The government has issued financial support for businesses in the UK to help alleviate the effects Omicron is having.
England
Statutory Sick-Pay Rebate Scheme
The Government will cover the cost of statutory sick pay for covid related absences for small and medium-sized businesses in the UK (businesses with fewer than 250 employees) for up to 2 weeks. Find out more here.
One-off hospitality grant
The government is providing an estimated 200,000 businesses in the hospitality and leisure industries £6,000 per grant per premises, which is thought to be worth a total of £683m.
Businesses with a rateable value (as of December 20th 2021) of more than £51,000 are eligible for the full £6,000 and businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000 can apply for £4,000 and smaller businesses can get £2,667.
The scheme will close for applications on 28th February 2022.
Culture Recovery Fund
£60 million has been made available through the culture recovery fund for cultural organizations in England during winter. This includes businesses such as theatres and museums etc. This was previously £30million.
To apply for funding from the Culture Recovery Fund, you need to apply via the England Arts Council portal, Grantium.
Additional Restrictions Grant
£100 million more discretionary funding will be made for local authorities to support other businesses that have been affected by Omicron.
To apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant, you will need to visit your local council’s website to find out how to apply.
For more info on funding and grants available to businesses in England, click here.
Scotland
The government has outlined £100m that are experiencing cancellations due to omicron. The package is split up into the following:
- £66m for eligible hospitality businesses
- £20m for businesses in the culture sector
- £8m for business and wholesale and food and drink supply chain industries
- £3m for businesses in the wedding sector
- £3m for the worst affected businesses in the tourism sector, which includes international inbound tour operators
Wales
The government is issuing £60 million for any business affected by Omicron. There is also an additional £5.25 million available for art organisations, museums, independent cinemas, and libraries.
The One-off hospitality grant, Statutory Sick-Pay Rebate Scheme and the Culture Recovery Fund will also be available with the same guidance as businesses in England.
You can find out more information about support available for businesses in Wales on the Business Wales website here.
Further reading: New COVID guidance and rules for businesses