Employers, employees & businesses

The government has reorganised its advice sections. Earlier advice is provided below but please follow these links for the current advice:

You can also find relevant guidance under the new “Business support” advice section from the government:

Business Support

Funding and support

Self-employed people and sole traders

Your responsibilities as an employer

How to run your business safely

What businesses should be closed

Previous advice

Guidance for employees, employers and businesses in providing advice about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

Published 25 February 2020 
Last updated 24 March 2020 — see all updates

From:Public Health England and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy

Guidance for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19)

COVID-19: support for businesses

COVID-19: guidance for employees

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): employer guide

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for UK businesses – Guidance for UK businesses trading internationally

COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings

Details

This guidance will assist employers and businesses in providing advice to their staff on:

  • the novel coronavirus, COVID-19
  • how to help prevent spread of COVID-19
  • what to do if someone has symptoms of COVID-19 has been in business settings
  • eligibility for sick pay

This guidance also provides details of support available to businesses including:

  • a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
  • deferring VAT and Income Tax payments
  • statutory sick pay relief package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, leisure and nursery businesses in England
  • small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief
  • grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
  • the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to support long-term viable businesses who may need to respond to cash-flow pressures by seeking additional finance
  • a new lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans
  • the HMRC Time To Pay Scheme to help with tax

Published 25 February 2020 
Last updated 24 March 2020 + show all updates