April 20 coronavirus update for businesses

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Furlough scheme extended until June

The chancellor has announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended by one month to reflect continuing social distancing measures, and the application portal is now live. Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "The opening of the Job Retention scheme is an important milestone for businesses, who can now begin to access the cash they need to pay their staff and protect livelihoods. The government deserves credit for the speed, scale and flexibility of its response to the challenges facing our business communities. The focus should now be on delivering this support to firms on the ground.

"Our research indicates that two-thirds of firms have furloughed some portion of their workforce. With April’s payday approaching, it is essential that the application process is smooth and that payments are made as soon as possible. Any delay would exacerbate the cash crisis many companies are facing and could threaten jobs and businesses."

Guide to the Job Retention Scheme, by Pierce

South Ribble businesses receive £20m

South Ribble Borough Council has distributed £20m to its businesses so far, including rate relief and more than £10m in grant funding.

The business support team has dealt with over 2,200 enquiries from businesses, with more than 1,200 applications for the Small Business Grant.

Councillor Paul Foster, leader of South Ribble Borough Council said: “Our staff are continuing to work around the clock to make sure that South Ribble businesses get the support they urgently require and receive the grant funding payments they need as quickly as possible. I am really pleased that we have been able to help so many local businesses already with the initiatives we have set up and we will continue to do whatever is required."

Businesses that think they are eligible and haven’t submitted an application are encouraged to contact [email protected]

Hotelier launches essentials delivery service

Tony Banks, managing director of Royal Hotels, has set up the Blackpool Essentials Delivery Service to enable residents in the town to purchase staple foods such as milk, butter, cheese, eggs, bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, and some sundry items and get them delivered to their doorstep.

The service is particularly useful for small households who don’t want to bulk buy. Supplies are being sourced from locally-based suppliers who have lost trade as a result of the widespread closure of businesses in Blackpool during the lockdown.

Tony, whose group runs six hotels in Blackpool, said: "We know that there are people on the shielded list and others who are vulnerable who want to buy food, but cannot get a home delivery service. As a hotel group, we have access to essential supplies and can get these at an affordable price. The service is open to anyone who requires it – we just want to do our bit to help Blackpool and let people know they are not alone."

Orders can be made by calling 07864 093748 between 9am and 6pm, seven days a week. A full list of services available to Blackpool residents can be found at www.blackpool.gov.uk/coronakindness

Recruitment firm has delivery drivers and chefs on standby

23 Hospitality, which usually provides chefs for top restaurants, hotels and high end events, has switched focus to help keep his team employed by offering supply staff for hospitals, hospices, care homes, schools and nurseries. The Poulton-le-Fylde business has worked with the likes of Simon Rogan’s restaurants, the Marriott and Crown Plaza hotels, and football stadiums including Liverpool FC, which have all been affected by the lockdown.

Owner Dan Robinson hopes his highly-experienced, fully-qualified chefs will be able to support front line organisations by using their valuable skills and expertise, but they are also willing to take on other roles in order to help out and secure employment during the crisis.

He said: "All of our chefs are self-employed and so the cancellation of the usual calendar of events has left them understandably worried about feeding their families and paying the bills. We quickly realised there would be a requirement emerging within these front line organisations and, at a time when everyone really needs to pull together, every member of our team has said they would be happy to step in to help wherever they are needed most.

"Many of these kitchens will struggle as staff fall ill or have to self-isolate, and gaps will emerge which our team can help to fill temporarily. It might not be the sector we usually operate in, but our chefs would appreciate the opportunity to play their part in the nation’s massive support effort by helping to feed those who need it."

Blackburn College students put in extra shifts

Four Blackburn College Level 3 Health and Social Care students are going above and beyond during the country’s Coronavirus pandemic.

Patrick Maynard, 18, is currently a first-year nursing Cadet who works part-time at Branch Court Care Home. He usually works around one shift a week but is currently doing three to four shifts to help with the demand. Charlene Brady, 17, is a second-year nursing Cadet and works as a Health Care Assistant for a care agency. As part of her work, she is currently attached to a Dementia Care Home in Clayton-le-Moors where she is spending more time to look after the vulnerable residents.

Lily Reedy, 18, is also a second-year nursing Cadet but works as a sales advisor in a local Superdrug store. The store is classed as essential as it includes a pharmacy, so she is working more shifts than usual to help upkeep service. Athena Smith, 17, is a second-year Cadet who works on the checkouts at her local Tesco store and, again, is working extra to support the public’s needs for necessities.

Claire Thompson of Blackburn College, said: “I am very proud of the hard work, dedication and commitment that these young people have shown to both their studies and their community at this challenging time. They are a credit to themselves and the college."