Latest News
New support measures
New support measures were announced on 21 December 2021, including the return of the national COVID statutory sick pay rebate and £1 billion of new grants for businesses in England. Read FSB's response here. Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises, plus more than £100 million discretionary funding will be made available for local authorities to support other businesses. Read our guide to COVID-19 funding for businesses.
Alert level two announced in Wales
From 26 December 2021, Wales will move to alert level two, which includes two metre social distancing requirements in public premises, the return of the rule of six, table service in licensed premises and attendance limits at events. Read FSB's response here.
A new funding package has been announced for hospitality, retail and leisure businesses in Wales. Read FSB's response here.
New restrictions in Scotland
The First Minister announced on 21 December 2021 that a range of new restrictions will be deployed in Scotland in the days following Christmas, including attendance limits at events and a return to physical distancing measures for hospitality and retail firms. In addition, new business support funding was outlined for businesses in Scotland. Read FSB's response here.
England moves to Plan B
On 8 December 2021, the Government announced that England was moving into COVID-19 response ‘Plan B’.
- The legal requirement to wear a face covering has been extended to most public indoor venues, including theatres and cinemas, with certain exemptions. Read our frequently asked questions about face coverings for your business. You can also read the Government guidance here.
- Working from home has been reintroduced. Where you have to go to your workplace, the government requests that you reduce your contacts there to reduce transmission.
- The NHS COVID Pass is mandatory for entry into nightclubs and venues where large crowds gather. This includes unseated indoor venues with more than 500 people, unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people and any venue with more than 10,000 people. The NHS COVID Pass can still be obtained with two doses of the vaccine, but the government is keeping this under review as the booster vaccines are rolled out. Alternatively, a negative lateral flow test can be shown. There will be a small number of exemptions for medical reasons and for those on clinical trials. Read guidance from the ICO on keeping your customer's personal data safe.
- New daily testing guidance has been introduced for contacts of positive cases.
What is the latest guidance?
With the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, information and advice from Government can change quickly. The best and most up to date source for guidance and information remains the Government website for your country. Find out more about restrictions in your area by choosing a country below.
Key information
Funding sources for businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
National grants and schemes available to small businesses and the self-employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Face coverings: What are the rules for businesses?
Our legal experts answer your frequently asked questions about the new rules on face masks across the UK and what your business should do.
Pay As You Grow and COVID loan repayment support
Resources and helplines you can turn to for advice regarding Pay As You Grow and repaying coronavirus loans if you’re experiencing financial difficulty.
We're Recovery Ready, are you?
As the UK enters the next phase of recovery, we’re here to support you through business recovery and growth. With challenges like the end of furlough, managing cash flow and rising costs on the horizon, our new hub is home to free resources and guides designed to help you thrive and grow.
Visit the hub
Looking after your mental health
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has left a deep and lasting impact on the mental health of millions in our country. Research from Mind revealed more than half of adults and over two thirds of young people said their mental health deteriorated during lockdown. Finding simple ways to manage your mental health and that of your colleagues, friends and employees is vital.
Key resources
Checklist: Looking after your mental health during COVID-19
FSB Care share advice for looking after your mental health and where you can go if you need support.
Checklist: How to support your employees’ mental health
Download our checklist from FSB Care on how you can support the mental health of your employees during COVID-19.
Resources to support your mental health during COVID-19
Resources to help support the mental health of yourself and others during the COVID-19 pandemic
Further resources
Learn new
skills
Find guides and resources to help you build your business skills in our Skills Hub.
Find local support
Free events for all small businesses to help you find support, build your skills and meet other business owners.
Managing Long-COVID
We cover what Long-COVID means for you as a self-employed person or an employer.
Is late payment holding you back? Read @TimesBusiness tips for reducing risk of unpaid invoices & find out how we can help you get paid on time ⬇️⬇️ thetimes.co.uk/article/how-ca… fsb.org.uk/campaign/late-…
Monthly insolvencies were up 20% in Dec 2021 compared with Dec 2020, and were 11% higher in 2021 than the previous year, according to @insolvencygovuk's latest figures. 🗣️We warn that many #SmallBusinesses are on a knife-edge in our reaction to the stats: fsb.org.uk/resources-page…
This report is a testament to the resilience of small businesses - the lifeblood of rural communities. But, the pandemic also demonstrates that rural businesses are having to cope with poor infrastructure and Government should do more to level the playing field for rural firms. twitter.com/NICRErural/sta…
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