Businesses eligible for support through the payroll co-funding scheme between 1 July and 30 September can begin making applications for the second phase of funding from 1 August. Businesses in the following sectors, that can demonstrate they are continuing to experience a significant drop in turnover as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, are eligible to apply for funding:
Retail outlets (excluding essential retail outlets)
Restaurants and other food and drink businesses (excluding takeaways)
Event companies such as those working in corporate events or weddings
Travel agents & tour operators
Arts, entertainment and recreation which act as tourist activities
Visitor accommodation
Taxi sector
This support will take the form of a reimbursement scheme, as it did in the first phase, where eligible sectors can apply for 80% or 100% minimum wage co funding depending on how badly affected they continue to be. The Scheme will run on a monthly basis, which will reduce the number of times business have to apply, and will be available until 30 September.
Similarly to the arrangements up until the end of June, eligible business with a turnover of more than 40% and up to 70% of normal levels will be able to apply for 80% of the minimum wage with business contributing the remaining 20% but those business that have seen their turnover reduce to below 40% of normal levels will still be able to apply for 100%.
It is acknowledged that other sectors and businesses, outside of those listed above, may be affected to some degree by the ongoing measures impacting travel and general Covid-19 conditions but for the vast majority of businesses this is not expected to be at a level requiring government support. If however, you believe your business continues to be heavily impacted then you can apply and your case will be judged on its merits with the likely need for additional information.
The application form will be available here on 1 August 2020 and anyone wanting to contact Business Support can do so in the usual way: [email protected] or Tel: 743803.
As has been previously stated, from 1 October, a grant scheme will be introduced to provide further support for visitor accommodation businesses, replacing the payroll co-funding scheme. Further information on this will be provided in due course.
