Covid-19 Business Advice

Read previous Covid-19 Bulletins here

23 July 2021

Critical worker isolation exemptions

The Government has updated its Test and Trace in the Worlplace Guidance to include information about self-isolation for workers in critical services.  

Isolation exemptions are being granted to named individuals in companies who have specific functions. Blanket exemptions are not being issued to sectors or industries.  

An individual is being classed as a critical worker if they work in critical elements of national infrastructure and whether their absence would be likely to lead to the loss or compromise of this infrastructure resulting in one or both of the following:

• major detrimental impact on the availability, integrity or delivery of essential services – including those services whose integrity, if compromised, could result in significant loss of life or casualties

• significant impact on national security, national defence, or the functioning of the state.

Those working in the transport industry with staff who meet these criteria can apply for an isolation exemption by emailing cv19pmo@dft.gov.uk and confirming:    

• the number of people who it is proposed would leave self-isolation
• the roles those individuals need to perform
• the impact that failure to grant an exemption would have, and when this impact is likely to materialise (for example, is it already an issue or likely to materialise in the coming days)

 

Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme relies on employers taking action

Those who are told to stay at home and self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace or the NHS COVID-19 app, may be eligible for a payment of £500 from your local authority through the Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme.  

The scheme is also open to parents and guardians who need to take time off work to care for a child who is required to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

Employees will need an NHS Test and Trace Account ID to apply. This must be obtained by the individual’s employer, who should call the Self-Isolation Service Hub on 020 3743 6715 to give them the individual’s contact details.  

You will then be sent your NHS Test and Trace ID.

Your employer will need to provide the NHS Test and Trace Account ID of the person who tested positive and your name and contact details as a close contact. You will not be able to claim for the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if you have not been registered with the Self-Isolation Service Hub.

 

BVRLA to host first post-Covid face-to-face event

The Annual Parliamentary Reception will be the first face-to-face event hosted by the BVRLA since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic.

Hosted in the House of Commons' Terrace Pavilion, the event will take place on Tuesday 14 September 2021, 12 noon – 3pm. Those interested in attending should email events@bvrla.co.uk.

Bookings can be made online to attend the 2021 Leasing Broker Conference which is taking place on 21 October at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London.  

The BVRLA Annual Dinner is scheduled to take place on Thursday 3 March 2022, and those interested in attending should email events@bvrla.co.uk.

 

Guidance to encourage safer travel recommends mask wearing

The Government has updated its safer travel guidance following the easing of restrictions on the 19 July. It recommends that you should wear a face covering when travelling in a private vehicle with people you do not usually meet.  

Guidance for operators has also been updated outlining safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations.

The Department for Transport has also produced a set of posters and other communication resources to help communicate recommended guidance to keep those who are travelling in England safe. It hopes to instil confidence in those returning to public transport.

The messaging asks people to: Plan ahead. Regularly sanitise your hands. Open a window where you can. Face coverings are recommended and may be required by operators. Exemptions apply.  

 

FCA to issue next mandatory Covid-19 Impact Survey

Members who are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority are being advised that the fifth wave of the regulator’s Covid-19 Impact Survey is being issued between 2 and 6 August.  

Those receiving the survey will have 11 days to respond as completion of the survey is mandatory under section 165 of the Financial Services & Markets Act (FSMA) 2000.  

The survey will include 10 questions in total, collating information about the following areas:  

• Liquidity/ cash availability and needs  

• Recent financial performance  
• Scale of business activity  
• Access to government schemes  

Firms will be emailed a link to complete the survey online.

 

Campaign highlights importance of remaining cautious

New government campaign has been launched across England to remind public of importance of continuing healthy behaviours to reduce the spread of Covid-19

Everyone across England is being urged to continue letting fresh air into enclosed spaces, take up the offer of twice-weekly free testing, wash their hands and book both doses of their vaccine, in a major new campaign launched on 22 July.  

Short film featuring Dr Amir Khan highlights importance of remaining cautious as those vaccinated can still pass on the virus.

New research shows that nearly 9 in 10 (86%) hope that people will proceed with caution and common sense, three quarters (77%) will continue to wear face masks, 81% will practice social distancing where possible and 83% say they will continue to wash hands thoroughly and often.

 

 

What you can and cannot do

The Government has published a set of frequently asked questions, helping people to understand what they can and cannot do during the coronavirus outbreak, this is best source of the current rules.  

Social distancing guidance 

Guidance on social distancing has been published. The guidance includes information such as staying at home, visiting public places, businesses and venues and going to work.  

The guidance applies in England only. Those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should follow the specific rules in those parts of the UK. 

 

COVID-19 safety guidelines for the workplace 

On 11 May, the government published guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed to understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The guidance applies in England only. Those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should follow local rules.

