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SELF EMPLOYED - Self-employed workers will be able to apply for a grant of up to £2,500 a month to help them cope with the financial impact of coronavirus, the chancellor has announced.

The money will be paid in a single lump sum, but will not begin to arrive until the start of June at the earliest.

Rishi Sunak told the self-employed: "You have not been forgotten."

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SELF EMPLOYED - We expect to hear today about help for the self-employed. 

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RETAIL SALES – Prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

In the three months to February 2020, the quantity bought in retail sales fell for the fourth consecutive month by 0.6%; this was across all stores except non-store retailing.

In February 2020, the monthly growth rate in the quantity bought fell by 0.3%, with a range of retailers providing feedback on the adverse effect of the extreme rainfall on sales.

When compared with the same month a year earlier, February 2020 remained flat; the lowest year-on-year growth rate since March 2013 at negative 1.6%.

Online sales as a proportion of all retailing was 19.6% in February 2020, up from the 19.1% reported in January 2020.

The data collection for the period was completed by 29 February and is largely unaffected by recent developments with the coronavirus; however, a small number of retailers suggested that online orders shipped from China were reduced because of the impact of COVID-19.

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CORONAVIRIUS JOB LOSSES - There has been an avalanche of claims for Universal Credit of 477,000 claims which is more than eight times the average and that has prompted online queues of tens of thousands of people trying to prove their identity.

Despite self-employed people remaining stranded without extra help, the government also refused to axe the five-week wait for payment.

One of the issues with ID checks is that robots could claim Universal Credit and there is an issue with trying to identify individuals quickly but without leaving the door open for fraudsters.

Despite self-employed people remaining stranded without extra help, the government also refused to axe the five-week wait for payment.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) plans to redeploy 10,000 back office staff onto the front line to help. So far 1,500 people have been redeployed already with 3,000 more due later this week. The DWP cut 19,000 odd staff not long ago and there are not enough front-line staff. 

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PRESS RELEASE – Community Express - The Association of Pension & Benefits Claimants CIC (ABC) prepares to trial a new service                                                                         

Date 25/03/2020 

Simon Collyer the founder of the Association of Pension & Benefits Claimants CIC is preparing to trial a new service in North Essex called Community Express. 

Simon had seen Food Bank clients, people struggling with heavy bags - mums with young children and elderly people some with walking sticks and decided to trial a service that would transport people to the Food Bank and back, or as may be needed to take food parcels to people’s homes. This is a very specific service for people who have very limited resources and who find taxis and public transport too costly. As bus and rail services have been trimmed, this service could be vitally needed. However, says Simon, as the virus spreads getting food to peoples home would reduce the risk of Food Bank volunteers being exposed to unnecessary risk.

The service could save lives and prevent coronavirus from spreading further.  

A very interesting suggestion was given to the ABC by a well-wisher that senior citizens need to get to the Post Office to collect pensions and visit the bank and so we want to extend the service to these people says Simon. 

We need some running money for fuel and leaflets and even a webpage and for companies willing to help out. Donations from £10 upwards would make a difference and help in kind to create 5,000 two colour leaflets would get us rolling.  

We are asking the Colchester Borough Council to wave any restrictions and licencing costs and for parking wardens outside banks or post offices to show some leniency. If we can get this going we can soon roll this out to the rest of North Essex and beyond. 

The ABC may charge a small amount but we will run the service for free if we can find enough sponsorship. We are also interested in hearing from car owners interested in joining us in case we need to upscale the service.

 We have been talking to the NHS and we will be taking every safety precaution deemed necessary. Colchester Food Bank is enthusiastic about trialling the idea but we do need some modest funding. 

We have approached some emergency funds that have been set up but it could days to get a response in the current climate. We need HELP now says, Simon. 

Simon has recently appeared for the third time on the UK national television evening news and with large scale layoffs happening around the world the ABC is getting noticed.

Editors please note:

 1)      Morgan Stanley’s Chief Economist is predicting 3.4 Million People Filed for Unemployment last week. This will be confirmed on Thursday 26^th March.

2)      21 April 2020 ONS UK Unemployment rate figures will be released.  

For more information contact:

Simon COLLYER

Association of Pension & Benefits Claimants CIC

Telephone: +44 (0) 1206 509623

Mobile:      +44 (0) 7842412389

Skype:       simon.collyer163

Email:         This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website:     www.abcorg.net

JOB LOSSES - Investment bank Morgan Stanley released a dire memo on unemployment as the U.S. jobs market continues to be buffeted by the pandemic.

The company predicted 3.4 million people filed for unemployment benefits in the week ending on March 21, five times more than the previous jobless claims record in a one-week period.

The figures should be out on Thursday. 

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DWP - Update. People receiving benefits no longer need to attend jobcentre appointments.

People will continue to receive their benefits as normal, but all requirements to attend the jobcentre in person are suspended. These changes will be in place for 3 months from 19 March 2020.

Anyone already claiming Universal Credit who thinks they may have been affected by coronavirus, should contact their work coach using the

• online journal, or
• calling the Universal Credit helpline.

