CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
Blackburn Coronavirus Updates
Please keep checking this page for updates about Blackburn and the Coronavirus (COVID-19). If you have any further questions, please email us and a member of our team will be in touch.
Working Safely Guidance for Shops and Close Contact Services Updated
Working Safely Guidance for Shops and Close Contact Services Updated
Omicron variant: face coverings now compulsory again
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced new temporary and precautionary measures to deal with Coronavirus following the emergence of the Omicron variant in the UK. This means that: From 4am tomorrow (Tuesday 30 November) face coverings will be compulsory in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless individuals are exempt from […]
Business Rates
In the full Budget 2021 paper there is more information about the changes to business rates. Take a look at our summary here…
Extension to Recovery Loan Fund
The Recovery Loan Scheme is currently open to businesses of any size to support them to access loans and other kinds of finance so they can recover after the pandemic and transition period.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (Furlough) comes to an end
The furlough scheme comes to an end today (30 September). Claims for furlough days in September 2021 must be made by 14 October 2021 and any amendments must be made by 28 October 2021. The Government guidance states that when the scheme closes, employers must decide to: bring your employees back to work on their agreed terms and conditions terminate […]
Covid-19 vaccine for 12-15 year olds
As the age limit for the Covid-19 vaccine now includes 12-15 year olds, the Covid Community Champions Team would like to hear from parents and carers on their opinions of this change and whether they would consent to their child receiving the vaccine. It will help them to understand the views of the borough.
Change to Opening times of the Covid testing site in The Mall
The Council are changing the opening times of the Covid Testing Site in the Mall to 08:00 – 16:00 Monday to Friday from 20 September, to enable staff working in the Mall and the town Centre to get tested before they go to work.
Minor updates to Working Safely guidance for shops, branches and close contact services.
The government has made some minor changes to its ’Working Safely During Coronavirus (COVID-19)’ guidance for shops, branches, and close contact services in the sections on face coverings and working from home, in line with the government’s autumn and winter plan. You can find it here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19/shops-branches-and-close-contact-services
Covid-19 response: Autumn to Winter plan
The Government has today set out it’s ‘COVID-19 RESPONSE: AUTUMN AND WINTER PLAN’. Find out more here…
Updated guidance around the Kickstart Scheme
The Government has today published updated guidance around the Kickstart Scheme. The Scheme means that employers of all sizes can apply for funding to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment.