COVID-19: THE LATEST
See our Covid-19 hub for news and updates.
England
Schools have reopened as part of the first step of the Government's roadmap for England. Non-essential retail, including hairdressers, nail salons and outdoor hospitality venues can reopen on 12 April, subject to vaccine deployment and infection rates.
Scotland
This week saw the Scottish Parliament dissolve ahead of the Holyrood elections in May, and many of the main business grant schemes north of the border close to application. However, operators in Scotland can still apply to their council for additional grant help. FSB is urging prospective MSPs to pledge to help local economies get back on their feet. Businesses in Scotland should refer to the official timetable for easing coronavirus restrictions.
Northern Ireland
The current restrictions will be in place until 1 April, after which point, some minor relaxations will be introduced. From 1 April, garden centres and plant nurseries will be able to operate on a click and collect basis. From 12 April, if ratified by the Executive, all of non-essential retail will be permitted to operate click and collect.
Wales
The First Minister has announced several dates in the coming weeks within which various parts of Wales’ economy can begin to reopen. Those firms required to continue to close will be eligible for an additional grant of £4,000 to £5,000.
TRANSITION
The transition period came to an end on December 31 2020. If you are a UK business which trades with Europe, you will need to change your procedures and complete additional paperwork. See FSB's transition hub for further advice.
Slovakia trade fair
Registration is now open for the online Slovak Matchmaking Fair 2021, organised by the Slovak Investment and Trade Development Agency (SARIO) on 25 May 2021. The event will include a mix of individual B2B meeting opportunities with panels focussed on automotive, engineering, energy, and IT industries.
LATEST NEWS
New rates relief
The Government has announced a fresh set of business rates relief for firms outside of the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors. FSB championed support for these businesses in the Spring Budget.
Supply chains and business rates
In an opinion piece for Business and Industry, FSB National Chair Mike Cherry explains how FSB is asking the Government to ensure that suppliers whose revenue has been impacted by Covid-19 do not pay tens of thousands in business rates. While the Government’s fresh business rates relief may help, FSB is now ensuring the money reaches those who need it the most as fast as possible.
Pay-as-you-go income tax
Plans for a new ‘pay-as-you-go’ income tax system for the self-employed will burden small businesses, FSB National Chair Mike Cherry told the Telegraph. He said: “Cash should be out there in the economy, spurring investment, job creation and growth.”
Reopening our high streets
Measures to support a safe and successful reopening of our high streets and seaside resorts have been announced by both the Conservative and Labour governments. We look forward to all parties creating more much-needed pro-business proposals like this.
Visa to raise fees after removal of EU cap
FSB’s Craig Beaumont told the Financial Times that small firms need protecting from a new set of card charges, adding: “It’s vital that small business and consumer sentiment isn’t stifled by rising card costs just as we’re trying to bounce back from a severe recession.”
IR35 changes
Employment and tax specialist Rebecca Seely-Harris has created an FSB guide to off-payroll working as changes to IR35 kick in on 6 April.
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