Furloughed workers and parental leave

On 24 April, the UK government announced that furloughed workers planning to take paid parental or adoption leave will be entitled to pay based on their usual earnings rather than a furloughed pay rate. Review the details and share with your members. The BCC team is currently seeking further detail on how the process will work and will provide an update as soon as possible.


Letter to the Economic Secretary to the Treasury on trade credit insurance

BCC wrote to John Glen MP on behalf of Chamber businesses, regarding the need for a temporary government backed reinsurance scheme to give protection to insurers required to maintain coverage and credit limits that are critical for businesses. Please note this is a private letter.


BCC responds to ESFA’s post-16 provider relief scheme

Take a look at our response to the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s announcement of a post-16 provider relief scheme which will seek to continue education and training during the Coronavirus pandemic. Share with your members on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The provider relief scheme is for training providers with adult education budget (AEB) and non-levy apprenticeship contracts for services that were procured as a service under the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The closing date for applications is midnight on 30 April 2020 and providers will be notified if they are to receive support on or around 15 May 2020.


BCC responds to measures to prevent aggressive rent collection and closures

Take a look at our response to the temporary measures announced by Business Secretary Alok Sharma on 23 April to safeguard businesses against aggressive debt recovery actions during the Coronavirus pandemic. Share with your members on Twitter.


BCC giving evidence to the BEIS Select Committee

On Thursday morning, Adam Marshall will appear before the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee on behalf of BCC members, as part of its inquiry into the impact of the Coronavirus on businesses and workers. The session will focus on the effects of the pandemic on small business.