We have some informative links if you are a business that requires help during the COVID-19 outbreak. We will continue to update this page and relevant links.
Re-opening your business? Need to know information
Re-opening your business advice sheet (.pdf | 500kb)
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic has been published on the government's website (external link).
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue service have put together some information to help businesses with fire safety checks when returing and re-opening their premises. Please view the fire safety information booklet (.pdf | 395kb).
Updates
23 October 2020
Derbyshire County Council has a handy online postcode checker to find out what restrictions you need to follow in your area.
Businesses can also sign up to get the latest information and advice specifically for Derbyshire.
22 October 2020
Tier 2 Business Grants to be Awarded in North East Derbyshire
On 22 October 2020 the Chancellor announced that additional funding had been approved to support cash grants primarily for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sector who may be adversely impacted by the restrictions in high-alert level areas.
Grants could benefit businesses including hotels, restaurants, B&Bs and many more who aren’t legally required to close but have been adversely affected by local restrictions nonetheless. This support will be available retrospectively for areas who have already been subject to restrictions.
NEDDC is currently waiting to hear of its funding allocation, the expected application process and the criteria restrictions which may be in place.
Once the national guidance is confirmed, the Council will develop its application guidance and criteria and publish this here. We will also promote the fund via our social media outlets.
Until these details are confirmed, the Council will not be in a position to address any emerging questions.
- More information is available on the Government’s website.
20 October 2020
The Government has launched a new hotline to report, anonymously and free of charge, suspected fraudulent activity by people illegally targeting support schemes that have been introduced by the Government to help those struggling financially.
16 October 2020
This quick reference poster will help you understand the rules of being in a High (Tier 2) Covid alert level. Also see the measures that apply in a High alert area for more detailed guidance.
15 October 2020
NE Derbyshire is to be placed in the High Tier (Tier 2) of the Government's Covid alert system from 12.01am on Saturday 17 October.
13 October 2020
The ful list of local Covid alert levels by area, can be found on the government's website.
Government's Job Support Scheme expanded to firms required to close due to Covid restrictions. (external link to government's website)
30 September 2020
Face coverings in private hire vehicles and taxi's
The most recent Government guidance on the issue of public transport ( including taxis and PHV) was updated 24th September to take account of The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place and on Public Transport) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 and can be found on the Government website.
The guidance under the heading of “Passenger compliance with face covering regulations on public transport services and at transport hubs” says “ The regulations give operators (including taxi and private hire vehicle drivers) powers to deny access to their services if a passenger is not wearing a face covering, or to direct them to wear one or leave a service if they are not wearing a face covering.
If passengers fail to comply with operators’ encouragement and instructions, without a legitimate exemption, the police have powers to issue a fixed penalty notice.
Where a passenger seeks to rely on an exemption from the requirement to wear a face covering, those seeking to enforce the requirement should take a proportionate approach to the evidence they require in support of that reliance. By way of example, it is not envisaged that people relying on an age, health or disability related exemption will routinely be required to produce any written evidence in support of their reliance. People who are exempt may choose to use operator or government issued cards or badges to avoid challenge. It is important to be aware that there is no requirement to do this, and some people may choose not to.
The guidance also sets out that:
“If a passenger is not wearing a face covering, operators and their staff have powers to:
- prevent access to a public transport vehicle, including to a taxi or private hire vehicle
- direct a passenger to wear a face covering in a public transport vehicle, including in a taxi or private hire vehicle
- leave a public transport vehicle, including a taxi or private hire vehicle
Operators have discretion over how they use these powers and it is recommended that they have a policy which they disseminate to their staff and drivers.
Police led: 6 enforcement
There are exemptions for certain categories who do not need to wear face masks on public transport, but asking this questions does not appear to be a breach of an Equalities Act duty and refusing to allow a passenger does also not appear to be a breach of Equalities Act and the guidance suggests very clearly that a driver can refuse to take a passenger on any reasonable grounds, which includes for not wearing a face mask
18 September 2020
Rule of Six
Regulations are now in force to ensure businesses comply with the rule of six and ensure social distancing between customers.
Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants in England will now need to take bookings of no more than 6 people, ensure people are not meeting in groups of more than 6 people on their premises, and make sure there is sufficient space between tables.