The guidance sets out practical steps for businesses focused on five key points, which should be implemented as soon as it is practical: 

1.    Work from home, if you can 

2.    Carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment, in consultation with workers or trade unions 

3.    Maintain two metres social distancing, wherever possible 

4.    Where people cannot be two metres apart, manage transmission risk 

5.    Reinforce cleaning processes 

The eight workplace settings with published ‘Covid-19 secure guidelines’ are as follows: 

Vehicles, Shops and branches, Offices and contact centres, Construction and other outdoor work, Factories, plants and warehouses, Homes, Labs and research facilities and Restaurants offering takeaway or delivery

 

Guidance on delivering and collecting vehicles

In addition, the Finance and Leasing Association and BVRLA have produced practical guidance to support the sector in delivering and collecting vehicles

• Joint Trade Association Guidance.pdf

 

 

Full details regarding the support for businesses is available on the Government website. 

Online tool to help businesses see what support is available  

The Government has launched a Business Support Finder to help employers easily identify what support is available to them and their business. 

The finder tool on GOV.UK will ask business owners to fill out a simple online questionnaire, which can take minutes to complete. 

Additional Restrictions Grant

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) provides local councils with grant funding to support businesses that are severely impacted by restrictions, and that may or may not be in the business rates system. Local councils can determine which businesses to support and determine the amount of funding provided from the ARG scheme.

Local councils have the freedom to determine the eligibility criteria for these grants. However, we expect the funding to help businesses that are severely impacted by the restrictions.

This could include:

• businesses which do not pay business rates
• businesses that have not received wider grant support
• businesses from all sectors that are severely impacted by restrictions

Whilst vehicle rental is not included in the guidance as an example of a business that could be supported through this scheme, it is still worth applying if your business has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If you do apply your council will want to know:

• How do your trading figures/usage compare now to pre-Covid
• Can you make an explicit connection between that change and Covid
• Is there a direct connection to national restrictions ie no-one can travel so no-one is hiring cars

It's also worth being aware of the context the person at the other end is operating in:

• Council finance teams are not normally very large, but they’ve had to distribute billions of extra money at short notice, while subject to the same working from home restrictions/sickness levels as everyone else
• They are also in the middle of end of year budgets – councils are the only public body legally obliged to set a balanced budget each year
• They’ve also just had to issue council tax notices for the year and deal with any queries coming back from them
• They’re not experts in types of businesses or business sectors so it may not be immediately obvious to them why you’re eligible and should get the grant, so always spell it out in detail.

And don’t forget there is a right of appeal.

 

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

The Government has confirmed that employers can now make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.

You can check service availability and issues online.  

This scheme allows small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, to apply to HMRC to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related SSP. HMRC has new online guidance which includes information about who can use the scheme and the records employers must keep. 

 

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme  

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the lifeline for millions of UK workers, announcing that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) is being extended to the end of September 2021.

The HMRC has published a 25-minute video on their YouTube channel talking about the Job Retention Scheme.  

Open to all UK employers, the scheme allows firms to furlough employees with the government paying cash grants of 80% of their wages up to a maximum of £2,500. It was originally open for three months and backdated from the 1 March to the end of May. 

Members are advised to keep a note or print-out of their claim reference number as they won’t receive a confirmation SMS or email.  

The Government has also published a step by step guide for employers, as well as a calculator to help you work out your claim. You should retain all records and calculations in respect of your claims.  

You can find more information on the scheme and eligibility to claim on the Government website. 

 

Self-employment Income Support Scheme 

Self-employed individuals or members of partnerships whose business has been adversely affected by coronavirus are able to apply for the Government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. 

The grant is worth 80% of their average monthly trading profits, up to a maximum of £7,500, and will be paid in a single instalment. 

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’.  

 

Other useful links and numbers

• Financial support is available from the British Business Bank.
• The Bank of England have also announced a comprehensive package of measures to help UK businesses and households bridge across the economic disruption that is likely to be associated with Covid-19. Interest rates have been reduced from 0.75% to 0.25% and additional funding will be available for banks to increase lending, especially to SMEs.
• A number of private lenders are also making funds available to small businesses impacted by Covid-19, including £2 billion from Lloyds Banking Group and £5 billion from NatWest
• HMRC has launched a dedicated tax helpline to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus (COVID-19). Find all the information here. The number is 0800 0159 559.

Companies House has produced guidance for companies who have been affected by Covid-19) and need more time to file their financial accounts. Find all the information here.

 

The BVRLA Guide to Operating during the Covid-19  

The association has published a 20-page guide tailored specifically for those operating in the vehicle rental and leasing sectors. 

