Latest Covid-19 updates

Business Support due to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant 

On 21 December 2021, the Government announced the introduction of a new grant scheme for hospitality and leisure businesses in England.

The scheme provides support to hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses, in recognition of the potential trading challenges brought about by the Omicron variant.

This support will take the form of a one-off grant funding of up to £6,000 per premises. 

Information on the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grants including criteria and Businesses that are eligible for this grant.

The amount businesses will receive is dependent on rateable value, changes to the ratings list after 30 December 2021 will not count towards the grant eligibility:

  • Rateable Value of £15,000 or under = £2,667
  • Rateable Value of between £15,001 and £50,999 = £4,000
  • Rateable Value of over £51,000 = £6,000

Apply for this grant

If you think your Business is eligible for the above grant you must apply.  There are no automatic payments of this grant to businesses. 

Please note that in  accordance with Government guidance the Council is now required to make more pre-payment checks than previous grants, which will mean payment takes slightly longer to process. Please be assured that the City Council will endeavour to make payments as soon as possible  

The grant scheme will close for applications at 5pm on Friday 18 March 2022 with all payments being made by Friday 25th March 2022.

 

Additional Restrictions Grant

The City Council is currently developing a scheme of support for businesses not eligible for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant that can evidence being severely impacted from the Omicron variant during December.  

Eligibility criteria and an application form for eligible businesses will be published here shortly
 

Business loans

Loans from £1,000 up to £10 million over terms between 3 to 6 years and with 80% government guarantee.

From 1 January 2022, the following changes will come into force:

  • The scheme will only be open to small and medium sized enterprises
  • The maximum amount of finance available will be £2 million per business
  • The guarantee coverage that the government will provide to lenders will be reduced to 70%

For more information see the GOV UK Recovery Loan Scheme guidance.  
 

Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS)

The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate scheme (SSPRS) allows small and medium sized employers to claim the costs of up to two weeks of Covid-related SSP
COVID-19 economic support package.
 

Self employed business support

If your income has gone down due to Coronavirus  you might be able to get:

  • New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) - if you’re under State Pension age, unemployed or are working less than 16 hours a week on average, and have made class 1 National Insurance contributions, usually by working as an employee over the last 2 to 3 years – your savings and partner’s income will not affect how much you get
  • Universal Credit - if you or your partner are under State Pension age and you have £16,000 or less in savings – you might be able to get it at the same time as New Style JSA
  • Pension Credit - if both you and your partner have reached State Pension age.
     

Test and Trace Support Payment

If you’re off work because you have coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating, you might be eligible for a payment of £500 if you’re on a low income.

Further information is available on the Coronavirus - Self-Isolation Support Payments pages.


Guidance and support

For the latest announcements on supporting businesses see Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance and support.
 

Working safely: guidance for workplaces

Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace.

  • How to carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment (Health and Safety Executive)
  • Keeping records of staff, customers and visitors
  • What to do if an employee tests positive or is contacted by NHS Test and Trace
     

Business Lincolnshire Support

Business Lincolnshire has dedicated adviser support for telephone consultations and advice. They have setup a Coronavirus helpline. 

To contact a local business adviser at the Growth Hub:

Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership 

Throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greater Lincolnshire LEP has been working alongside over 25 local authority, private sector, third sector, and education organisations to support the economy and business community.

The COVID-19 Economic Revival Strategy for Greater Lincolnshire brings together medium term commitments from this partnership to outline strategic objectives that will drive the revival of our economy as we emerge from the pandemic, find out more.
 

Government Business Support

A full range of business support measures have been made available to uk business and employees, learn more.

Financial advice

A dedicated helpline has been set up to help businesses and self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities receive support with their tax affairs.

If you are concerned about being able to pay your tax due to Coronavirus, call HMRC's dedicated helpline on 0800 0159 559.
 

Mental Health Support

If you're feeling down, anxious or stressed, Business Lincolnshire have assembled a range of mental health resources to support you, learn more.
 

Redundancy Support

Further information is available via business lincolnshire.