Update for Southwark Businesses Affected by COVID-19
Please continue to share these updates with your local business networks.
Please explore our pages on COVID-19 prevention for businesses and COVID-19 business support and information for the latest advice for you and your employees.
Roadmap out of lockdown: looking ahead to step 3
On Monday 10 May, the government is due to announce whether the UK will move to step 3 of the roadmap on Monday 17 May. Moving to step 3 will include the return of indoor hospitality, entertainment and attractions.
If you haven’t already made preparations for re-opening, you should visit the government’s working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) page for the latest guidance. You’ll also find lots of useful COVID-19 information and advice on our webpages, including the free support we can provide to help you reopen.
A reminder of the COVID-19 testing options
As restrictions ease, testing remains a vital tool for keeping local infection rates low. You can get a test whether or not you have COVID-19 symptoms.
If someone has symptoms
Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 must continue to book a PCR test through the NHS system, and follow the latest government guidance if they test positive.
If someone doesn’t have symptoms
See the government’s guidance on testing for the options available to those without symptoms, including home and workplace testing.
We are continuing to offer free, rapid COVID-19 tests in our large testing centres at Bournemouth Road in Peckham and behind London Bridge station, seven days a week. We have also rolled out lateral flow testing in 10 community pharmacies across Southwark, which may be more convenient.
Results are usually available within an hour. Find out more and book a test.
You can also book a lateral flow test directly at a mass testing site in one of our neighbouring boroughs: Lewisham, Greenwich, Bromley and Lambeth.
Where else can people without symptoms go?
You can use the NHS asymptomatic test site finder to find venues and businesses where you can pick up home testing kits. There are currently 45 community pharmacies in Southwark offering this collection service as well as 10 libraries.
Important:
Anyone testing at home must register their results online or by calling 119, and results must be reported every time a home testing kit is used
Rapid lateral flow tests will detect most infections, but not all. Because a negative result could be a false negative, you are encouraged to have a test twice a week, to ensure more accurate results
Book your COVID-19 vaccination now if you’re eligible
If you are aged 40 or over, or you're in another eligible category, you can book your vaccination now.
Pop-up vaccination clinics
If you’re eligible for a COVID vaccination, you can also get your first dose from a pop-up clinic. You don’t need an appointment, to be registered with a GP or to bring any form of ID to receive a first dose at a pop-up clinic. You just need to be currently eligible.
Check this page regularly for suitable clinics near to you.
These clinics are in addition to the vaccination centres already in place across the borough and London.
Additional Restrictions Grant Round 3 payments
If you were awarded a Round 2 payment, you should receive your Round 3 payment this week. If you submitted an application during Round 3, we aim to notify you of the outcome by mid-May.
EU Settlement Scheme closing soon
If you employ European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EAA) or Swiss citizens, they and their families should check whether they need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to remain living and working in the UK.
They have until 30 June 2021 to apply, with their rights and status remaining the same until then. To be eligible, they must usually have been living in the UK by 31 December 2021.
Remind your staff to check today.
Adjusting to our new trading relationship with the EU
We are now four months into our new relationship with the EU, following our departure on 31 December 2020. It’s important that you understand what our new relationship with the EU means for your business.
If you haven’t already done so, you should complete the government’s Brexit checklist. This will help you understand the new rules that apply to your business and give you a tailored list of actions.
You’ll also find lots of useful information on our webpages about the support and advice available to businesses.
Help your business and give a bit back at the same time
Southwark Council and Southwark Carers are developing an initiative that will give discounts on local retail and leisure opportunities to unpaid carers living in the borough. The discount card, which could be offered to as many as 48,000 unpaid carers, is a way of giving something back to those who care for loved ones affected by a disability, illness addiction or frailty.
Unpaid carers are often on low incomes, and many suffer from isolation and mental physical and health issues – issues compounded by COVID-19. Discounts on goods and services can not only ease the financial difficulties of caring for another but can also provide some much needed time-out.
All retail and leisure discounts are welcome, whether it be a haircut, a meal out (or in), eye/hearing care, health and wellbeing activities, or legal advice. Or it could simply be priority access to a store. Whatever the discount or opportunity, by supporting our unpaid carers in this way businesses can expect to increase their customer base.
To find out more about the initiative and to register your interest, contact Kam Dhenjan.
Business support and opportunities
Take on the affordable heating challenge
The Ebico Affordable Warmth Incubator Programme will run for two years to support the creation of new businesses that address the challenges of providing affordable, low-carbon warmth to the UK’s most vulnerable households.
Candidates enrol as individuals, forming teams and pitching their ideas to progress through to two ‘incubation phases’, with bespoke business development support and funding.
If you’re up for the challenge, visit the programme webpage and reserve a place at the virtual information evening on Wednesday 19th May.
Support for cleantech and low-carbon enterprises
Sustainable Ventures’ Better Futures and Better Futures+ programmes provide advice and support to low-carbon and cleantech SMEs based in London.
If you’re an SME with a sustainability purpose, find out more and register your interest.
Free Disability Advice Service for London SMEs
Smarter London SMEs is a new service from Business Disability Forum. It supports SMEs based in London with free support and advice on disability and how it relates to their organisations. Support covers areas such as understanding disability and the law, guidance on adjustments and your responsibility as an inclusive employer.
Connecting change-makers with creative and tech talent
Stride: Barrier Breakers is a series of knowledge exchange events hosted by the Southwark-backed Stride initiative that will help creatives, start-ups and entrepreneurs establish connections, share learning and promote development opportunities.
The first event, Talent Scout, will focus on identifying, communicating with and inspiring talent from underestimated backgrounds. If you’re looking to break into the creative or tech sectors or a business looking to broaden your network and talent base, register for free and explore the full programme of events.
Contact us
Thank you for continuing to follow guidance. It is vital we continue to follow the government guidelines as restrictions change. We are available to provide advice and information at SouthwarkBusinessDesk@southwark.gov.uk