1st November 2020
Dear Member
COVID -19 UPDATE
As you will no doubt have seen, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson yesterday announced that England will from Thursday return to a full lockdown situation with only limited activities permitted. Pubs, clubs, bars, leisure centres, bingo halls, bowling alleys, AGCs and arcades will be required to close as will casinos and betting offices amongst others. The situation for Motorway Service Stations at this stage is unclear. The lockdown will last until December 2nd when the Government ‘will look to’ return to the current Tiered approach. Here’s the detail:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november
It was also announced that the Job Retention Scheme would not cease as of 31st October but instead be extended until the end of November. Full details are yet to be published but we do know the scheme will operate as it did in August. That is to say paying 80% of a furloughed workers salary with the employer paying any pension and NI costs. The scheme will allow for flexible working. In addition, grants up to £3k will be available (rateable values will determine what you can get), and there will be additional discretionary grants available from local authorities. Here’s the link to the JRS page for info:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/furlough-scheme-extended-and-further-economic-support-announced
I will provide further details as soon as I get them.
I cannot see any restriction on businesses in Scotland and Wales being able to use the extended furlough scheme.
Division 1 EGM
As a result of the announcement yesterday, tomorrow’s Division 1 EGM has been cancelled and will be rearranged. I will write to those that have registered separately to confirm.
Kind regards,
John
