23 June 2020

This update covers: 

  • Reopening date in Wales to be reviewed on 9 July.
  • More protection from eviction for business premises.
  • VAT deferral period ends on 30 June 2020.
  • Shielding guidance to be eased.
  • NHBF lobbying prompts clarity on aesthetic procedures. 

Reopening date in Wales to be reviewed on 9 July 

Wales’ First Minister Mark Drakeford has asked those in the ‘personal care’ industry including hairdressing to begin to prepare for reopening. The next 21-day review will be carried out on 9 July 2020 when an official reopening date for salons and barbershops may be announced. 

Find out more on the Welsh Government website. 

More protection from eviction for business premises 

The government has extended measures to prevent struggling businesses from eviction over the summer:

  • A new voluntary code of practice has been developed to encourage commercial tenants and landlords to work together.
  • No business will be forced out of their premises if they miss a payment in the next three months.
  • Until 30 September, landlords cannot use ‘Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery’ unless they are owed 189 days of unpaid rent. 

Find out more on the government website. 

VAT deferral period ends on 30 June 2020 

The VAT payment deferral period ends on 30 June 2020. This means you’ll need to:

  • Set-up cancelled direct debits in enough time for HMRC to take payment.
  • Submit VAT returns as normal and on time.
  • Pay the VAT in full on payments due after 30 June 2020. 

Any VAT payments you have deferred between 20 March and 30 June should be paid in full on or before 31 March 2021. 

Find more information on the government website including what to do if you cannot pay your VAT. 

Shielding guidance to be eased 

Individuals who are currently shielding will be advised that they can spend more time outside their homes from 6 July 2020. But they must still follow strict social distancing measures. 

From 1 August 2020, those who have been shielding will be able to return to work as long as their workplace is ‘COVID secure’ and all guidelines have been followed. 

Until then, shielded employees can remain on furlough. Statutory Sick Pay is available for employees who cannot be furloughed. 

Find out more. 

NHBF lobbying prompts clarity on aesthetic procedures 

Following pressure from the NHBF, the government has confirmed that medical and health service providers can provide non-surgical cosmetic procedures for medical purposes only. This was prompted by concerns from those in the beauty industry that medical and health service providers were potentially allowed to offer non-medical aesthetic services while beauty salons remained closed. 

See all updates