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There is lots of guidance being made available for businesses and employers in the wake of the Coronavirus / COVID-19 outbreak in the UK. You may find selected pages below helpful:

There is a package of measures available to support business:

For those affected by the most recent November 2020 Lockdown:

There is a third SEISS grant available from 30 November when the HMRC online service opens. It looks like the application process will be the same as previous grants, and will give a payment of 55% of average profits as calculated for previous grants:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/self-employment-income-support-scheme-grant-extension/self-employment-income-support-scheme-grant-extension

There will likely also be grants available for businesses forced to close. The details have not been fully released yet, but it looks like it will be a variation of the Local Restriction Support Grant (LRSG):

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-youre-eligible-for-the-coronavirus-local-restrictions-support-grant

For self employed sole traders / partnerships:

You can now check your eligibility online for the Self Emploment Income Support Scheme with HMRC's tool:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme#eligible

You will need your UTR and NI Number. You will be given details of your eligibility, and a date from which you will be able to apply. Following application, you should receive funds within 6 days.

Taxable grants will be available based on previous year's income:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

In the event you don't qualify for that there is guidance here in relation to benefits you may be eligible for:

https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/

For local, Derbyshire based businesses:

Derbyshire County Council have set up an emergency fund for small businesses and sole traders. Grants of up to £500 are available:

https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/health-protection/disease-control/coronavirus/employers-businesses/relief-fund-for-businesses/derbyshire-business-emergency-relief-fund.aspx

For everyone:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

The above link contains information on:

• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (The "80% of wages" payments). More guidance here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

• Deferring VAT and Income Tax payments

• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

• Business Rates Relief

• Small Business Grants. You will probably need to contact your council if you do not pay any business rates as they won't have your bank details. Most councils require you to fill in an online form. We recommend you check your local authority website. More guidance here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding

• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme

• HMRC 'Time to Pay' arrangements

Further specific guidance for employers:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/guidance-for-employers-and-businesses-on-covid-19

Further specific guidance for employees:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees

There is a dedicated Coronavirus / COVID-19 HMRC Helpline you can call if you have any issues keeping up with tax liabilities or other financial difficulties as a result of the current situation:

0800 0159 559