Stephens Scown: Plan B – what employers need to know

With the emergence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19, Plan B has been activated to limit its spread. What does that mean for employers? Government guidance for Plan B is for office workers to work from home where possible from 13 December 2021. MPs voted to approve measures on 14 December, which included daily lateral […]

A MESSAGE FROM CHAMBER CHAIR, CLODAGH MURPHY

There’s been highs and lows, freedom, and restrictions but what does 2022 hold? As we go into the Christmas break there is still uncertainty as to what the post-Christmas Day restrictions may hold. It is disheartening to see so many hospitality venues affected by cancellations this festive season, the knock-on effect to staff, suppliers, and […]

New help for businesses forced to close through Government restrictions

Financial help is available to local businesses that have had to close as a direct result of the new national restrictions that came into force from 5 November. The government has made local funds available as part of the (closed) (LRSG). Businesses that are required to close to the public and losing much of their income […]

HMRC invites hospitality industry to register for Eat Out to Help Out

Restaurants and other establishments serving food for on premises consumption can now sign up to a new government initiative aimed at protecting jobs in the hospitality industry and encouraging people to safely return to dining out.   The Eat Out to Help Out registration page went live this morning on GOV.UK, allowing businesses to join […]

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – What do we know so far?

  The Government announced an extensive package of support on Friday 20 March for employers coping with the commercial difficulties arising from Covid-19. This has been welcomed by employers, many of whom we have been speaking to, who have been extremely concerned about how to pay wages when revenues have dried up or they have […]

Free emergency helpline launches to support businesses affected by coronavirus

Businesses across the south west, who are facing changes to their working environments due to the coronavirus pandemic, will be able to access free advice and support on remote and home working with the launch of a new helpline. Cosmic, a Devon-based social enterprise specialising in all things digital – including digital skills training –  […]