Since the first lockdown came into operation, I have been advocating in Parliament additional support for those groups who are distinctly impacted, across the country. In particular I have been making representations on behalf of the self-employed and the events, arts and hospitality sectors alongside their supply chains.
I am pleased the Chancellor has today announced a further and updated package of support for those areas under further restrictions. You can find a summary of these measures below, and full information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/plan-for-jobs-chancellor-increases-financial-support-for-businesses-and-workers
Grants for Tier-2 and Tier-3 Businesses
New grants scheme for businesses impacted by Tier 2 restrictions, even if they aren’t legally closed. Every business in hospitality, leisure & accommodation will receive a grant worth up to £2,100 every month Tier-2 restrictions apply.
These are additional to the grants of up to £3,000 available for businesses who have been legally required to close.
The grants are retrospective, so businesses can backdate them to August, if they’ve been operating in areas with enhanced restrictions since then.
Self-Employed
The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme will continue, with grants increasing to 40% of previous earnings, the maximum grant will increase from £1,875 to £3,750 There will be two further grant payments, covering the three months from November to January and February to April.
Job Support Scheme Open
- The Government will now pay at least 62% for hours not worked.
- The employer contribution cut from 33% to 5%.
- Employees now take home at least 73% of pay for working a new minimum 20% of hours.
Job Support Scheme Closed
To help businesses pay their employees’ wages if they are legally required to close due to coronavirus restrictions:
- Government pays 67% of employees’ wages
- Employers pay nothing towards wages