What is the Current Situation?
The Prime Minister placed the UK into lockdown from March 23rd. This means that people should adhere to the following rules:
- Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (where this absolutely cannot be done from home)
- Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people
- Wash your hands as soon as you get home
- Remember: You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.
Symptoms of Covid-19
Symptoms of coronavirus are variable, but may include fever, shortness of breath, a dry cough, tiredness and muscular pain. The NHS guidance on coronavirus advises regular hand-washing with soap and water, staying at home whenever possible and social distancing when outdoors.
People who have symptoms should call the NHS 111 phone service for further advice. They should not go to their GP, or A&E. the majority of people who contract the virus will only experience mild symptoms and will not need treatment.
The Government is issuing regular updates on the virus, which you can check here. From March 25th, the government also launched its coronavirus information service on Whatsapp.
Travel Guidance
From the 17th of March, the government advises against all non-essential travel worldwide. If you are undertaking essential travel, you should check travel advice for you destination on a regular basis.
Contractors on assignment abroad should return home now, as further travel restrictions are likely. This advice was published on 23 March and takes effect immediately. If you are based outside the UK, then follow the advice of the country you are currently working in.
If you have recently been in a country affected by the virus, you may need to be quarantined. Full details of the countries concerned and whether you need to self-isolate are available here. If you have symptoms upon return you will need to isolate. See the Public Health England stay at home guidance.
Contractors should also check what measures and policies their client is putting in place. In many cases contractors may be able to work from home with the use of remote technology.
Public transport, especially within London, is restricted. However some special services have been introduced for frontline workers, such as NHS healthcare workers.
Contracting Sector Demand
Although many contracts were initially terminated, a rise in the need for contingent staff is expected. There is already a sharp increase in demand for essential frontline workers in healthcare, delivery services and remote IT operations. Contingent workers will also be needed to cover staff sickness and isolation, and for long-term recovery of the economy.
Contractors unable to work as a result of the coronavirus epidemic may be able to access relief courtesy of the Job Retention Scheme (JRS) depending on their trading model.
The government has also announced a deferral of VAT and Income Tax payments for all businesses for three months. This will include contractors who work through their own limited company, giving temporary relief to those who cannot work, or who experience financial difficulty resulting from the epidemic.
Umbrella Exchange has a range of options to help contractors keep their career on target . We’ll be bringing you sector insights and tips on how to stay well during the coming months. To talk to a member of our team, call: 0203 393 3881