On Friday the Chancellor announced that the standard rate in Universal Credit and tax credits will be increased by £20 a week for one year from 6 April.

People applying for Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance or other benefits should not go to a jobcentre but apply for them online.

Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives

Information for employers and businesses

The government has announced an extensive package of financial measures, including the Job Retention Scheme, a Statutory Sick Pay relief package for small and medium enterprises, and deferred VAT and Income Tax payments.

 Employers with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to reclaim Statutory Sick Pay for employees unable to work because of coronavirus. This refund will be for up to 2 weeks per employee.

Employers are urged to use discretion about what evidence, if any, is asked for when making decisions about sick pay. If evidence is required, employees can get an Isolation Note from NHS 111 online if they have symptoms, or the NHS website if they live with someone that has symptoms.

Coronavirus Business Support

The business support website is available to help businesses find out how to access support that has been made available, who is eligible, when the scheme opens and how to apply.

Advertising job vacancies

For businesses that find themselves needing to increase workforce as a result of the outbreak, such as food logistics, preparation and retail, please remember to post vacancies on Find a Job.

Suspension of face to face assessments for sickness and disability benefits

Face to face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits has been suspended.

This is being taken as a precautionary measure to protect vulnerable people from unnecessary risk of exposure to coronavirus.

We will ensure those who are entitled to a benefit continue to receive support, and that new claimants are able to access the safety net.

This affects claimants of Personal Independence Payment, those on Employment and Support Allowance and some on Universal Credit, as well as recipients of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. These changes will be in place for 3 months from 17 March 2020.

The suspension of face-to-face assessments also covers new claims to those benefits.

Find out more

£1bn package of additional support for renters

The Government has announced a package of measures to protect tenants and landlords affected by coronavirus. Renters will receive nearly £1bn additional support, through increases in the generosity of housing benefit and Universal Credit.

From April 2020, Local Housing Allowance rates will pay for at least 30% of market rents in each area.

Other measures to protect tenants and landlords include:

• Emergency legislation to suspend new evictions from social or private rented accommodation while this national emergency is taking place.
• No new possession proceedings through applications to the court to start during the crisis.
• Landlords will also be protected by extending the three-month mortgage holiday to Buy to Let mortgages.

As a result, no renter in either social or private accommodation will be forced out of their home during this difficult time. 

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THE PUBLIC  - who are forced to self-isolate but struggling to pay their bills can apply to receive a month of benefits without leaving the house.

The Department for Work and Pensions has rolled out this offer at jobcentres across the country to provide help to those who need financial support while taking precautions against or recovering from coronavirus.

Many people have been concerned about the need to go into Jobcentre Plus but this is not necessary.  The DWP have reduced staff by some 19,000+ people and senior staff are being drafted in the front line to fill the gap.

Universal Credit is to get a boost as the Government pumps almost £7 billion into the welfare system to protect people's incomes during the coronavirus crisis.

The Universal Credit standard allowance will be increased by £1,000 a year for the next 12 months, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said, while the working tax credit basic element will be boosted by the same amount.

The current standard allowance for Universal Credit is £251.77 if you are single and under 25, £317.82 if you are single and aged 25 and over, £395.20 (for you both) if you're in a couple and both under 25, and £498.89 (for you both) if you're in a couple and either of you are 25 or over.

Extra amounts are given if you have children. This includes £277.08 for a first child born before April 6, 2017, or £231.67 for a first child born on or after April 6, 2017, and £231.67 for a second child and any other eligible children.

You get an extra amount for any disabled or severely disabled child of up to £392.08.

Standard allowances from April

Single, under 25  - rising from £251.77 to £256.05 (equivalent to £3,072 a year)

Single, 25 or over  - rising from £317.82 to £323.22 (equivalent to £3,878 a year)

Couple, joint claimants both under 25  - rising from £395.20 to £401.92 (equivalent to £4,823 a year)

Couple, joint claimants, one or both 25 or over  - rising from £498.89 to £507.37 (equivalent to £6,088 a year)

Child amounts on top

First child (born prior to April 6 2017)  - rising from £277.08 to £281.25 (£3,375 a year)

First child (born on or after April 6 2017)/second child and subsequent child (where an exception or transitional provision applies)  - rising from £231.67 to £235.83 (£2,829 a year)

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HOMELESSNESS - Today, Saturday 21st March, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced that, with support from Government, 300 hotel rooms have been secured so that people sleeping rough in London can self-isolate over the coming weeks.

The Mayor’s team has worked with Intercontinental Hotels Group to block-book the rooms in two London hotels for the next 12 weeks. Over Friday and the weekend, as part of a trial period, rough sleepers who are already known to the homelessness charities supported by the Mayor will be moved to the rooms.

Image:  Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis.

 Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “During this outbreak, the only answer to truly protect people sleeping rough, and those in crowded hostels and night shelters, is to provide emergency testing for the virus and self-contained accommodation so they can self-isolate.

“We are pleased the Mayor of London is taking these necessary steps, but with over 1,000 people sleeping rough in the capital tonight and many more in night shelters, well above 300 hotel rooms are needed.

“We cannot overstate how urgent it is that every person who is homeless across Britain is given a safe, secure place to stay during the pandemic.” 

BENEFITS UPLIFT - The Chancellor has  outlined an unprecedented package of measures to protect millions of people’s jobs and incomes as part of the national effort in response to coronavirus. This comes as Government instructs entertainment and hospitality premises, like bars and restaurants, to close from tonight to limit spread of coronavirus.

A new Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will be set up to help pay people’s wages. Employers will be able to contact HMRC for a grant to cover most of the wages of their workforce who remain on payroll but are temporarily not working during the coronavirus outbreak. Any employer in the country- small or large, charitable or non-profit will be eligible for the scheme.

Universal Credit and tax credits will also be increased as part of an almost £7 billion welfare boost, as he outlined one of the most generous business and welfare packages by any government so far in response to Covid-19.

To ease cash flow pressures for UK VAT registered businesses, VAT bills from now until the end of June, will be deferred until the end of the tax year.

The Chancellor’s workers’ support package means:

• UK workers of any employer who is placed on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme can keep their job, with the government paying up to 80% of a worker’s wages, up to a total of £2,500 per worker each month. These will be backdated to 1st March and will be initially open for 3 months, to be extended if necessary.
• VAT payments due between now and the end of June will be deferred. No VAT registered business will have to make a VAT payment normally due with their VAT return to HMRC in that period. Income tax payments due in July 2020 under the Self Assessment system will be deferred to January 2021, benefitting up to 5.7m self-employed businesses.
• Additionally, the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, launched at Budget, will now be interest free for twelve months.
• The standard rate in Universal credit and Tax Credits will be increased by £20 a week for one year from April 6th, meaning claimants will be up to £1040 better off.
• Nearly £1bn of additional support for renters, through increases in the generosity of housing benefit and Universal Credit. From April, Local Housing Allowance rates will pay for at least 30% of market rents in each area.

Image: Will Quince MP.

ABC Note, Will Quince, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Welfare Delivery kindly explained this in a special letter to the ABC.

For anyone seeking support from Universal Credit, or for anyone with any questions or concernsFor anyone seeking support from Universal Credit, or for anyone with any questions or concernssurrounding Universal Credit, please contact the Universal Credit Helpline: 0800 328 5644. You canalso find out more information about Universal Credit during these times, including how to apply,through the government website, Understanding Universal Credit, and its specialist coronaviruspage: https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/Some key information about benefits and coronavirus:- If you need to claim Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) because of coronavirus, you will not be required to produce a Fit Note.

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HMRC are working night and day to get the unprecedented Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme up and running and we expect the first grants to be paid within weeks.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said:

We continue to do everything possible to protect the public from coronavirus. We have been working round the clock so that we can today confirm an unprecedented package of support to protect people’s jobs and wages. And we’re strengthening our safety net at the same time.

I said we would help individuals, businesses and the most vulnerable through this outbreak and I meant it. We will do whatever it takes in the weeks and months ahead.

Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said:

We will do whatever it takes to protect the most vulnerable and get them through these unprecedented times, and the changes we are making to Universal Credit will help millions of people in most need.

We are standing by those who rely on the welfare safety net as we work towards turning the tide on this disease and moving on together.

Image: Alok Sharma.

Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, said:

We have committed to doing whatever it takes to support businesses and households through these unprecedented times, and today shows just how far we are willing to go.

This intervention is unheard of in peacetime, but it is crucial we stand behind our businesses and those that rely on them for work and income.

All measures announced today across the business and welfare package are UK-wide.

In order to help delay the spread of Coronavirus, the Government has instructed entertainment and hospitality businesses including pubs, bars and restaurants to close from tonight.

This follows expert advice that more needs to be done in order tackle the spread of infection - following the call to action to isolate or socially distance. The measure, set to be reviewed on a monthly basis, will not affect supermarkets or retailers that supply fuel, medicines and other vital goods, which will continue to be open as normal for the public.   
The following businesses have been asked to close:

• Food and drink venues for consumption on-site, such as restaurants and cafes.
• Drinking establishments, including pubs, bars, nightclubs.
• Entertainment venues, including cinemas, theatres, concert halls, and bingo halls.
• Museums and galleries.
• Spas, wellness centres and massage parlours.
• Casinos and betting shops.
• All indoor leisure and sports facilities, including gyms.

This measure will not impact the relaxation of planning rules announced earlier this week which will allow pubs and restaurants to operate as hot food takeaways during the coronavirus outbreak.

The decision on closures will be reviewed on a monthly basis, and are being implemented across the whole of the UK in agreement with the devolved administrations. If needed, the government will enforce these measures by law.

Image: Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: 

We will do whatever it takes to protect people across this country as we tackle the coronavirus outbreak. 

While people have responded well to calls for social distancing and self-isolation, we must go further if we are to be able to stop the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable people in our society, and our NHS.

That is why we are now telling entertainment and hospitality premises to close temporarily, and people to only travel if absolutely essential, to help protect each other from the further spread of the virus.

We stand behind businesses and their employees and are offering an unprecedented range of support as we tackle this huge challenge together.

More information about the measures announced for businesses by the Chancellor can be found here.

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