Services included in the new legal requirements are:
- Hospitality, including: pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes
- tourism and leisure, including: gyms, swimming pools, hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
- close contact services, including: hairdressers and other beauty treatment businesses, children’s centres plus facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres (for events) and libraries
Table Service Only
From Thursday 24th September, all pubs, bars and restaurants will be restricted to table service only. Takeaways can continue.
Face Coverings
Staff in hospitality venues must now wear masks, as must customers when not seated at their table to eat or drink.
Closing Time
From Thursday 24th September hospitality venues must close at 10pm. This means the business closes at 10pm and not a last orders call.
Information for Test and Trace
From Friday 18th September it has been a legal requirement for a wider range of businesses and organisations, including: hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues to collect customer, visitor and staff contact detail logs. This information is vital for the NHS Test and Trace service in England to contact the necessary people if coronavirus outbreaks are identified in a venue.
NHS QR Poster
From Thursday 24th September, the businesses detailed above must display the official NHS QR code poster to make it easier for people to check-in at different premises once the app is rolled out nationally. If individuals choose to check-in using the QR code poster they do not need to log in via any other route.
An NHS QR poster can be obtained by clicking on the following link and following the steps;
https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster
Penalties
Businesses can be fined up to £10,000 if they take reservations of more than six, do not enforce social distancing, or do not take customers' contact details.
The penalty for individuals (staff and customers) not wearing a face covering, or individuals breaking the ''rule of six'' has doubled to £200 for a first offence.
12 August 2020
Derbyshire County Council has added some handy information to their website about the NHS's Test and Trace system for individuals and businesses, including a British Sign Language video.
3 July 2020
Aesthetic Clinics
When Government Departments recently formulated the upcoming phase of relaxing lockdown, they considered businesses providing beauty/cosmetic treatments and concluded that they should remain closed. We also understand a Parliamentary Cross-Party Committee has also recently made a similar recommendation.
There will be further announcements from the Government when they consider that Beauty Salons may open again. Any Derbyshire based business can obtain advice and information from us. Please complete our business advice request form and we will respond to you.
If you complete this form and provide your email address, we will also notify you when we are made aware of any changes in the situation.
24 June 2020
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
12 June 2020
Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund
Please note: The deadline for applications to Phase 2 of the NEDDC Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund (below) is 23:59 on Sunday 21 June. Any applications received after this will not be processed. Although demand has been extremely high, we may open Phase 3 subject to any funding remaining so please keep checking our website for updates.
Following the success of phase one of the Discretionary Grants Fund, to help small businesses in the District access funding support, we've now reviewed the criteria based on our experience of the applications received so far, to better meet small business needs.
Following the success of Phase 1 of the Discretionary Grants Fund to help small businesses in the District access funding support, the Council has now reviewed its criteria based on our experience of the applications received so far to better meet the needs of our small businesses. We have reduced the qualifying levels for ongoing fixed property costs and loss of income and are now opening Phase 2 for applications from 12 June 2020.
Grants of £10,000 are available to small businesses that are not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund, the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund or other central government support schemes and can evidence ongoing fixed property-related costs and a drop of income due to Coronavirus restriction measures.
For more information please download our Discretionary Grants Fund Guidance. to check your eligibility before completing the Online Application. In exceptional circumstances where an applicant does not have internet access, a postal application form can be requested from NEDDC Customer Services on 01246 231111.
Please note, there is no need for businesses that have already applied under Phase 1 to re-apply as all applications will be re-assessed against the new criteria. This will include those that have been notified they were unsuccessful or have been awarded less than £10,000.
9 June 2020
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue service have put together some information to help businesses with fire safety checks when returing and re-opening their premises. Please view the fire safety information booklet (.pdf | 395kb).
1 June 2020
Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund
The Government has provided Local Authorities with additional funding to target small businesses with high fixed property-related costs but that are not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund, the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund or other central government support schemes that are able to demonstrate a significant drop of income due to Coronavirus restriction measures. Grants of £25,000, £10,000 and under £10,000 are available depending on the relative costs borne by businesses.
The Fund is now open for Online Applications which is the route for all applications. In exceptional circumstances where an applicant does not have internet access, a postal application form can be requested from NEDDC Customer Services on 01246 231111.
29 May 2020
Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund
The Government has provided Local Authorities with additional funding to target small businesses with high fixed property-related costs but that are not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund, the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund or other central government support schemes that are able to demonstrate a significant drop of income due to Coronavirus restriction measures. Grants of £25,000, £10,000 and under £10,000 are available depending on the relative costs borne by businesses.
