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Last Updated: 17th May 2020

Statutory sick pay (SSP)

• For a maximum of two weeks per employee, the government  will  refund SSP payments to employers for COVID–19 related absences (current rate £95.85 per week)

• This applies to employers with less than 250 employees

• Details of the means of repayment will be announced over the forthcoming months

• This applies to self isolation where either the employee or a family member has symptoms

• SSP is available to employees from day one i.e. the usual three waiting days will not apply (providing the period of absence started on or after 13 March)

• Each employee must meet the usual criteria of earning an average of at least £120 per week

• A GP fit note will not be required

Full records of the absence must be kept by employers

Insurance

The Government have now declared COVID-19  to be a notifiable disease. Unfortunately, standard business interruption insurance does not normally include pandemics. Having said that, if you have previously put in place cover for both pandemics and government ordered closure, then the government and insurance industry have confirmed that advice to avoid pubs, theatres etc. is sufficient to make a claim.

• Check your policy

Protection from eviction for commercial tenants

No business will be forced out of their premises if they miss a payment up to 30 June. You should still pay your rent if you can and it is best to talk to your landlord if you have payment difficulties.

Help for Individuals

We’ve covered the government help available for businesses in details, but what is available to help you as an individual if you are having problems paying your bills?

• Three month mortgage payment holiday - contact your bank to apply for this

• Rent – speak to your landlord and see if you can have longer to pay. Don’t worry about being evicted, there has been a temporary stop on evictions until the end of Jun.

• Personal loans and credit cards – you can ask your lender for a three month freeze on repayments 

• Up to £500 of overdraft borrowing with no interest for three months – talk to your bank or check their website 

• The financial conduct authority is also proposing similar measures for car finance, rent to own agreements, buy now pay later agreements, and pawnbroking, but these have not yet been confirmed. However it is worth checking with your provider as many organisations are already offering help. 

• Energy bills – speak to your energy company and they will try to help. 

• Council tax – check if your local authority is offering deferrals or reductions 

• Tax – you can delay paying your 31st July tax payment on account until 31st of January 

• if you are on a low income, below pension age, and you and your partner have less than £16,000 in savings then you might be eligible for universal credit. Check it out here https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit 

Please note that the above is intended as a summary guide only. Please take further advice or check the detailed Government guidance before taking any action.