April 17 coronavirus update for businesses

Lancashire Business View's daily coronavirus updates are brought to you with the support of Boost, Lancashire's growth hub, and its #AskForHelp service. You're not alone in this.

What More UK manufacturing PPE for the NHS

What More UK has begun production of personal protective equipment for the NHS after retooling the machinery which makes its popular plastic boxes.

In response to the national health emergency, the company has announced that it will be producing parts for safety visors at a rate of 60,000 week "until the country has enough" says managing director Andy Holt.

Tony Grimshaw, company director, said: "In situations like this, times of national emergency, everyone has to play their part. We are proud of the way the nation has responded to this challenge and we are pleased to be able to offer our skills and expertise."

Government announces more details of Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

HMRC has now issued detailed guidance on how a business may make a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) grant claim. The online claim service will be launched on GOV.UK on Monday, 20‌‌ April. (HMRC has advised that you should not try to access the claim portal before this date as it will not be available.)

Previously, employees must have been on their employer's PAYE payroll on or before 28 February, but this has now been extended to 19 March. Employees that were employed as of 28 February and were made redundant or stopped working for you after that, and prior to 19 March, can also qualify for the scheme if you re-employ them and put them on furlough.

More information

Derian House shop suffers break-in

Derian House Children’s Hospice, which recently launched an urgent appeal as the coronavirus pandemic hampers its fundraising efforts, has suffered a break-in at one of its shops. The location was closed due to the lockdown and no cash or valuables were at the premises at the time, however the damage to the roof caused by the thieves will cost £1,000 to repair.

David Robinson, Chief Executive of Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “We’re really upset that we’ve been targeted in this way. The coronavirus outbreak has already meant that we have had to close our charity shops and cancel fundraising events, so to have to spend precious cash on repairing the damage done in this mindless act feels especially frustrating.

“Something like this is heart-breaking for our wonderful team of volunteers who work tirelessly and donate their time to running our charity shops. But, as ever, the local community have overwhelmed us with their support, with local roofers working nearby even offering to replace the missing slates free of charge.”