Step Up Somerset
Employers across Somerset can now gather information from the website www.stepupsomerset.org.uk on redundancy support for their workforce, staff development and offering apprenticeships or industry placements to young people.
The website also provides a platform for promoting any recruitment or development events available to attend.
Government guidance
Added on 14 July 2020 – Destroying spoilt beer, cider, wine or made-wine during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out about temporary changes to the destruction of spoilt beer, cider, wine or made-wine if you’re a brewer, cider producer, wine maker or publican. You can find out more here
Added on 9 July 2020 – Get more information about the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Get more help with registration, eligibility and how to offer the discount for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. You can find out more here
Added on 9 July 2020 – VAT: reduced rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions
If you’re a VAT registered business, check if you can temporarily reduce the rate of VAT on supplies relating to hospitality, accommodation, or admission to certain attractions. You can find out more here
Added on 18 June 2020 – Dairy Response Fund 2020
The Dairy Response Fund 2020 provides support to eligible dairy farmers in England who produce cows’ milk. You can find out more here
Added on 20 May 2020 – Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
£750 million is available to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts. You can find out more here
Added on 20 May 2020 – Apply for the Coronavirus Future Fund
This scheme will issue convertible loans between £125,000 to £5 million to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak. You can find out more here
Added on 7 May 2020 – Hardship fund for dairy farmers
Dairy farmers in England can apply for up to £10,000 in cash payments under a scheme to support the industry during the coronavirus pandemic. You can read more here
Added on 5 May 2020 – Updated guidance for working in people’s homes as a trades person, cleaner or nanny
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/social-distancing-in-the-workplace-during-coronavirus-covid-19-sector-guidance#overview
Added on 4 May 2020 – £14 million pound zoo support fund
If you run a licensed zoo or aquarium in England and are experiencing severe financial difficulties because of lost revenue, you can apply for a grant of up to £100,000. You can find out more here
Added on 17 April 2020 – Financial support for England’s fishing business
£9 million will be available for grants to eligible fishing and aquaculture businesses. A further £1 million will be made available to support projects to assist fishermen to sell their catch in local communities. You can find out more here
Added 7 April 2020 – £1.3 million fund to support destination management organisations
The funding will provide immediate financial support to DMO’s who are at severe risk of closure due to the pandemic. Find out more on GOV.UK
Added 6 April 2020 – COVID-19 Advice for Hospitality Sector over the Easter Holidays
Somerset Trading Standards is reminding owners of guest houses, campsites, restaurants, public houses, wine bars, cafes, canteens and other food and drink establishments to remain closed this Easter unless they are providing food for takeaway or delivery only. With very few exceptions they should be closed for commercial use until further notice.
Government guidance on business closures and other information for businesses can be found on the HM Government Business Support website and on this GOV.UK page
Updated 6 April 2020 – Guidance for employers and businesses on coronavirus (COVID-19)
You can find guidance to assist employers, businesses and their staff in addressing coronavirus (COVID-19) here
Added 1 April 2020 – Farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest Information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read this page for regular updates.
Added 31 March 2020 – Construction workers
Letter from the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma, to the UK’s construction sector.
Added 23 March 2020 – Producing hand sanitiser and gel for coronavirus (COVID-19)
Temporary changes to the use and supply of denatured alcohol and duty-free spirits, to help businesses who produce hand sanitiser and gel.