Coronavirus Support for Businesses
Financial Support
The Government has asked councils to create and administer some of its funding packages to help businesses impacted by lockdown restrictions. Please also see our Business pages to check eligibility and apply online.
Coronavirus (COVID‑19) support is available to employers and the self-employed, including sole traders and limited company directors. You may be eligible for loans, tax relief and cash grants, whether your business is open or closed.
Please use the Government's online checker tool to see what support is available for you and your business. This is kept up-to-date with the latest Government announcements.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The purpose of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is to provide grants to employers to ensure that they can retain and continue to pay staff, despite the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until 30 September 2021. From 1 July 2021, the government will pay 70% of wages up to a maximum cap of £2187.50 for the hours the employee is on furlough.
Employers will top up employees’ wages to make sure they receive 80% of wages (up to £2,500) in total for the hours the employee is on furlough. The caps are proportional to the hours not worked.
Find out more about how the scheme is changing.
Other financial support for businesses
The Government has put together a list of financial support measures for businesses during coronavirus, which is available on the GOV.UK website.
Support is available for:
Email Alerts
You can sign up to get email alerts when the Government adds new coronavirus business support information.
Non-essential retail
While non-essential retail shops must close to the public, they can remain open for delivery to customers and click-and-collect.
If you don’t already have an online store for your business, free advice and step-by-step store builders are available, including:
These businesses are not endorsed by the council.
Once you have sorted out your online store, delivery and click-and-collect must be organised in a COVID-secure way. You may need to look at specific guidance for vehicles and other areas if you are changing your business model. Please see Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) webpages on the GOV.UK website.
Coronavirus and Universal Credit
The schemes currently announced by the Government will not apply to every business and every employee.
If you do not qualify, you may wish to consider applying for Universal Credit. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Universal Credit website has provided information on coronavirus and claiming benefits. Please check their website regularly for updates on the arrangements the DWP is making to support those who are affected by coronavirus.
Please also see our Universal Credit page for more information.
Other Business Support
South East Business Hub
The South East Business Hub website has a section on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance for Employers and Businesses. Direct support is available from one of their local business navigators.
National Business Support Helpline
You can also contact the Government's Business Support Helpline for free advice, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.