For more information please download our Discretionary Grants Fund Guidance document.
The funding application process will be online, except in exceptional circumstances where an applicant does not have internet access. It is intended to launch the fund on Monday 1 June, so please keep checking the NEDDC website for details of how to apply.
25 May 2020
On 25 May, the Prime Minster set out timeline for retail businesses to reopen in June:
- Outdoor markets and car showrooms will be able to reopen from 1 June 2020, as soon as they are able to meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines to protect shoppers and workers.
- All other non-essential retail including shops selling clothes, shoes, toys, furniture, books, and electronics, plus tailors, auction houses, photography studios, and indoor markets, will be expected to be able to reopen from 15 June 2020 if the Government’s five tests are met and they follow the COVID-19 secure guidelines.
- Businesses will only be able to open from these dates once they have completed a risk assessment, in consultation with trade union representatives or workers, and are confident they are managing the risks. They must have taken the necessary steps to become COVID-19 secure in line with the current Health and Safety legislation.
- Hairdressers, nail bars and beauty salons, and the hospitality sector, remain closed, because the risk of transmission in these environments is higher where long periods of person to person contact is required.
Business closures
Certain businesses and venues are still required by law to stay closed to the public. These include:
- Restaurants and cafes, other than for takeaways
- Pubs, cinemas, theatres and nightclubs
- Hair, beauty and nail salons
- Libraries, community centres, and youth centres
- Some leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, gyms, arcades and soft play facilities
- Some communal places within parks, such as playgrounds and outdoor gyms
- Places of worship (except for funerals)
- Hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for commercial/leisure use, excluding use by those who live in them permanently, those who are unable to return home and critical workers where they need to for work
Please keep checking GOV.UK (external link) for the latest updates on what businesses can open or must remain closed.
Working safely
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic has been published on the government's website (external link).
There are eight guides that cover a range of different types of work (external links):
- Construction and other outdoor work
- Factories, plants and warehouses
- Labs and research facilities
- Offices and contact centres
- Other people's homes
- Restaurants offering takeaway or delivery
- Shops and branches
- Vehicles
Businesses may need to use more than one of these guides to help keep employees and the public safe.
22 May 2020
From Tuesday 26th May 2020, small & medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying Covid 19-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
To use the online service you will need the Government Gateway user ID you got when you registered for PAYE Online. If you did not register online you will need to enrol for the PAYE Online service. Find your lost Government Gateway user ID if you do not have it. If you use an agent who is authorised to do PAYE online for you, they will be able to claim on your behalf.
13 May 2020
Coronavirus Business Trade Update
12 May 2020
Self employed income support scheme (SEIS)
Chancellor extends furlough scheme until October
28 April 2020
Small businesses boosted by bounce back loans
15 April 2020
6 April 2020
In figures. What the Council has been doing since the coronavirus crisis hit our district.
3 April 2020
Council to provide £20m+ of support to businesses during COVID-19 outbreak
27 March 2020
D2N2 Growth Hub – providing support for businesses during the Coronavirus crisis.
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
24 March 2020
Extra protection for businesses - Commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of coronavirus will be protected from eviction.
23 March 2020
British Business Bank - The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) opens for applications from 23 March 2020 and can provide facilities of up to £5m for smaller businesses across the UK who are experiencing lost or deferred revenues, leading to disruptions to their cashflow. Apply on the British Business Bank website.
You can also receive email updates on local crime informaiton and new scam's to avoid on the Derbyshire Alert website.
The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. Find out more about these updated packages of support.
Business Support Links
Business rate advice - The Chancellor announced in last week’s Budget that the current 50% retail discount would be increased to 100% for 2020-21 and expanded to include all occupied retail, leisure and hospitality premises. Guidance is provided on the types of use that will be eligible for the discount. Broadly they are hereditaments that are being used for the following purposes:
- a. as shops, restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues,
- b. for assembly and leisure; or
- c. as hotels, guest and boarding premises and self-catering accommodation.
The Council will be fully funded for the cost of the discount.
Government announces protection for renters and landords affected by coronavirus
Government support and advice for businesses
Derbyshire County Council support for residents and businesses
NHS guide to Coronavirus and what to do if you think you or any of your employees might be infected.
The World Health Organisation has more detailed information including videos on best practice and posters to download to inform your workforce. There’s also a useful myth-buster section and advice on when face masks are appropriate.