Guernsey Press

States considers hardship fund to help firms through Covid-19 pandemic

THE States is considering establishing a hardship fund for island firms affected by coronavirus.

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The States has warned businesses that it may advise against off-island travel and they should bear that in mind when planning.

Its latest advice to islanders, published on Wednesday, also says that businesses at some stage could be advised against non-essential off-island travel.

Meanwhile, Employment & Social Services said islanders who are self-isolating following Public Health advice do not need to see their GP or have a sick note to make a claim for sickness benefit.

The first cruise ship visit of 2020, scheduled for Friday 20 March, has been cancelled as a precaution and Jersey has had its second confirmed case of Covid-19.

The latest advice from the States of Guernsey promises help for struggling businesses to cope with the pandemic. ‘This is an emerging situation and will be continually reviewed and should you receive intelligence in relation to any shortage of supplies or operational difficulties, then it will be important to let us know, and officers will look to support where possible.

‘It is not uncommon to experience problems with operating a business in Guernsey.

‘The States of Guernsey works in close collaboration with all business in all sectors and officers stand ready to support where they can.

‘The States recognise the growing concerns in certain sectors and are actively exploring appropriate measures to support local businesses. As an example, we are exploring the possibility of establishing some kind of hardship fund.

‘We will also consider measures that might need to be taken through social security benefits. The Policy & Resources Committee will, if necessary, take proposals to the States for such support.’

There was currently no restrictions on off-island travel. However, in the newly-published advice for business on its dedicated virus web page, the States said:

‘While there is no intention to restrict travel, the States of Guernsey is likely to advise against non-essential travel, and this should be taken into account in planning. For foreign travel, ensure that you are aware of the current advice on which areas are affected by the coronavirus and make sure you take the appropriate action.

It also urged firms to assess the business needs for continued ‘face-to-face’ contact with customers and suppliers, and consider plans to modify the frequency and/or type of face-to-face contact.

‘Consider technological solutions for meetings such as video or tele-conferencing.’

The document sought to reassure firms about critical island infrastructure.

Under the heading ‘things not to worry about’, the document said: ‘Your business continuity plan will not need to take into consideration the critical infrastructure and the normal government service functions of the island such as ensuring continued supply of water, electricity, waste services or operation of ports, or airports as these functions are delivered by the States of Guernsey and are subject to States of Guernsey Business Continuity Planning.’

Blue Islands today [Wednesday 11] cancelled a number of flights between Jersey and London City due to the outbreak. The airline has cancelled London City services for the next two weeks. It hopes a full service will resume in April.

Employment & Social Services said self-isolating islanders should follow health advice and do not need to see their doctor or have a sick note to make a claim for sickness benefit.

Steps have been taken to support those who need to make claims under the existing sickness benefit provision, in line with guidance from Public Health Services.

As long as an individual is following Public Health advice, they can make a claim by contacting Incapacity Benefits on 732507 or at benefits@gov.gg, ESS said.

‘Social Security will be taking claims digitally wherever possible so that claims can be made while self-isolating.

‘These kinds of claims will generally only be valid for 14 days or until the individual receives a negative test result for Covid-19.’

If an individual does not have any symptoms that would prevent them from working and is supported to work while self-isolating by their employer, for instance at home on a laptop, they will not be eligible for sickness benefit.

As of late Wednesday evening [11 March], 116 local samples had been taken, with 88 negative results, one positive result and 27 still pending.