All our help and information for 20/08/2020 is now available in a single place on the SCC website https://www.somerset.gov.uk/coronavirus/covid-19-latest-advice/
This page is refreshed through the day so please check in regularly to keep across developments and news.
Top stories today:
Congratulations to the class of Covid-19
The achievements of young people in Somerset should not be forgotten in the confusion of the past week, says Somerset County Council’s Education Cabinet Member.
On GCSE results day Councillor Faye Purbrick has sent a personal message of support on behalf of the Council to all students and staff after a rollercoaster two weeks during which pupils, staff and parents have been through the mill emotionally.
Second self-employed grant scheme now open for applications
Self-employed people whose business earnings have been hit by coronavirus can now apply for a second support grant from the government until 19th October.
To be eligible for the second Self-Employment Income Support Scheme more than half of a claimant’s income needs to come from self-employment. Applicants also need to confirm their business has been affected by the virus on or after 14 July, but they do not need to have taken the first grant to be eligible for the second.
Find more information and check your eligibility below.
Calling all Somerset dairy farmers
The Government has extended the deadline for dairy farmers to apply for money from the Dairy Response Fund. The deadline is now midnight on 11 September 2020.
The fund is to support eligible farmers in England who produce cows’ milk, and it is provided in a one-off payment.
It was set up to help support dairy farmers who have seen decreased demand for their product, and to enable them to continue operating by helping cover ongoing costs.
HMRC Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Webinar
HM Revenue and Customs have added new dates for their webinar about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, Universal Credit and Child Benefit. Businesses can also register for webinars on topics including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Eat Out to Help Out.
Working safely guidance
A number of guides on how to make a workplace coronavirus secure have been updated to include updated guidance on consulting the workforce before returning to work, and on protecting people who are at higher risk.