This section can help business owners and their employees find information on how to deal with concerns about Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace, funding and other support.
1. Sources of Information and Advice on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Read: On Wednesday 15th of April The Scottish Government announced a second phase of funding and grants to support Scottish businesses including those recently self-employed.
Read: On Thursday 3rd of April The UK Government announced action to support firms affected by the coronavirus crisis by bolstering business interruption loans for small businesses and announcing a new scheme for larger companies.
Read: On Saturday 28th of March The Scottish Government pledged financial support to tourism businesses following the closure of cafes, pubs, restaurants, cinemas and leisure centres.
Read: On Thursday 26th of March The UK Government announced a major package of support to help the self-employed affected by the Coronavirus.
Read: On Monday 23rd of March The UK Government and Scottish Government have announced that all non-essential shops must close. More details to follow as they come in.
Read: On Friday 20th of March The UK Government announced a further range of support for businesses affected by the coronavirus. The announcement includes a wage subsidy of 80% of wages for employees who are not working, up to £2,500 per month, a Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CILS), and a deferral of VAT payments for the next quarter (until end of June 2020).
Read: The British Business Bank will manage the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) which will become available in the week commencing 23 March 2020.
Read: On Wednesday 18th
March the Scottish Government announced a £2.2 billion package of support measures for Scottish businesses during the economic emergency caused by the coronavirus. Full details of how businesses can access the support are being finalised and more information will be released shortly.
Read: On Tuesday 17th March the UK Government announced additional support for businesses and workers to protect against the economic emergency caused by the coronavirus.
Read: Health Protection Scotland have published advice and guidance for non-healthcare settings including offices.
Read: The joint 4 nations have published a Coronavirus (COVID – 19) action plan.
Read: The UK government has published guidance for Employers and Businesses on Coronavirus (COVID – 19).
Read: The Scottish Government has published its plan on how it will respond to a Coronavirus (COVID – 19) outbreak in Scotland.
Read: ACAS have published advice for employers and employees on the Coronavirus (COVID - 19).
Call: A helpline for businesses and self employed people concerned about not being able to pay their tax due to coronavirus has been launched by HMRC and is available on: 0800 0159 559.
Opening hours are: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, and Saturday 8am to 4pm. The helpline will not be available on Bank Holidays.
Business Gateway is being responsive and reactive to the needs and challenges Scottish businesses face due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). On our website you can find details of the support, advice, webinars, tutorials and guides that may be of use to you during this crisis. Along with links to our advisory support that you can access through your nearest Business Gateway office.
2. Get local support from Business Gateway
You should speak to your local Business Gateway office on Business Continuity Planning and a wide range of other business matters that you may have to consider right now such as funding, cashflow, HR and managing suppliers. Our network of experienced advisers are ready to offer support.
3. Watch: A short video from the Scottish Government on how to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID – 19).