284 - 1st June 2020
Furloughing scheme update

The Chancellor has set out more details on how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) will continue to support jobs and business as people return to work, following the announcement of an extension of the scheme on 12 May.

So far, the CJRS has helped 1 million employers across the UK furlough 8.4 million jobs, protecting people’s livelihoods.

From 1 July 2020, businesses will be given the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back part time. This is a month earlier than previously announced to help support people back to work. Individual firms will decide the hours and shift patterns their employees will work on their return, so that they can decide on the best approach for them - and will be responsible for paying their wages while in work.

From August 2020, the level of government grant provided through the job retention scheme will be slowly tapered to reflect that people will be returning to work. That means that for June and July the government will continue to pay 80% of people’s salaries. In the following months, businesses will be asked to contribute a modest share, but crucially individuals will continue to receive that 80% of salary covering the time they are unable to work.

Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave ('furlough') due to coronavirus please click HERE.
Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund

A discretionary fund has been set up to accommodate certain Small and micro businesses with fixed property costs that are not eligible for other grant schemes.

Local councils have the discretion about how to prioritise this funding. Unlike the Small Business Grant Fund and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund, which is allocated grants automatically to certain businesses based on their rateable business rates, the Discretionary Grant will take into account certain factors when determining the grant allocation.

These factors include fixed costs, number of employees, ability to trade online, whether a business has had to close completely and the scale of losses due to COVID-19. 

This additional fund is aimed at small businesses:

  • In shared offices or other flexible workspaces, such as units in industrial parks or incubators
  • Regular market traders
  • Bed and breakfasts paying council tax instead of business rates
  • Charity properties getting charitable business rates relief, which are not eligible for small business rates relief or rural rate relief 
  • You can get a grant of £25,000, £10,000 or any amount under £10,000.

To view details on the guidance to support local authorities in administering the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund please click HERE.

These grants are being administered through Luton Borough Council. Find out how to apply HERE.
New Community Support Fund launched for charitable sector

The government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This includes £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional
£150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts.

Tens of thousands of charities providing vital services will benefit from direct cash grants to ensure they can meet increased demand as a result of the virus as well as continuing their day-to-day activities supporting those in need. For further details please click HERE.
Business Support Guide

Our comprehensive coronavirus Business Support Guide has been updated to reflect the new phase of guidance as announced by the Government.

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Luton BID is project managed by Partnerships for Better Business Ltd (pfbb UK)