GNF Members Update 11 May

GNF Members Update 11 May - Issue 31

Dear All,

Today's Attractions, Activities & Events Group meeting was very positive. Discussions included the Government's road map, and whilst there were still many questions to be answered, our businesses are busy planning for when they can reopen. Talking of reopening, Forestry England will be opening their car parks on Wednesday in accordance with the new Government guidelines.

NFDC is still awaiting further guidance on the Government's £617m Discretionary Fund for Small Businesses, and as soon as the fund is open for application we will advise. In the meantime there are a number of other updates below.

UK furlough scheme extended for four months

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has just announced that the furlough scheme has been extended to the end of October. The news will come as a huge relief for hospitality operators concerned about survival if Government support was to drop off. Workers will continue to receive the same level of support of 80% of their current salary, but employers will be asked to contribute towards the cost from August. From August there will also be greater flexibility, with firms able to bring workers back on a part-time basis if required.

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do

The Government has published a new FAQ on its road map which provides far more detail on what you can and can’t do during the first step which starts on Wednesday. Important within this is confirmation that people will not be able to visit a private or ticketed attractions or stay at second homes or any form of tourism accommodation.

Link to FAQs: What you Can and Can't Do

Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus

The Government has posted new videos for business operators regarding the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and helping employers support employees. The following link is to all the videos and webinars that are available.

Link to help and support for business operators

Reallocating Road Space in Response to COVID-19

The Government has issued Statutory guidance to Local authorities in areas with high levels of public transport use, to take measures to reallocate road space to people walking and cycling, both to encourage active travel and to enable social distancing during restart. This is part of the announcement of £2bn funding package to create new cycling and walking routes. The package also includes emergency bike lanes, trials of rental e-scooters being brought forward and work with leading tech developers to reduce crowding on public transport.

Link to Road Space Guidance

Upcoming GNF Virtual Sector Group Meetings

The following Sector Group Zoom meetings have been scheduled - invitations will be sent to each group with agenda and joining instructions:

B&B - Wednesday 13 May at 11.00am

Self-Catering - Thursday 14 May at 11.00am

Holiday Parks & Camp Sites - Tuesday 19 May at 11.00am

Hotels Pubs Inns & Restaurants - Wednesday 20 May at 11.00am

Food & Drink - Date and time to be agreed

We have a GNF Board meeting tomorrow where our Recovery Plan will the central item for discussion and no doubt we will have more to add on that in tomorrow's update.

Very best wishes,

Anthony