Government announces new support for UK businesses
21 December 2021The government’s regulatory response to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been limited so far, with emphasis on rapid rollout of booster vaccinations instead.
The government’s regulatory response to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been limited so far, with emphasis on rapid rollout of booster vaccinations instead.
However, the government recognizes that the new variant presents particular challenges for foodservice and hospitality businesses – anecdotal evidence suggests that many are already seeing a sharp slump in custom.
A new support package has now been announced, covering businesses in England. £1bn has been allocated for grants to businesses affected by Omicron.
£683m has been allocated for direct payments to foodservice and hospitality businesses. Payments are available as follows:
Rateable value:
£0 – 15,000
£15 – 51,000
> £51,000
Grant available:
£2,700
£4,000
£6,000
Payments are made available on a per-premises basis, so a chain with multiple outlets would be eligible for multiple payments.
A further £100m will be made available to top-up the Additional Restrictions Grant fund for local authorities. £30m will be added to the Culture Recovery Fund and £150m will be given to Devolved Administrations.
In addition, the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme (SSPRS) has been reintroduced for UK-based businesses with fewer than 250 employees. This will cover the cost of up to two weeks’ statutory sick pay per employee, paid in arrears.
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