Collection and Delivery of Vehicles

Vehicles can still be collected and delivered to customers, however, social distancing measures must be observed. More advice on this is available in the BVRLA Guide above or  Guidance for vehicle collection, delivery, distribution, storage and technical services.  This 9-page document was written by the Finance and Leasing Association with contributions from the BVRLA, National Association of Motor Auctions and the Vehicle Remarketing Association. 

DVSA - vehicle testing

The guidance from government is that MOT tests can still go ahead as can testing of HGVs. However, availability of testers for HGVs could be impacted by individuals shielding or self-isolating.

Servicing Vehicles

Vehicles can still be serviced and garages should be open for this purpose.

Freight industry exempt from international travel restrictions 

Freight industry guidance on international travel during the Covid-19 pandemic states that international and domestic freight transport, including by air, ship, road and rail, is classified by UK government as an essential activity in the context of its travel advice.  

The advice against non-essential travel is not intended to apply to international and domestic freight transport. 

Guidance for transport operators 

The government has published guidance to help organisations, agencies and self-employed transport providers understand how to provide safer workplaces and services for themselves, their workers and passengers across all modes of private and public transport. 

CMA expectations around customer refunds  

Government guidance published by the Competition & Markets Authority states that consumer protection law will generally allow consumers to obtain a refund.  

For most consumer contracts the CMA would expect a consumer to be offered a full refund where: 

• a business has cancelled a contract without providing any of the promised goods or services; 
• no service is provided by a business, for example because this is prevented by Government public health measures; 
• a consumer cancels, or is prevented from receiving any services, because Government public health measures mean they are not allowed to use the services. 

Company car guidance during Covid 

HMRC has published new guidance on the treatment of Benefit-in-Kind and company cars during the Covid crisis.  

Where restrictions on movement apply because of coronavirus and prevent the car from being handed back or collected, HMRC will accept that a company car is unavailable in the following circumstances: 

• where the contract has terminated - from the date that the car keys (including tabs or fobs) are returned to the employer or to a third party as instructed by the employer 
• where the contract has not been terminated – after 30 consecutive days from the date that the car keys (including tabs or fobs) are returned to the employer or to a third party as instructed by the employer 

It also recognises that following relaxation of coronavirus restrictions it may take some time to return cars where contracts have been terminated. If your employee continues to have no access to the keys until the car is collected from them, HMRC will still regard the car as being unavailable. 

Company car/fuel tax

There is no reduction in company car tax payable if somebody is not able to use their car for any length of time, the only time there is a reduction is if the car is unavailable to the employee.

By unavailable this means that the keys must be returned to the employer to ensure there can be no use of the car.

For private fuel this does require a re-write of the company policy to show that private fuel is no longer available.

Further information is available in HMRC Guidance.

Travel advice

Members are advised to check the latest travel advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before allowing a vehicle to go abroad.

The Government has published guidance for British people travelling and living overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

 

The Government has published Covid:19 Guidance for employees, employers and businesses 

Business Support Helpline for all regions of the UK

Businesses can access free, impartial business support and signposting services, including business advice on Covid-19 by calling a dedicated helpline: 

The Business Support Helpline number for businesses in England has changed to 0800 998 1098. For businesses in Scotland the helpline number is 0300 303 0660, in Wales it is 0330 060 300 and in Northern Ireland it is 0800 181 4422. 

 

Coronavirus Business Support Blog  

Read about how other businesses have used government support schemes and working safely guidance in the Government’s Coronavirus Business Support Blog.   

 

Government to guarantee Trade Credit insurance 

The Government has announced that it will temporarily guarantee business-to-business transactions currently supported by Trade Credit Insurance, ensuring that the majority of insurance coverage will be maintained across the market. 

 

Business rates revaluation postponed 

A revaluation of business rates will no longer take place in 2021 to help reduce uncertainty for firms. This comes after the business rates retail discount was increased to 100% from 50% for 2020 to 2021 to help businesses affected by the impacts of coronavirus. 

The government is continuing work on the fundamental review of business rates, with the key aims of reducing the overall burden on businesses, improving the current business rates system, and considering more fundamental changes in the medium-to-long term. 

Using or working in transport 

The Government has published transport and travel guidance specifically for people using transport or working in the transport sector during the Coronavirus outbreak. 

 

Tax advice from government

HMRC has launched a dedicated tax helpline to help businesses concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus. Find all the information here. The helpline number has changed to 08000 241222. Opening hours are from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Calls to the old helpline number will be redirected automatically. 

 

Health & Safety

• Guidance on advice to provide to staff including: how to help prevent spread of COVID-19; what to do if someone suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 has been in a workplace setting; advice to give to individuals who have travelled to specific areas; and advice for the certification of absence from work resulting from COVID19
• ACAS has published information for employees and employers, including information on simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff, sick pay and absence from work

 

Businesses trading internationally

Department for International Trade has published advice for UK businesses that export or deliver goods and services abroad and have been impacted by the spread of COVID-19.

