Businesses not able to trade during lockdown can now claim financial support.
The Policy & Resources Committee has reinstated the Payroll Co-funding Scheme.
Applications have opened today (1 February) for claims for the period from 23 January.
Payments will be made to eligible businesses on a monthly basis using an automated online claims process.
Firms that qualify will receive 80% of the minimum wage – which is now £8.70 per hour - for their employees, requiring them to top up the other 20% as a minimum.
The scheme is also open to sole traders and the self-employed.
Employers will be able to claim for the hours normally worked by their employees (or themselves if they are self-employed), up to a maximum of 42 hours per week.
The States of Guernsey estimated the support will cost £2.5 million per week, based on the previous lockdown.
The authorities have been asking that only those businesses with a genuine need claim the money, and that those with sufficient resources to cope with a short lockdown use them instead of turning to public funds.
A clause has been included this time to recover money paid out to those businesses that bounce back quickly and turn a profit this year.
The first £50,000 profit for self-employed or sole-traders will be exempt as it will be regarded as personal earnings.
The States has also announced that, should lockdown extend beyond 15 February, a grant scheme will be triggered with an immediate claims process.
Businesses which do not operate from commercial premises will be entitled to claim a grant of £1,000, and those which operate from commercial premises will be able to claim £2,000.
Payroll Co-funding will be increased to 100% from Monday 1 March if restrictions on trading are still in place.
The hardship fund has also been reactivated for individuals facing financial difficulties as a result of the lockdown.
The list of eligible sectors and details for businesses wanting to apply for payroll co-funding can be found here.
Individuals wanting to seek support from the hardship fund should email hardshipfund@gov.gg or call 01481 732516.
Guernsey's greenhouse gas emissions fall
Work on Guernsey's Victor Hugo Centre may begin by Easter '27
Channel Islands mobile portability issues to be resolved soon
Channel Islanders in the Middle East told to follow local warnings
Freehold of Guernsey's Premier Inn for sale
Unprecedented demand for cesspit emptying in Guernsey
Food will not be exempt from GST in Guernsey
Victor Hugo Centre fund reaches £7.5M
