Winter Economy Plan

The Chancellor has today announced a number of support measures for businesses for the coming winter months as follows:-

• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to end as planned on 31 October 2020.

• New Job Support Scheme to be introduced wef 1 November 2020 lasting for 6 months. Available for all SME’s. Restrictions on Larger businesses. Employees are guaranteed a minimum of 77% of their normal wages as follows:-

1. Employees must work a minimum of 33% of their normal hours paid by the employer.

2. The Government and employer will then each cover 1/3 of the remaining normal wages.

• Self Employed Income Support Scheme extended to 30 April 2021 on similar terms to the Job Support Scheme. Support will be made available via a government grant.

• Reduced VAT rate of 5% for tourism and hospitality sectors extended to 31 March 2021

• Deferred VAT liabilities will not need to be repaid in a lump sum by March 2021. Option to repay over 11 months interest free.

• “Pay as you Grow” scheme – increased time to repay Bounce Back Loans from 6 years to 10 years reducing payments. Option to switch to interest only repayments or suspend repayments for up to 6 months if they are really struggling.

• Extension to deadline for all Coronavirus Loan Schemes to 30 November 2020

• Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme – government guarantee to be extended to 10 years. New successor loan guarantee to be announced in January 2021.

Detailed guidance on the above measures to follow.