 

Small businesses

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has also published some useful information for businesses managing their response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cyber Security Guidance for businesses during Covid-19 

The National Cyber Security Centre has published guidance to support businesses moving from physical to digital delivery as part of the ongoing Covid-19 response. 

The guidance includes advice on home working, video teleconferencing and spotting email scams related to Covid-19. 

 

Cyber security awareness

National cyber security authorities have issued guidance to help businesses to protect themselves against cyber criminals who are targeting individuals, small and medium enterprises, and large organizations worldwide with COVID-19-related scams and phishing campaigns.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre, which is part of GCHQ, have seen an increase in malicious activity with themes related to COVID-19 and are warning people to be extra vigilant.

 

Businesses warned of increase in Mandate Fraud 

The UK’s Counter Fraud function is warning businesses of an emerging trend in ‘Mandate Fraud’ as criminals look to exploit the fact that the public sector is rapidly changing ways of working, spending money quickly to deal with COVID-19. 

Mandate Fraud is a fraudulent request to change a direct debit, standing order or bank transfer mandate in order to divert payments or to create new payments. 

It can affect customer, supplier or employee bank accounts and is also known as creditor fraud, payment diversion fraud or supplier account takeover fraud. 

 

Guidance to protect your business against scams and fraud  

With people spending more time at home and online, criminals are using every opportunity they can to scam innocent people and their businesses. This guidance explains the simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your business against fraud and cybercrime and where to get help. 

 

DVLA warns of fraudulent websites 

The DVLA is warning drivers about misleading third-party websites passing themselves off as DVLA.  

These sites might, for example, offer to help you apply for a driving licence, tax your car or connect you to a DVLA contact centre. These sites will often charge additional fees for services that you can get for free or at a lower cost on GOV.UK. 

To try and pass themselves off as genuine, these sites might include ‘DVLA’ in their web address (URL). They might also design their site to appear as if it’s DVLA - for example, using DVLA’s old ‘green triangle’ logo, which is no longer in use. 

Don’t be fooled by these sites - even if they appear at the top of search engine results. Always double check you’re using GOV.UK. 

 

Beware of scams and frauds

The fraud threat posed during emergency situations is higher than at other times. 

The Cabinet Office has formed a COVID-19 Fraud Response Team to assist the government with its counter fraud response. Requests for assistance should be emailed to: covid19-counter-fraud@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Any suspected SCAMS or fraudulent activity should also be reported it to ACTION FRAUD.

 

Covid-19 fraud and scams on the rise 

Led by UK Finance, and backed by the Government, the Take Five campaign has launched a web page to promote awareness of Covid-19 related fraud and scams. 

Unscrupulous criminals are using the publicity around coronavirus as a chance to target businesses and individuals with fraudulent emails, phone calls, texts messages and social media posts. 

Fraud poses a major threat to the UK and although it is a crime that the finance industry is committed to tackling, it requires the combined efforts of every sector, both public and private, to overcome. 

Members are advised to visit the campaign page to ensure vigilance and help protect your business against scams. 

 

Caution against abuse of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

HMRC chief urges caution to those tempted to abuse the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme  

Any fraudulent claims made under the scheme – for example, where employees have continued to work while furloughed – are likely to result in criminal convictions.  

Jim Harra, Chief Executive HM Revenue and Customs said:  

“We are aware that some employees have already been reporting that some employers have asked them to work during the furlough period. We expect the vast majority of employers to do the right thing and in fact in many cases they have no choice because people are genuinely furloughed and cannot work. 

“But we will be asking anyone who’s got information about the scheme being abused to let us know and there is an online hotline service for any employee who feels they are being asked to be complicit in something they don’t want to be complicit in.”  

 

Action Fraud warns of scammers 

Action Fraud has received reports of a scam email purporting to be from HM Government asking for donations to the NHS during the COVID-19 outbreak.

This is a fake email and your money will only end up in the hands of a criminal.

The NHS will never ask you to send money directly to a bank account. If you would like to donate to the NHS you can do so via their official channels or your local NHS Trust. 

Don't click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details. 

The BVRLA remains very much open for business and has taken steps to adapt working practices to minimise face-to-face engagement. 

These processes will continue to be reviewed, but for now, the following applies:

• There will be no face-to-face meetings of any kind either at the BVRLA office or off-site, including Committees, Working Groups or small business meetings.
• All meetings will be conducted using telephone and videoconferencing facilities such as Zoom and PowWowNow.
• All face-to-face BVRLA training courses will be moved online.
• BVRLA staff are set up for remote working, where feasible and in accordance with government guidelines.