The Government’s COVID Support for Businesses

The government have provided numerous lines of support and implemented a variety of strategies to help businesses survive the turbulence of the coronavirus pandemic. Some of these measures are also specific to the commercial property sector and are designed to aid tenants across all industries.

Although a number of these schemes are set to expire in the coming months, the government may extend or replace them nearer the time. Schemes of particular importance include the CJRS, eviction moratorium and business rates relief.

Links to the various government strategies are listed under the relevant headings below:

Business loans

• Apply for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
• Apply for the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme
• Apply for a coronavirus Bounce Back Loan
• Apply for the COVID-19 Corporate Financing Facility

Business rates (England only)

• Check if your retail, hospitality or leisure business is eligible for business rates relief due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Check if your nursery is eligible for business rates relief due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme

Employees

• Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
• Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Lockdown restrictions

• Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
• Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
• Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
• Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions
• Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
• Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
• Check if you’re eligible for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs

Tax

• Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
• If you cannot pay your tax bill on time

Additional government support

• Government resources and contact details
• Sector-specific organisations offering advice and support schemes to businesses