COVID-19 support for business

Test and Trace

As of Thursday,  the 24 September 2020, new rules relating to test and trace will apply to a broad mix of food and drink businesses, leisure and tourism services, 'close physical contact services' such as hairdressers and barbers, and services provided for social, cultural and recreational purposes in community centers, youth and community centers and village halls, that will legally require the logging of customer, visitor and staff details for NHS Test and Trace.

You must display an official NHS QR code posters under law ahead of the NHS COVID-19 app being rolled out nationally this week. Businesses will be expected to make sure their customers are aware of the rules around QR codes by displaying posters and speaking to customers directly.

It is now mandatory for a wider range of businesses and organisations to collect customer, visitor and staff contact details. This is vital for the NHS Test and Trace service in England to contact the necessary people if coronavirus outbreaks are identified in venue.

For more information on creating a QR code for your business, please visit the following government website https://www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster  or visit the NHS website.

 

Our economic development team

Any business in the West Suffolk area concerned about their specific circumstances or confused about where they can go for support can contact: economic.development@westsuffolk.gov.uk or phone 01284 757114.

GOV.UK - Opening certain businesses and venues in England from 4 July 2020

Pavement licences

Applications are open in West Suffolk for temporary pavement licences to help cafés, restaurants and pubs trade during COVID-19 and keep people safe.

The move by West Suffolk Council follows new legislation just agreed by Government to ease previous restrictions on putting items such as tables and chairs outside premises for the sale of food or drink for consumption.

A fast track process has been introduced so premises can apply, relevant consultees can have their say and a decision made in a much shorter time. Government allows councils to charge up to £100 to apply but West Suffolk Council has agreed during this time to make the process free.

More information can be found at Street trading and vending