Additional Business Support If Lockdown Is Extended

Friday, 29 January 2021 18:23

Guernsey businesses and sole traders will be able to claim extra financial support from Monday 15 February, if the island is still in lockdown then.

Companies that don't operate from commercial premises will be entitled to a grant of £1,000, and those who do will be eligible for £2,000.

That's if they have monthly overheads of £500 or more, along with other criteria that have yet to be announced.

These grants are lower than last year, but P&R says this reflects the fact that the current lockdown may be shorter than last year's.

On top of that, if restrictions are still in place on 1 March, the payroll co-funding scheme will be extended from 80% to 100% of the minimum wage of £8.70 per hour for their employees.

The support would start from the March payroll costs, which would then be claimed from April.

"Since the start of this latest lockdown, we've moved quickly to provide reassurance to businesses that financial support is and will be available to those who need it. Although these latest measures refer to upcoming changes, we wanted to get the message out as soon as possible to allow time for businesses to plan ahead. We will continue to review these measures to ensure that businesses are getting the support they need.

"We have also taken the opportunity to seek feedback from industry representatives to ensure the measures are appropriate." - Deputy Mark Helyar, Treasury lead for P&R.

Eligible businesses can apply for 80% payroll support from Monday 1 February to claim for the period starting Saturday 23 January.