GUIDANCE FOR OUR CLIENTS - CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
In these uncertain times we wanted to update all our clients to let you know we are here to offer support and guidance over the next few months.
We will continue to complete your accounts, VAT, payroll, tax returns and other services in a timely manner.
If you and your employees are working remotely and / or struggling to keep your records up to date then please let us know. We can install a variety of Cloud based solutions to help and if you can scan and email documents to us we can help with bookkeeping.
If you require additional support, such as cash flow forecasting, we would be happy to assist to potentially lessen the long-term impact upon your business.
Revised Office Conditions
We aim to keep the office open and are taking precautions within the office to reduce the risk of spreading Coronavirus. Hand sanitiser dispensers are located near both entrances to Thornborough Hall and we encourage all visitors to use these upon entering and leaving the building. Employees may be part working from home and part working from the office, therefore if your dedicated accountant is not available, there will be another member of the team available to assist with any queries.
The letterbox located next to the front door to Thornborough Hall has been sealed closed and is no longer available to be used. Alternatives for forwarding on paperwork to us include email, post or hand delivery. Our office working hours remain as 9am to 5pm.
We politely ask all visitors to the office that if you:
- Have been diagnosed with Coronavirus or are awaiting a test
- Are Self Isolating
- Have symptoms resembling a cold or flu
Please look after yourself and stay safe at home.
If you have a particular health issue that makes you vulnerable to Coronavirus, and/or would prefer not to attend our offices, we will make alternative arrangements to meet/communicate with you. We are committed to a high quality of service and, where possible, will work around changing circumstances, for example conducting meetings via Skype, Zoom or similar methods, if required.
Please be reassured that we are continuously monitoring advice and updates from government and health agencies, and in all circumstances will keep you up to date on any changes.
If there is anything, we can help with please do let us know.
HM Revenue & Customs – Tax Payment Helpline
HM Revenue & Customs have set up a telephone helpline to support businesses and self-employed people concerned about not being able to pay their tax due to Coronavirus.
Please see this link for further details or contact HM Revenue & Customs on 0800 0159 559.
Business Rates Support and Grants
In the budget held on 12 March 2020, Government announced various measures to support businesses in paying business rates as a result of the Coronavirus.
The Government also announced funding for small businesses that are entitled to small business rate relief. For those businesses currently eligible for small business rate relief or rural rate relief, £3,000 will be provided. We are waiting on further information from Government as to how this funding will be administered. Detailed information will become available from your local council.
Please see this link for further details.
Updated Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Previously, employees were entitled for SSP if they have been off for at least 4 days in a row. The SSP rules have been relaxed, whereby employees must receive SSP from day 1 if they need to self-isolate because:
- they have coronavirus
- they have coronavirus symptoms
- they’ve been told to self-isolate by a doctor or NHS 111
Previously businesses have not been able to reclaim SSP. However, legislation has been brought forward to allow small and medium-sized businesses and employers to reclaim SSP paid for sickness absence due to Coronavirus. This refund will cover up to 2 weeks’ SSP per eligible employee who has been off work because of Coronavirus. The government will work with employers over the coming months to set up the repayment mechanism for employers as soon as possible
Here is a quick action plan to help focus your thoughts:
1. Keep your eye on Government advice: https://www.gov.uk/government
2. The main purpose is to protect the health of your employees, customers and yourself, and then reduce the risk of the financial impact to your business. See the attached 'Business Checklist'.
3. Hold a meeting with key team members and work through the agenda in the attached ‘Meeting Guide’.
4. Summarise the actions and allocate responsibility to ensure they happen.
If there is anything, we can help with please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind Regards
Dawn, James and Team
Tel: 01969 624999
Email: james@dawnclarkson.co.uk