It’s week one under lockdown and we’re all feeling a little discombobulated.
Bet you never thought we’d be on a national lockdown for (looking like) much of spring!
Be honest, last week we didn’t even know what a lockdown was, we were oblivious to social distancing and didn’t think twice about hanging with a friend for coffee (certainly the idea of the police telling us to go home would have been unthinkable) – plus who panicked about people coughing on the tube before last week? But I bet you also didn’t think you’d be whooping thanks for the NHS with your neighbours banging pots and pans and clapping.
The world has indeed changed fast.
In the spirit of “this too shall pass” and leading with transparency and solutions we thought it time to start breaking down the practicalities of life under coronavirus.
Keeping safe and saving lives:
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- Government has issued a lockdown for people to Stay at home
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)
- Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Police have been given greater powers, including ability to give fines and disperse gatherings of more than 2 people, to make sure we are all observing the coronavirus lockdown
- Government has closed down all non essential goods shops (libraries, gyms, shops)
Advice coming from the SLC:
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- You should apply for next year’s funding as normal
- Students will be paid their third terms payment on time and as planned.
The Chancellor has spent A LOT of money to support as many jobs as possible:
- Companies:
- To minimise the number of job losses companies can apply for “Job Retention Scheme Grants” to cover a portion of the wages of people who are at risk of being let go – grants will cover up to £2,500/month
- All co’s eligible to apply for “Job Retention Scheme grants which will cover a portion of the wages of people who are at risk of being furloughed – grants will cover up to £2,500/m.
- Self-Employed:
- Income Support Scheme: workers can apply for a grant worth 80% of average profits for last 3 years, up to £2,500/month for three months
- This money will be paid in single lump sum – likely to happen at the start of June (backdated to March)
- To qualify, everyone needs to have filled in the latest tax return and if you haven’t yet filed it (tax year 2018-19) you have an extra 4 weeks to do so – without penalty.
More information at https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus. The Financial Times is doing an excellent job of tracking Corona live here.
Take care and have a great weekend – remember to #StayHomeSaveLives