On 17 March, the Chancellor announced an unprecedented package of government-backed and guaranteed loans to support businesses, making available an initial £330bn of guarantees – equivalent to 15% of GDP.

This was on top of a series of measures announced at Budget 2020, the government announced £30 billion of additional support for public services, individuals and businesses experiencing financial difficulties because of COVID-19, including a new £5 billion COVID-19 Response Fund, to provide any extra resources needed by the NHS and other public services to tackle the virus.

The government will take new legal powers in the COVID-19 Bill, enabling it to offer whatever further financial support it thinks necessary to support businesses.

Here you can find out further information on how you or your business can access if you are experiencing financial difficulties because of COVID-19.

To find the latest information on the government’s COVID-19 Action Plan you can click on the line here 

If you want more information about the situation in the UK, along with guidance for what to do if you think you’re at risk:
o Visit nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ for information about the virus and how to protect yourself
o Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service to check if you need medical help
o Visit gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public for more information

For specific information regarding small businesses, business rates, insurance and self-employment please see the links on the left.

For information for individuals regarding employment, statutory sick pay and Universal Credit please click here

We will be updating this page with any information that will be of use to employers and employees.

If you would like any of the stories emailing to you in a more reader-friendly format, please email office@shipleyconservatives.org.uk.