This special edition of Maritime Connection COVID-19 UK Maritime SME Business Support – how to access support, assess eligibility & how to apply

The Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will support self-employed individuals (including members of partnerships) who have lost income due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

This scheme will allow you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months. This may be extended if needed.

Claim a grant through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme.

The Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF, the Facility) will provide funding to businesses by purchasing commercial paper of up to one-year maturity, issued by firms making a material contribution to the UK economy. It will help businesses across a range of sectors to pay wages and suppliers, even while experiencing severe disruption to cashflows.

The Chancellor announced on Friday 20 March the establishment of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Any employer in the UK – small or large, charitable or non-profit – will be eligible for the scheme. More information will be made available soon.

If your business is genuinely affected by COVID-19 you can contact HMRC support and ask to defer VAT/ PAYE and Corporation Tax. Contact the HMRC COVID19 Support Line on 0800 0159 559.

Government Guidance

Guidance for employees
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees

Guidance for employers and businesses
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

Guidance for staff in the transport sector
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-staff-in-the-transport-sector

Guidance on cruise ship travel
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cruise-ship-travel

Shipping and sea ports guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-shipping-and-sea-ports-guidance

Advice for the freight transport industry
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-freight-transport

Advice to small businesses
https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/advice-to-small-businesses-and-fsb-members-about-the-novel-coronavirus-covid-19.html

ACAS: has published information for employees and employers, including information on simple steps to help protect the health and safety of staff, sick pay and absence from work.
https://www.acas.org.uk/

Provides information on coronavirus in Scotland and relevant updates for businesses including advice and guidance, news and publications on their website. It has also announced a package of support with funding to be offered to owners of all full time Scottish registered fishing vessels of 12 metres length and under.

Provides information on business advice and support available in Scotland. This includes HMRC information, measures of support for businesses affected by COVID-19, guidance for employers and employment advice. They are also running a helpline which is open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:30. Visit their website or call the helpline on 0300 303 0660.

Provides regular updates to industry stakeholders including on specific actions being undertaken and latest industry feedback. To request these updates contact enquiries@seafoodscotland.org.

Welsh Government:

Announced a support package to assist businesses affected by COVID-19. Find out more on their website.
https://gov.wales/coronavirus

Business Wales:

Has advice on its website for Welsh businesses. The phone number for further advice is 0300 060 3000.
https://businesswales.gov.wales/coronavirus-advice