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Covid-19 –Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme

The Government have announced that the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, which will enable employers with fewer than 250 employees to claim Coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay will launch online on 26 May 2020.   Employers are eligible to use the scheme if:   they’re claiming for an employee who’s eligible for sick pay due to…

Company cars and fuel during COVID-19

If you are an employee with a company car, and maybe fuel provided, it is worthwhile considering giving up the car, or fuel, during the current pandemic if you are working from home or furloughed.   A company car benefit in kind (BIK) is a set amount based on the list price and emissions regardless…

Covid-19: Companies House dissolutions now put on hold

Like many Government departments, Companies House have relaxed various compliance requirements to support businesses to get through this Covid-19 period. In their latest announcement, they are making the following temporary changes to their strike off policies:   Voluntary (Form DS01 submitted) Strike Off Applications – Process halted after notice published in London Gazette. Automatic Dissolutions…

COVID-19 – Temporary Zero Rating of Personal Protective Equipment

HMRC have announced temporary zero rating of personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended for use by Public Health England.  This is good news for care homes and others that are incurring significant additional costs on purchasing PPE at the moment but are unable to reclaim VAT.  The zero-rating is effect for supplies made between 1 May…

Temporary changes to pension processes as a result of Coronavirus (COVID-19) relating to loan payment and rent holidays

Although some sectors of agriculture are weathering the coronavirus storm quite well for others there are serious issues. For those whose cash-flow has been particularly impacted and who have loans or rent, land or buildings from SSAS or SIPP pension schemes a recent announcement from HM Revenue & Customs may offer some help:-   HMRC…

Local Business Grants Scheme additional funds announced

On Saturday, the Government announced a top up to the local business grants scheme fund. While details are currently scarce, the scheme is aimed to help businesses that did not qualify for a grant under existing grant schemes.   The fund can be distributed at the discretion of local authorities, but will be aimed at…

Bounce Back Loan not available from your bank?

Business Bounce Back Loans are currently only being provided by the 9 main banks.   In addition, most of these banks are currently only making these loans available to their existing customers.   However, HSBC are accepting online applications from non-customers on their website.   For a the up to date list of lenders visit…

Coronavirus Bounce Back Loan Scheme Now Open for Applications

Key features of the BBLS:   The scheme is a 100% government backed initiative for small businesses.   You can apply* for a loan between £2,000 and £50,000 (up to a maximum of 25% annual turnover), for 6 years.   No repayments required for the first 12 months, and you won’t pay any charges should…

Self-employed invited to get ready to make their claims for Coronavirus support

The claims service will open ahead of schedule on 13 May with money in bank accounts by 25 May.   HMRC have announced that from today (4 May) businesses can either go online to check their eligibility or wait to be contacted by HMRC.   https://www.gov.uk/government/news/self-employed-invited-to-get-ready-to-make-their-claims-for-coronavirus-covid-19-support   Scams   HMRC will contact eligible customers to…

EU Settlement Scheme – How are you involved?

After reading a recent article in British Farmer & Grower magazine, it reminded me that although we as a country are going through a major pandemic right now, there is life after this. But what will life be like on Farms of the future with the majority of the seasonal workers having come from the…