work if they have a fever or cough and to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
employees are provided with hand sanitiser for frequent use and regular breaks to allow them to wash their hands for 20 seconds.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): right to work checks
Advice for employers carrying out right to work checks during the coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-right-to-work-checks
Guidance for businesses and workers on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Guidance for employers
Guidance for employees
Rules and regulations relaxed to support businesses
The Government has relaxed some rules and regulations to help businesses handle any disruption they are experiencing due to coronavirus.
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/relaxed-rules-to-support-businesses/
Pay it forward campaign - Supporting businesses through the coronavirus crisis
The Business Support campaign is working with Crowdfunder to build awareness about the support provided to small businesses through the Pay it Forward campaign. Small businesses can set-up a Pay it Forward campaign to pre-sell their services and diversify trading now to ensure continuous cash flow. Crowdfunder is covering all platform and transaction fees making it free to small businesses. Enterprise Nation is providing access to free training and support for business, to help with online sales, marketing, cashflow, and diversifying, if necessary. This campaign is nationwide and you can someone who is self-employed, a micro or small businesses can set-up a Pay it Forward campaign here.
Write to your MP and lobby for a rates holiday
The BFM has put together a template letter you can use to write to your MP asking for a rates holiday. On 25th March, the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) did just this by writing to the Chancellor asking him to urgently consider extending the 12-month Business Rates holiday for retail businesses, to furniture manufacturing businesses. A reply has yet to be received.
The industry needs to apply as much pressure as possible to get the Chancellor's ear. Please find the template letter here together with a list of MP's with furniture companies in their constituencies and a tool to enable you to find your MP.
There are 38 'Growth Hubs' that can help businesses with advice at a local level. Growth hubs are local public/private sector partnerships backed by the Government, led and governed by Local Enterprise Partnerships.
Chancellor strengthens support on offer for business
Guidance for businesses setting out details of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).
Useful Links
'Coronavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme', available on HMRC’s YouTube channel.
Acas has published new guidance on carrying over holiday as a result of coronavirus.
COVID –19 and National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage - special circumstances - pay advances and loans
Note the Job Retention Scheme states that - 'Individuals are only entitled to the National Living Wage (NLW)/National Minimum Wage (NMW) for the hours they are working. Therefore, furloughed workers, who are not working, must be paid the lower of 80% of their salary, or £2,500 even if, based on their usual working hours, this would be below NLW/NMW. However, if workers are required to for example, complete online training courses whilst they are furloughed, then they must be paid at least the NLW/NMW for the time spent training, even if this is more than the 80% of their wage that will be subsidised'.
Guidance for industry on flexible approaches on good distribution practices.
Moving goods through customs during the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Customs authorisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate has released an open letter explaining how coronavirus will impact their enforcement approach.
Government - COVID-19: guidance for employers and businesses
Support for businesses
Companies to receive 3-month extension period to file accounts during COVID-19
DIT support for UK businesses trading internationally
Extra protection for businesses with ban on evictions for commercial tenants who miss rent payments
Guidance for employers and businesses on COVID-19 poster
Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Relaxation of drivers’ hours rules
Driving tests and MOTs for heavy vehicles suspended for up to 3 months
Guidance for staff in the transport sector
HSE - Homeworkers advice
Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules: delivery of essential items to consumers
Advice for the freight transport industry
Procurement Policy: Responding to COVID-19
Further businesses and premises to close
Rules on carrying over annual leave to be relaxed to support key industries during COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19): right to work checks
Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding - guidance for businesses
Claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter to the manufacturing sector
Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter to the retail sector
Social distancing in the workplace during coronavirus (COVID-19): sector guidance
RIDDOR reporting of COVID-19
Procurement Policy Note 02/20: Supplier relief due to COVID-19 - guidance for public bodies on payment of their suppliers
