7 September 2021

Latest NHBF update – 7 September 2021

This update covers:

  • Small businesses urged to file accounts early and online to avoid delays
  • Kickstart Scheme Grant
  • Updated advice for employers carrying out right to work checks during coronavirus (COVID-19) adjusted measures
  • COVID-19 guidance

Small businesses urged to file accounts early and online to avoid delays

September is always a busy time with many businesses due to file accounts with Companies House before the end of the month.
Online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week - and there are inbuilt checks to help you avoid mistakes.

To file online, you’ll need your company authentication code. If you need to request a new code, you should allow up to five days for this to arrive at the company’s registered office.

Kickstart Scheme Grant

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to create new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:

  • 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of six months
  • associated employer National Insurance contributions
  • minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions

Employers can spread the job start dates up until 31 December 2021. They’ll get funding until 30 June 2022 if a young person starts their job on 31 December 2021.

For more details

Updated advice for employers carrying out right to work checks during coronavirus (COVID-19) - adjusted measures

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, employers can continue to check an individual’s right to work remotely until 5 April 2022:

  • checks can currently be carried out over video calls
  • job applicants and existing workers can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals
  • employers should use the Home Office Employer Checking Service if a prospective or existing employee cannot provide any of the accepted documents

Checks continue to be necessary and you must continue to check the prescribed documents set out in right to work checks: an employer’s guide or use the Home Office right to work online service. It remains an offence to knowingly employ anyone who does not have the right to work in the UK.

COVID-19 guidance

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

Coronavirus: Business closures and restrictions in Northern Ireland
Coronavirus: Safer businesses and workplaces in Scotland
Working safely during coronavirus in England
Workplace guidance for employers and employees in Wales

See all updates