22 June 2021

This update covers:

  • Scotland’s easing of Covid-19 restrictions delayed.
  • Wales pauses Coronavirus rules to help boost against the new delta variant.
  • Updates to the Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices.
  • Eviction protection extended for businesses most in need.
  • England: Additional Restrictions Grant extension.
  • Covid-19 restrictions key dates across the four nations.

Scotland’s easing of Covid-19 restrictions delayed

Scotland: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that plans to move to Level 0 on 21 June in Scotland will be delayed until 19 July.

All close contact services, including mobile, may continue to operate providing they follow Scottish Government guidance. Those providing such services are now able to travel and carry out these services across Scotland, with the exception of any areas which are in Level 4.

Click here to read the First Minister’s statement.

Click here for the close contact services guidance.

 

Wales: First Minister Mark Drakeford announced a 4-week pause to the coronavirus rules on Friday to help boost protection against the new delta variant.

Although there will be no substantive changes to the rules for a 4-week period. The regulations will be reviewed again on 15 July. Some small technical amendments are being made to the coronavirus regulations to make them easier to understand and easier to apply for businesses.

Read the First Minister’s statement here.

 

Updates to the Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices

Find an apprenticeship is the official Government website for apprenticeship opportunities in England and is used by thousands of registered candidates, including those that have been affected by redundancy.

From 21 June 2021, all opportunities will be advertised on Find an apprenticeship’s website.

The change will help increase interest in employers' opportunities by making it easier for apprentices to search and apply. In addition, received applications are easy to manage and in one place, with the ability to direct candidates to recruitment sites if needed.

Recruiting apprentices who have been made redundant

To advertise an opportunity, employers need to create an apprenticeship service account, or sign in if they already have one, and select ‘Your apprenticeship adverts’ under the ‘Apprenticeships’ section. This support video guides employers through the recruitment process step-by-step.

Taking on apprentices, what you need to know from NHBF.

 

Eviction protection extended for businesses most in need

The Government has announced an extension to the eviction ban in England. Current measures will now be extended until 25 March 2022. This means that salons and barbershops are now protected from eviction for non-payment. 

In Wales, the eviction ban has been extended to 30 September 2021.

The ban does not apply to eviction for other breaches of the lease. You can negotiate with your landlord if you are finding it difficult to pay the rent. NHBF Members can download our fact sheet on how to do this and get the best deal for you and your business.

Read the full Government announcement here

 

England: Additional Restrictions Grant extension

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) provides local councils with grant funding to support businesses in England that are severely impacted by the pandemic. As Step 4 of the roadmap out of restrictions has been delayed for up to 4 weeks, the Government has extended the spending allocation deadline to 30 July 2021. Find out more on the Government website.

Local councils decide how much grant they will provide and who will receive it. If you have not been eligible previously, we urge you contact your local authority as the Government has updated the guidance to encourage them to allocate it out more widely. Businesses have until 30 June to apply. Click here to find your local authority.

Read our four nations’ FAQs which include links to the latest government guidance that must be followed.

England: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now allowed to open under government Coronavirus guidelines. Saunas and steam rooms are allowed to open under step 3 of the roadmap which started on 17 May 2021. Find out more on the government website.

Wales: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now allowed to open under government Coronavirus guidelines.

Scotland: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now allowed to open under government Coronavirus guidelines.

Northern Ireland: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now allowed to open under government Coronavirus guidelines.
Coronavirus: Business closures and restrictions in Northern Ireland.


See all updates