28 June 2021

This update covers:

  • Welsh Government extends measures to protect businesses from eviction until the end of September 2021
  • Rapid Testing Programme in Northern Ireland
  • Scotland’s review into physical distancing update
  • Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from July 2021
  • Beauty and Wellbeing Sector Workforce Parliament debate
  • New £50 note

Welsh Government extends measures to protect businesses from eviction until the end of September 2021

As part of the interventions the Welsh Government is making to support businesses, the moratorium against penalties for the non-payment of rent will now be extended until 30 September 2021. It was initially due to end on 30 June 2021.

This measure will ensure businesses will not forfeit their business tenancies for non-payment of rent until 30 September this year. Still, businesses should continue to pay rent wherever possible. It is in the interests of both landlords and tenants to reach negotiated agreements on any arrears. NHBF Members can download the How to Negotiate with your Landlord fact sheet here.

Read the full announcement here

Rapid Testing Programme in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, anyone who cannot work from home is encouraged to participate in the asymptomatic testing programme.

Asymptomatic testing seeks to identify these individuals quickly and ensure that they and their close contacts can self-isolate. This approach helps to break chains of transmission in the workforce and beyond.

Organisations with more than ten employees or volunteers who cannot work from home can access the Workforce Asymptomatic Testing Programme.

In addition, for smaller businesses, with fewer than ten employees who cannot work from home, there is a range of options currently available, including the Lateral Flow Device (LFD) Collect service from Local Testing Sites and the LFD Direct service. Tests can be delivered to the employees’ home.

For more information, click here 

Scotland’s review into physical distancing update

The Scottish Government has published its pathway to easing and then removing the current physical distancing requirements. The review outlines that when Scotland moves to Level 0 (currently working towards 18 July subject to CV-19 cases rates), distancing will be relaxed to 1 metre in public settings (no social distancing required in own group).

Subject to meeting the goal of all over 40s having two jabs and a 2-week window following this for the vaccination to reach full efficacy (currently estimated as 9 August), the country will move out of the Level system with all businesses able to open without physical distancing.

There is loose wording around face coverings having to remain in ‘certain settings’ with the detail to be set out in the coming weeks: The First Minister referred to public transport and retail settings in her speech. We are working with the Scottish Government regarding future updates to close contact guidance. We will provide an update when we have more information.

Read full review 

Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from July 2021

From 1 July 2021, the level of grant will be reduced, and employers will be asked to contribute towards the cost of their furloughed employees’ wages. To be eligible for the grant, employers must continue to pay their furloughed employees 80% of their wages, up to a cap of £2,500 per month for the time they spend on furlough.

The chart here shows the level of government contribution available in the coming months, the required employer contribution and the amount that the employee receives per month where the employee is furloughed 100% of the time.

Beauty and Wellbeing Sector Workforce debate

A debate on the beauty industry workforce took place in Parliament last week. You can watch the debate here or read it here.

New £50 note

A new polymer £50 note was issued last week by the Bank of England, designed with enhanced security features. The old paper £20 and £50 will no longer be legal tender from 30 September 2022. Here are full details about the new and old notes. 

Read our four nations’ FAQs which include links to the latest government guidance that must be followed.

England: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now open under government Coronavirus guidelines. Saunas and steam rooms are allowed to open under step 3 of the roadmap, which started on 17 May 2021. Find out more on the government website.

Wales: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now open under government Coronavirus guidelines.

Scotland: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now open under government Coronavirus guidelines.

Northern Ireland: Hair and beauty businesses, including mobile, are now open under government Coronavirus guidelines.
Coronavirus: Business closures and restrictions in Northern Ireland

See all updates