1 May 2020

This update covers the latest information about reopening, and the new funds available for small/medium sized businesses and newly self-employed people in Scotland.

Reopening – no confirmed date yet

Last night, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that next week he will publish a ‘comprehensive plan’ for reopening businesses. We are working closely with government officials on measures which would be needed for safe working in hair salons, beauty salons and barbershops.  It’s vital to protect the safety of everyone working in the hair and beauty industry as well as their clients. 

A decision on whether to further extend the lockdown period is expected on Thursday, 7 May. We will wait for the government to confirm its plans and will pass the details on as soon as concrete information is available. 

Applications now open for grants in Scotland

Applications are now open for new grants for Scottish businesses impacted by coronavirus. They include funding for:

  • Companies that are not eligible for other coronavirus-related support or haven’t yet received the support.
  • Those who became self-employed on or after 6 April 2019 and did not submit a self-employment tax return for 2018/2019.

Find out more on the gov.scot website.

Don’t forget – some support measures may vary depending on where your business is located in the UK. Find out more:

Report scams to HMRC

HMRC wants to hear about any suspicious emails, texts or phone calls you receive. For example, anyone who contacts you about a ‘tax rebate’ or to ask for financial or personal information.

Find out more.

You should also let the HMRC security team know if you think you have already passed on personal information in reply to a suspicious email or text. Contact the security team at security.custcon@hmrc.gov.uk. List the type of information you passed on but not the actual details. For example, you can say you revealed a password or user ID, but don’t repeat the actual password or user ID in the email to HMRC.

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