Latest Update Coronavirus

Business Support – Latest Updates

RBKC News, 15.12.2021.

From central government

-New COVID-19 restrictions – ‘Plan B’ information

On 8 December the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced England would need to follow the new ‘Plan B’ restrictions to combat the rapid spread of the new COVID-19 variant, Omicron. The following measures are now all in operation:

  • Face coverings are compulsory in most public indoor venues, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship
  • Hospitality venues are exempt, as face coverings are not required in places where eating, drinking or exercising
  • Those can, are to work from home. You can discuss with this with your employees
  • The NHS Covid Pass on the NHS App is mandatory to enter nightclubs and other venues where large crowds gather; this means over 500 people in indoor settings

It is recommended that you and your staff continue to take regular lateral flow tests to ensure the safety of your colleagues and customers. Free lateral flow tests can be ordered or you can visit your local testing centre.

From RBKC Council

  • Up-to-date COVID-19 guidance to operating your business and free useful resources can be found here.
  • Free lateral flow tests in Kensington & Chelsea can be ordered here.
  • The NHS is urging everyone eligible to get vaccinated against Coronavirus, in light of the new Omicron variant which is spreading in London.
  • You can book your first, second or booster dose of the vaccine online on the NHS website now or call 119, free of charge.
  • This service is currently open to anyone aged 18 and over or aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts you at high risk from Covid-19.
  • From the 15December the Science Museum in South Kensington will open as a vaccination centre, for walk-ins and pre-booked appointments five days a week, Wednesday to Sunday inclusive. It is open 8:30am to 7:15pm.
  • The Council has long recognised the positive contribution that outdoor hospitality makes to enlivening our streets and creating attractive and successful places for residents and visitors to enjoy. During the pandemic, when indoor dining was restricted, the opportunity to eat outdoors was valued and enjoyed by many who live, work or spend time in the borough. The Council is now consulting on whether to continue allowing hospitality businesses to trade outdoors after the temporary permission expires in September 2022. We would really value the views of businesses on this proposal. The consultation closes on 31st December and you can contribute using the following link Consultation

From London Business Hub

The London Business hub COVID-19 hub information to help with resources and information can be found here.

From HMRC

-Advice regarding tax and COVID-19 grants received – Grants and payments from schemes to support businesses and self-employed individuals during coronavirus are taxable and local authorities have already shared with HRMC details of the individuals and entities who were in receipt of COVID-19 support. So, all recipients need to include details of this support on their tax returns if you are:

  • self-employed
  • in a partnership
  • a business

The following grants and payments from COVID-19 support schemes need to be reported:

  • The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
  • Test and trace or self-isolation payments in England, Scotland and Wales
  • The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)
  • Eat Out To Help Out
  • Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate
  • Coronavirus Business Support Grants including Retail, Hospitality & Leisure and Local Authority Discretionary Grant Funds

Further details can be found here.