Although this announcement was expected, and details of it widely publicised beforehand, here is what you need to know:

• The return of work from home guidance – From Monday (13 December), office workers should work from home, where possible, to reduce the number of people they come into contact with. Anyone who cannot work from home, due to the requirements of their employment, should continue to go into work.

• Mandatory Covid-status certificates in certain settings – From next Wednesday (15 December) ‘Covid passports’, demonstrating that a person has been vaccinated and taken a negative lateral flow test, will be required to enter some indoor and larger outdoor venues, including:
• nightclubs
• unseated indoor events with more than 500 attendees
• unseated outdoor events with more than 4,000 guests
• large outdoor events with crowds of more than 10,000 people.

A full list of conditions for this requirement can be found here.

• Mandatory face coverings in more locations – From 9 December, the rules on face coverings will be extended to hospitality venues, such as cinemas, theatres and places of worship. However, they won’t be needed in places “where it is not practical to wear one”, like when eating, drinking or exercising.

At present, the Government hasn’t given any indication of additional financial support to help businesses with these rules.

However, these new measures for England are much less stringent than those announced last winter and many similar rules are already in place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

While certain industries may experience a greater impact due to these changes, early indications are that the wider economy should be less affected due to the preparedness of many businesses.

Here for you

It is understandable, given the events of the last few years, that you may have concerns about the latest restrictions.

We just want to reassure you that whatever happens we are here and ready to offer our support, so let us know if you have any concerns.

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There is growing concern that we are heading towards another spike in infections and a move to Plan B – what does this mean for you?

What is Plan A? 

We are currently in Plan A. This strategy focuses on limiting the spread of COVID by:

• Ensuring as many people as possible are vaccinated
• Maintaining track and trace systems
• Providing additional support to the NHS and social care.

What is Plan B? 

Plan B would attempt to prevent a further rise in COVID hospitalisations and deaths.

This strategy could include the following measures:

• Communicating “clearly and urgently” with the public that the risk level has increased
• ‘Vaccine passports’ for entry to some indoor events and venues
• The return of mandatory face coverings in some indoor spaces
• Recommendations to work from home
• The public going “out of their way” to support and help the health service
• Recruiting NHS volunteers and encouraging retired healthcare workers to re-enter the health service.

The Government has not confirmed that it intends to bring in any of these measures but it is under pressure from the NHS and other experts to implement these restrictions before rates rise drastically.

Are you likely to be affected? 

While the new measures are by no means as strict as earlier lockdowns, they could affect how some businesses operate and elements of your daily life.

If you are concerned about the business implications please contact us.

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The UK economy grew by 4.8 per cent. However, this figure misses the Bank of England (BoE) forecast by 0.2 per cent, which expected a five per cent rise during the reopening of businesses.

Instead, the ONS discovered that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was uneven during Q2.

Thanks to Euro 2020, however, accommodation, food and retail services rapidly increased – providing the UK with a better chance at economic recovery.

This proves that the growth in the economy is due to sectors opening up that offer social experiences that were prohibited or limited during social distancing.

Education-based manufacturing bounced back during Q2 as the schools reopened too.

One industry that did not share the same recovery success was vehicle production, which fell by 16.7 per cent. The ONS states this is due to “a global semiconductor shortage”.

In June, the ONS states that the growth expanded by one per cent and revised the figure from 0.8 to 0.6 per cent in May.

The monthly growth was forecast at one per cent at the end of the second quarter, which is more than most experts predicted.

Need help or advice on related matters? Contact our experts today!

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• There will no longer be any limits on how many people can meet
• Social distancing is no longer required, except in some places like hospitals and border control
• Masks and face coverings are no longer a legal requirement
• Night clubs can reopen
• Restaurants and pubs are no longer required to only offer table service
• No limits on visitors to concerts, theatres or indoor events, including business conferences
• Fully vaccinated adults in the UK will no longer have to quarantine for 10 days after returning from nations on the amber list (the previous rules still apply if you are returning from France)
• Under-18s won’t need to quarantine
• Double-vaccinated adults do not need to self-isolate if they simply come in contact with someone who later tests positive (if they test positive themselves then they must self-isolate). 

