ADVICE FOR MEMBERS OF THE FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS
The Government anticipates that COVID-19 will have a short-term, but significant impact on the UK economy.
The FMB is bringing together advice and guidance for its members so that you can best prepare and plan for how the virus may impact on your businesses.
We recommend all members to keep up to date with official government advice.
General health advice for individuals is available on the NHS’s website.
Information about the Government’s response, including latest announcements and its action plan, is available on the Government’s website.
Stay at home advice if you have coronavirus symptoms.
Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
Only contact NHS 111 if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS AND BUSINESSES
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The Government has issued specific advice to business about actions to take and what support is available. You can access this information here, and check back as it is likely to be regularly updated.
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The Government made further announcements in its Budget on 11th March about support for those affected by COVID-19, including specific measures to help businesses. If you are experiencing increased costs or financial disruption, you could be eligible for some of this support.
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Government measures to support your business with payments of Statutory Sick Pay and access to finance should be available in a matter of days. The FMB’s advice to members is to contact your bank to discuss any financial concerns. The Government is also advising contact with HMRC as you may be eligible for support via the Time to Pay service. You can contact HMRC’s dedicated helpline on 0800 0159559 or you can phone the FMB’s tax advisors on 0116 2437623.
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The Bank of England has announced a comprehensive package of measures to help UK businesses and households bridge across the economic disruption that is likely to be associated with COVID-19. Interest rates have been reduced from 0.75% to 0.25% and additional funding will be available for banks to increase lending, especially to small and medium-sized businesses.
Further advice for employers can be found at:
- Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service website
- Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development website
- Federation of Small Business website
WHAT MORE SHOULD I DO?
We understand that this is an uncertain time, and as your membership body, we are here to support you in any way that we are qualified to do so.
- Keep up to date with personal and business advice via reputable sources such as those listed on this page.
- Don’t forget to support your own workforce, who may also be feeling concerned at this time. Make sure they are aware of the steps they should take to stay healthy, and where they can go for support.
- Think about business continuity. Some of the specific issues that may need looking into are delays to projects, and a slowdown of cashflow.
- Call the FMB Health & Safety and HR Business Support numbers on 0116 2437623.
- Call FMB Insurance on 01353 652760