Here is the most up-to-date official support available to you – all in one place.
Last updated, 19th July 2021
We have compiled a list of the current official resources available to help business owners and employees during the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
We aim to continuously update this page in-line with the latest news, current advice and guidance to help you explore your business options during the months ahead.
Latest news
With lockdown restrictions easing across the UK, we are now in Step 4 of the 'Roadmap Out of Lockdown', take a look at the full roadmap and what this means for your business here.
The government announces £4.5 billion fund in one-off top up grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth up to £9,000 per property to help businesses. Find more information here.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until 30th September 2021, you can find out more about how the scheme is changing here.
Support for self-employed workers has increased through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). Those that are self-employed will now receive 80% of their average trading profits for November. Find out more here.
Employer applications for the UK government's Kickstart Scheme opened 2nd September, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs for young people. As an employer, you can check to see if you can apply for a grant through the scheme here.
Key official sources of information
World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 resources: The WHO is a reliable source of public health and travel advice, along with information on how to get workplace ready after lockdown.
British government coronavirus advice: The UK government's COVID-19 guidance and support hub, featuring recent announcements. Sign up to receive alert emails if coronavirus information is updated on the GOV.UK
NHS advice about coronavirus: Get the latest health advice on how to slow the spread of the virus and identify the symptoms from the National Health Service.
Financial support for employers
There is a wide range of financial support available to employers and the self-employed. Find coronavirus financial support for your business by using this business support finder.
Details of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Find out if you are eligible to apply for a grant that covers 70% of the usual monthly wage cost of each employee, up to £2,187.50 a month. Claims for furlough days in July 2021 must be made by 16th August 202.
Self-employed Income Support Scheme: This scheme allows those who are self-employed or a member of a partnership in the UK to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.
The Sustainable Innovation Fund: This fund was set up in June 2020 to help innovative businesses keep cutting-edge ideas alive and re-build their business.
The second stage of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is open for application. Find out if you're eligible to receive a government grant worth up to £7,500.
The government's Future Fund: This fund provides loans for innovative UK companies with the potential to grow during this period of disruption. Loans range from £125,000 to £5 million.
With multiple financial and funding options currently available to businesses, it's difficult to identify which is the right avenue for your business. Informed Funding offers practical suggestions on potential routes through the financial maze, including an introduction to potentially suitable funders. Either book a free 1 to 1 Financial Consultation, or join one of their upcoming webinars.
Information and advice for small businesses in the UK
The UK government gives guidance on how to create a safe workplace during the coronavirus pandemic.
Find advice from the National Federation of Self Employed & Small Businesses (FSB) on how to reassure your customers that your business is COVID secure and ready for business.
COVID-19 support for businesses (British Government) Targeted short-term advice for businesses from the UK government during the pandemic, including financial support options, advice on paying employees, and paying sick pay and tax.
Package of measures announced at Budget 2020: The UK government measures to support public services, individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19.
Employers and Businesses guidance: Information and guidance for employers, businesses and staff in remaining open during COVID-19 safely.
Government webinars to help your business: Free webinars hosted by the government departments to help businesses navigate and understand the support available.
Information about protecting your business, British Chambers of Commerce: A list of third party resources covering everything from policy changes to employee wellbeing and fraud to help support employers and employees during changing circumstances.
Supporting your business during coronavirus (Enterprise Nation): Proactive advice on how to keep trading through the pandemic. Pose a question and Enterprise Nation will aim to answer it within 24 hours.
Coronavirus advice for small businesses and the self-employed (National Federation of Self Employed & Small Businesses or FSB): Helpful information, FAQs, articles and more addressing the most pressing issues affecting small businesses and sole traders. Sign up to free webinars from FSB First Voice covering topics such as employment concerns, furloughing, pay roll issues, workplace pensions and working remotely.
Work safely during the coronavirus outbreak guidance from The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the UK government agency responsible for workplace health, safety, and welfare.
Talking with your workers about preventing coronavirus guide from the HSE.
Recovery advice for business: Free support from The Professional and Business Services Sector and Enterprise Nation to help small and medium sized businesses recover from the impact of Coronavirus.
Advice for event organisers
CREO (Coronavirus Response for Event Organisers): Support for events organisers during the crisis, set up by PPA Associate Member Guild.
Mental health and wellbeing support
Public Health England mental health guidance: Advice on how to look after mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak.
NHS: Mental Wellbeing while Staying at Home: How individuals can take care of their mind and body while staying at home because of COVID-19.
Mind: Coronavirus and your wellbeing: Practical advice for individuals feeling anxious or worried about coronavirus and how to take care of mental health in isolation.
Supporting the mental health of furloughed workers: The City Mental Health Alliance (CMHA) provides guidance for employers with plenty of tips and resources to support the mental health of furloughed employees.
Mental Health Foundation help: Tips on how to look after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak and links to helpful resources.
