Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 4th June print edition.
As we start to take the first steps out of lockdown scientists and politicians the world over are advising measures on how to best do this in order to avoid a second spike in COVID-19. There is much uncertainty in the new “normal” of our day to day lives but what is absolutely certain is that life has been changed to varying degrees for many people and businesses alike.
The Government has been unstinting in its support for all those affected by COVID-19 and has brought forward an unprecedented package of measures for businesses, employees and public services to help them through this crisis. However, as the Chancellor himself said, in the situation that the world currently finds itself in, it is tragically not possible to save every business and every job.
Redundancy is devastating at any time but coupled with the global economic uncertainty that we face due to coronavirus, it will be doubly worrying for anyone affected at this time. It is important to know that help is available. Staffordshire County Council in conjunction with Job Centre Plus, the Local Enterprise Partnership, and District and Borough councils, recently set up a redundancy and recruitment triage service to help businesses and people experiencing redundancies as a result of coronavirus - details can be found on the Staffordshire County Council website. Whilst some sectors are adversely affected by COVID-19 and are having to make redundancies there are also businesses which now have vacancies to fill, due to increased demand, in sectors such as healthcare and distribution.
Loss of income brings with it the worry over household bills. If you have concerns regarding meeting mortgage payments you should always get in touch with your bank. Back in March most banks agreed with the Chancellor that, although not compulsory, they should offer all those struggling with mortgage payments a three-month payment holiday. At the time of writing there are proposals to extend the payment holiday by a further three months for those already on a payment holiday, and mortgage holders who haven't yet applied for a payment holiday can do so until 31 October 2020. There is also the option to take a partial payment holiday. In all instances, lenders will contact customers to discuss their options. Likewise, the Government has brought forward measures to protect renters so that no renter in social or private accommodation will be forced out of their home. In the first instance always talk to your landlord.
These are deeply worrying times that we are going through. If you are being affected by redundancy or any other issues that I can help with, please contact me at [email protected].
