Additional Information

Government announces roadmap taskforces
New ministerial-led taskforces have been set up to plan how closed sectors can reopen safely.

These taskforces will be crucial to the reopening of Britain’s economy and each one will lead on developing new COVID-19 secure guidelines for the reopening of public places and businesses, where and when it is safe to do so.

The five new ministerial taskforces will look at the following sectors:

• pubs and restaurants (Department for Business, Energy and industrial Strategy)
• non-essential retail (including salons) (Department for Business, Energy and industrial Strategy);
• recreation and leisure, including tourism, culture and heritage, libraries, entertainment and sport (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
• places of worship, including faith, community and public buildings (Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government)
• international aviation, reflecting the unique challenges that sector is facing (Department for Transport)

New guidance for Safer Travel and Safer Transport Operations

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators - This guide will help businesses, agencies and others understand how to provide safer workplaces and services for themselves, their workers and passengers across all modes of private and public transport. It outlines measures to assess and address the risks of coronavirus in the transport sector across England.

Guidance for passengers on how to travel safely – This guidance provides advice on how passengers should make journeys safely. The advice sets out that if people who cannot work from home and have to travel for work, they should first consider alternatives to public transport. Those driving their own cars have been asked to avoid busy areas. For those who have to use public transport, the guidance recommends:

• Keeping 2 metres apart wherever possible;
• Wearing a face covering if you can;
• Using contactless payment where possible;
• Avoiding rush hour travel where feasible;
• Washing or sanitising your hands as soon as possible before and after travel;
• Following advice from staff and being considerate to others.

All the latest guidance for people using transport or working in the transport sector during the coronavirus outbreak can be found here.

Government to support businesses through Trade Credit Insurance guarantee

Businesses with supply chains which rely on Trade Credit Insurance and who are experiencing difficulties maintaining cover due to Coronavirus will get support from the government. The Government will temporarily guarantee business-to-business transactions currently supported by Trade Credit Insurance, ensuring the majority of insurance coverage will be maintained across the market. This will support supply chains and help businesses to trade with confidence as they can trust that they will be protected if a customer defaults on payment. HMG's Trade Credit Insurance (TCI) guarantee will cover over £171 billion business activity currently insured and the transactions between around 13000 suppliers and 650,000 buyers. You can find further information here.

Late payments

Contact the Office of Small Business Commissioner (SBC) for advice and help on late payment issues for small business (under 50 staff): enquiries@smallbusinesscommissioner.gov.uk 

Imports & Exports: Department for Trade (DIT)

DIT has established a Business Taskforce in response to COVID-19 to support UK businesses. It will deal with external issues relating to exports and imports. Its objectives are to collate and analyse business intelligence; engage and support businesses; and feed into XHMG policy.

Call: 0800 0159 559

Email: covid19@trade.gov.uk

Annual General Meetings

Visit the Chartered Governance Institute (ICSA) website for guidance on contingency plans for AGMs

Email: policy@icsa.org.uk 

Call for the Production of Ventilators & Ventilator Components

BEIS is looking for organisations that can support in the supply of ventilators and ventilator components across the United Kingdom as part of the Government's response to COVID-19. An online form can be completed https://ventilator.herokuapp.com  

Remote Working

See below for some guidance on remote working for businesses.

Government Preparedness and General Advice

Click here for access to the following information:

• Government coronavirus action plan
• Public information campaign

See also guidance for employees, employers and businesses

Official Government guidance on social distancing

See the document at the end of this page on Cleaning for Accommodation Providers by Micronclean

Medical Advice

Visit the NHS website for the latest medical advice and guidance  

Call: 111 for further information

See also: Public Health Blog Post

Employment Advice

Visit the ACAS if you need support with the following: