Useful links for employees...
Last updated: Tuesday 5th January
National Lockdown announced
National lockdown rules apply in England. Stay at home. Find out what the rules are in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Plan for Jobs: Chancellor increases financial support for businesses and workers
The government has announced it will significantly increase the generosity and reach of its winter support schemes to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected in the difficult months to come, supporting jobs and helping to contain the virus.
Full list of new local COVID alert levels by area
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support
If you have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace and told to self-isolate on or after 28 September 2020, you’re under a legal obligation to do so, and could be eligible for a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment. This guidance sets out who can claim support and explains how to apply.
Job Support Scheme expanded to firms required to close due to Covid-19 restrictions
The Job Support Scheme (JSS) will be expanded to support businesses across the UK (including the devolved administrations) required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions. Read more here.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Updated in line with latest government guidance, you can find out all the facts here.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): testing guidance for employers
Some employers may want to introduce their own internal testing programmes outside of the NHS Test and Trace service. This guidance will help them ensure that their testing programmes are as reliable and effective as possible. Further details can be found here.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Updated guidance for the visitor economy on social gatherings of more than 6 people and Test and Trace (section 2.1) and mandatory test and trace requirements (section 2.2.2). Find out here how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
- Changes have been made to the “Working Safely” guidance, with the 5 steps to working safely section now withdrawn.
DVLA - Heavy vehicle test exemptions – October 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): What has changed – 9 September
North West of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do
Click here for more.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
Click here for more.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
Click here for more.
Coronavirus: MOTs due from 30 March 2020
Your car, van or motorcycle’s MOT expiry date will be extended by 6 months if it’s due on or after 30 March 2020 – but you must keep your vehicle safe to drive. Click here to read more.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Updated to include, ‘Preparing for the wider opening of early years and childcare settings from 1 June’. Click here to read more.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Click here to read the frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak.
What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak
Click here to read information for parents and carers about the wider opening of nurseries, schools and colleges, transport, attendance, free school meals and remote education.
Staying safe outside your home
The update adds a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of smell or taste (anosmia) as a symptom of coronavirus. Read more by clicking here.
New guidance on spending time outdoors
Click here to view the details on a range of outdoor activities which will be allowed in England from 13 May 2020 subject to social distancing rules.
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.
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.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs
Job Retention Scheme
You can download our document with guidance for employers on the Job Retention Scheme whose operations have been severely affected by the Coronavirus (Covid-19).
Useful Links
Increase to Working Tax Credits - what this means
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information leaflet
Coronavirus (COVID-19) UK action plan
Latest government coronavirus information and advice on GOV.UK
Full guidance on staying at home and away from others
COVID-19: guidance on social distancing and for vulnerable people - including translated versions
Online isolation notes launched - providing proof of coronavirus absence from work
UK Government - Foreign travel advice
ACAS – Coronavirus advice for employers and employees
Closure of educational settings: information for parents and carers
World Health Organization - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
Coronavirus Bill: what it will do
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
The Furniture Makers' Company has created a guide for emergency financial support for furnishing industry workers. Click here to view it.
Government agrees measures with telecoms companies to support vulnerable consumers through COVID-19