Although not enforced, the Government also recommends that people try to meet outside instead of indoors, where possible, and it is encouraging the continued use of face masks in crowded public settings. 
The day will also mark the end of the ‘work from home’ recommendations made by the Government, however, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for businesses to attempt a “gradual return” to the workplace, where possible (although this will not be legally binding).
Employer obligations
Employers have many important obligations when it comes to the health and safety of their staff and visitors to their place of business. 
This means that whilst the rules have changed, they must still meet these important responsibilities. 
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all their employees at work. 
As a result of this requirement, where employers decide to remove the requirement to wear a mask in the workplace, reduce social distancing or remove screens they could potentially breach their duties as it may lead to an increased risk of transmission of COVID-19.
This duty is also extended to employees, who must take reasonable care for their health and safety and that of anyone who may be affected by their acts or omissions while at work.
Beyond these legal obligations, some employers may face challenges from staff and visitors over policy changes which they should be prepared for. 
Next steps 
With the new rules focusing on the responsibilities of individuals and businesses, instead of a set of legally enforceable regulations, there is not a single approach for managing the workplace post-Freedom Day. 
The steps that businesses decide to take will likely depend on how they operate, the risks to employees and staff and commercial considerations. 
With this in mind, employers should:

• Conduct a fresh risk assessment of their business in light of the new rules
• Ensure that all reasonable steps have been taken to protect the health and safety of those entering the workplace, including visitors and customers/clients
• Review whether employees need to return to the workplace full time or can continue to work remotely, or flexibly
• Communicate all new policies and procedures with employees and customers/clients
• Continue to monitor risks within the business, taking into consideration changes to the rate of infection
• Offer support to staff who continue to work from home, including supporting their well being
• Support staff returning from home working or furlough with additional training if necessary. 

The list of things for businesses to consider could be exhaustive, but they should focus on the points highlighted above to ensure they meet their legal obligations. 
Are there any financial implications to Freedom Day?
Although there aren’t any specific rules regarding financial elements of running a business, the 19 July does mark a turning point for many companies. 
For those in the hardest-hit industries, such as travel, leisure, hospitality and entertainment, the relaxing of rules is likely to be celebrated as it will allow revenues to rise once again. 
However, the changes also come at a time when many of the Coronavirus financial support mechanisms are being whittled away.
The Government has begun to wind down the furlough scheme by increasing employer contributions, reduced the lower threshold for Stamp Duty Land Tax and is tapering away business rates relief.
Many businesses are also having to contend with the repayment of loans, deferred VAT and tax. 
Here to help
As the pandemic restrictions draw to a close, we just wanted to reassure you that our experienced team are standing by to support you. 
Throughout lockdown, we have proudly worked with a wide range of businesses to overcome difficult and complex issues and our commitment remains the same as the UK looks to rebuild and recover. 
If you need advice or would like to discuss your plans for the future, please contact us. 

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• No repayments for the first 12 months
• All fees covered by the Government
• No interest payable for the first 12 months
• Unsecured lending, with no personal guarantees, up to £250,000
• No penalties for early repayment of the loan.

The replacement Recovery Loan scheme, which offers loans of up to £10 million per business, seems to be a riskier and less attractive option for many businesses and so it is important to act now if you require financial support from the CBILS.
To be eligible, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Be UK-based in its business activity;
• Have an annual turnover of no more than £45 million;
• Have a borrowing proposal which the lender would consider viable, were it not for the current pandemic;
• Self-certify that the business has been impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic; and
• Not be classed as a business or ‘undertaking’ in difficulty.

You will need to provide certain documents when you apply for a CBILS-backed facility. These requirements vary from lender to lender, but are likely to include:

• Loan amount, purpose, and term
• A short paragraph on the business background and how it has been impacted by COVID-19
• Last two full sets of filed accounts
• Bank statements covering November 2019 to present
• Shareholder and directors’ details
• Up to date management accounts
• Current debt position of existing loans and borrowing.

There are a variety of products available under the scheme, from various accredited lenders, including:

• Term loans
• Asset finance
• Invoice financing
• Property finance
• Debt refinancing
• Merchant cash advance

If you haven’t benefited from the scheme, but think that this finance could help you either now or in the future, it is worth considering taking out a CBILS loan before the application window closes.
Those who have already obtained one CBILS loan can take out additional finance via the scheme as well, while those who have previously taken out a smaller Bounce Back Loan can also transfer this into the CBILS and borrow more.
You will just need to ensure that you request enough funds to cover the cost of repaying your Bounce Back Loan, in addition to the extra funds you want to request through the CBILS.
To apply for finance via the CBILS, borrowers need to have started an application by the end of the day on 31 March 2021.
If you think you may need the financial support afforded by the CBILS it is important that you start your application soon. To find out how we can help you prepare an application, please contact us.

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