Coronavirus (COVID-19):
information for businesses

From Monday 19 July, the government has confirmed it is lifting restrictions across most areas. This means that all businesses, including nightclubs, festivals, and sporting events are able to reopen at full capacity.

All businesses should follow the principles set out in the working safely guidance (GOV.UK).

Tell us about a business that is not following the guidance:

• call 0117 922 2500
• email health.safety@bristol.gov.uk

Discretionary schemes

The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) is closed to new applications.

A new grant scheme will be available soon in 2022 to support businesses impacted by  the COVID-19 Omicron variant. 

We expect more funding to be available for the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) scheme. We'll publish the details on this page and in our business newsletter as soon as possible.

Other loans and grants you can apply for

• The Recovery Loan Scheme (GOV.UK) supports access to finance for UK businesses as they grow and recover from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic
• National Lottery Community Fund, for organisations supporting people and communities affected by COVID-19

Use the business support finder on GOV.UK to see what support is available for your business.

Retail, leisure and hospitality business can ​​​apply for a business rates discount for the 2021 to 2022 tax year.

• Read guidance for working safely during coronavirus (GOV.UK) 
• Report a suspected coronavirus outbreak

Test and Trace in the workplace

Read government guidance for NHS Test and Trace in the workplace on GOV.UK.

You must display an NHS Test and Trace QR code in your workplace. Create a QR code on GOV.UK.

Specific sector guidance

Make sure your business reopens in a COVID-secure way by reading our guidance for:

• hospitality businesses
• outdoor events: restarting outdoor events and activities

Face coverings

Face masks will no longer be a legal requirement from 19 July:

• businesses will need to set the rules for their own premises, customers should be encouraged to wear face coverings and to make space where possible, and all staff have appropriate protection especially when dealing directly with customers
• individuals are encouraged to consider their own risk and exercise judgment, people should follow the rules set by the retailer, hospitality venue or transport company they're using
• advice remains in place around wearing a mask in enclosed and crowded spaces such as public transport to reduce the chance of catching COVID-19 as well as preventing the spread of the virus to others

GOV.UK has information about support for businesses, including:

• the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ('furloughing' workers), which has been extended until 30 September 2021, read about the changes to the scheme 
• applying for more time to file your company's accounts with Companies House
• paying sick pay to employees (statutory sick pay relief package for SMEs)
• what to do if you can't pay your tax bill on time

Use the GOV.UK coronavirus business support finder to find out what support your business is eligible for.

• Working safely during coronavirus (GOV.UK)
• NHS Test and Trace in the workplace (GOV.UK)

Guidance for:

• businesses
• essential workers on exemptions to self-isolation
• adult care providers
• suppliers to the council on the delivery and performance on contracts
• hospitality businesses
• hairdressers, barbers and other close contact services (GOV.UK)
• health professionals (GOV.UK)
• shops and branches (GOV.UK)

You may be able to get help through the government's Self Employment Income Support Scheme. 

If you can’t work because you’ve had symptoms of COVID-19 or have self isolated, you can apply for:

• Universal Credit (GOV.UK)
• new style Employment and Support Allowance (GOV.UK)

If you’ve lost income because of COVID-19, you can apply for Universal Credit (GOV.UK).

GOV.UK has information about support with tax that's due.

Find out about:

• ‘furloughing’ staff through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on GOV.UK
• support with paying sick pay for staff who've been off work because of COVID-19, if you have fewer than 250 employees 
• the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme of £500 for eligible low paid workers whose earnings are affected by having to self isolate

Mental health support

• Thrive at Work has guidance for helping your employees stay mentally and physically well during coronavirus and beyond
• Business in the Community has a 'COVID-19: employee health and wellbeing' toolkit

Local

• Business West
• West of England Combined Authority
• Black South West Network
• Voscur
• Bristol Food Union

National

• The Federation of Small Businesses
• Enterprise Nation
• Creative England 
• National Council of Voluntary Organisations
• Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
• Bectu: the union for creative ambition
• Musicians' Union
• UK Hospitality
• Night Time Industries Association
• The British Institute of Innkeeping
• Equity 

If you're looking for temporary or new staff, email ways2work@bristol.gov.uk with information about the vacancy and we'll help promote it on the Ways2Work website.

Offer a work placement to people aged 16 to 24 through the Kickstart scheme.