This section provides some useful information primarily for people who are unable to continue with their employment due to the Covid-19 social distancing rules. The section will also direct you towards financial support in place from your local authority.

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LOCAL AUTHORITY

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Over £3bn worth of government funding have been made available to local authorities across the country so they can continue to support their communities and deliver vital services through this challenging time. Use the links below to find out what financial support is available from your local authority.

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Bedford Borough Council: 

https://www.bedford.gov.uk/social-care-health-and-community/public-health/coronavirus/coronavirus-financial-help-for-residents/

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Central Bedfordshire Council: 

https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/26/public_health/737/coronavirus_-_covid-19/8

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Luton Borough Council: 

https://www.luton.gov.uk/Health_and_social_care/coronavirus/Pages/I-need-financial-support.aspx

 

 

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

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General advise with links to different support: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

 

GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits

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DWP (Benefits and other financial support): https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/employment-and-benefits-support/

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Help with paying a tax bill: https://www.gov.uk/difficulties-paying-hmrc

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You can also contact the HMRC Payment Support Helpline 

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Payment Support Service
Telephone: 0300 200 3835
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

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LOSS OF INCOME THROUGH COVID

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What is the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and am I eligible?

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

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What does furlough mean?

Until recently, many people in the UK had never heard of furlough. But the impact of coronavirus on the economy means over the next few months, millions of workers will rely on the government's job retention scheme.

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52135342

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https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/coronavirus-if-your-employer-has-told-you-not-to-work/

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Can I be furloughed even if I am on zero-hour, part-time or temporary contract? Yes

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What if I work for an agency? Agency workers can also be furloughed

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What do I need to do? Nothing. Your employer applies for the scheme on your behalf if they choose to furlough you.

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Will I get a full pay when furloughed? It depends. The government's scheme covers 80% of your monthly wages up to a maximum of £2500. The applicable Tax, National Insurance and Pension deductions will apply. You can however choose to opt-out of any pension deductions. 

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What about the remaining 20%? Your employer can choose to pay this themselves but are not obliged to. Remember that at this time, your employer will likely not be generating any income which is why the government are paying your monthly wage. You may be eligible for Universal Credit to top up your income.

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Can my employer decide to not furlough me? Yes. In this case the usual employment rules apply in terms of redundancy pay. However, the government scheme does covers almost all of your employer's payroll costs therefore making it largely unnecessary to make anyone redundant during the Coronavirus crisis.

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I think I will struggle to pay my rent/mortgage and other bills. What can I do? 

 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/if-you-cant-pay-your-bills-because-of-coronavirus/

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https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/coronavirus-if-you-have-problems-with-your-rented-home/

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I am Self Employed. How can I apply for the Self Employed Income Support Scheme? 

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https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

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https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/self-employment-support/enter-unique-taxpayer-reference

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