Due to a rapid rise in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country, a national lockdown will be put in place to control the spread of the virus. The new restrictions will come into place on Thursday 5th November and will be reviewed on Wednesday 2nd December.
All of the details on lockdown restrictions can be found on the Government website.
Which businesses need to close?
The introduction of the recent lockdown restrictions has meant that certain businesses are forced to close in order to control the spread of the virus.
The following businesses will need to close from Thursday 5th November until Wednesday 2nd December:
All non-essential retail including; clothing and electronic stores, vehicle showrooms, travel agents, betting shops, auction houses, tailors, car washes, tobacco and vape shops.
Indoor and outdoor leisure facilities including; bowling alleys, leisure centres, gyms and sports facilities.
Entertainment including; theatres, cinemas, museums and casinos etc.
Personal care facilities such as hair, beauty and nail salons, massage parlours, tattoo parlours etc.
The full list of businesses can be found on the Government website.
Despite closures, there are ways for your business to continue operating. For example, if you are a non-essential store that has been forced to close, you can still offer a click and collect service. This also applies to hospitality where restaurants can continue to offer delivery or takeaway services.
We do encourage you to consider the different approaches that your business can take in order to continue operating. Whether that’s selling online, offering click and collect or building a new approach, try to find something that works for your business model.
What financial support is available?
Workers in the UK can retain their job through the job retention scheme which will cover at least 80% of their salary up to £2500 a month.
Small, large, charitable and non-profit employers are all eligible for the Job Retention Scheme.
Working from home
In order to control the virus, the new Government guideline have suggested that everyone who can work effectively from home must do so. If you are unable to do this then you should continue to travel and attend the workplace.
Further business support
If you are looking for further business support or advice, our team is available and will help you to find the right support.
To get in touch please contact 01661 823234 or email hello@smecofe.com
For full details on the new lockdown restrictions, please visit the Government website.