| answer text |
<p>Throughout this crisis, our priority has been clear: to protect lives and livelihoods.
We know how worried people are and we are taking many steps to protect both jobs and
the long-term financial future of businesses during the current economic emergency.</p><p>
</p><p>We have introduced an unprecedented and comprehensive package of business support
measures to help as many individuals and businesses as possible, which has mitigated
some of the worst immediate impacts of Covid-19 on risk factors for poor mental health.
This includes measures such as the small business grants, the coronavirus loan guarantee
schemes, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), the deferral of VAT and income
tax payments, and more. Businesses can also access tailored advice through our Freephone
Business Support Helpline, online via the Business Support website or through their
local Growth Hubs in England.</p><p> </p><p>My Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the
Exchequer has made several announcements setting out how current support will evolve
and adapt, including the extension of the CJRS until the end of March 2021, the increase
of the third Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant from 55% to 80% of
trading profits, and the extension of the coronavirus loan guarantee schemes until
31 January 2021.</p><p> </p><p>In order to highlight available support around mental
health, the Government is signposting to resources for businesses and employers, including
Mind’s website and the Mental Health at Work toolkit, through GOV.UK here: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-support-for-business-from-outside-government"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-support-for-business-from-outside-government</a>.
We also continue to work with the Thriving at Work Leadership Council to encourage
employers to sign up to the Mental Health at Work (MHAW) commitments and to engage
leading Mental Health charities and organisations to better understand issues around
SME mental health, financial insecurity for small business owners and the self-employed,
and continue to explore what further support may be offered.</p>
|
|
