Coronavirus

Coronavirus Guidance

What is Coronavirus

This is a new Virus which is being seen across the world now and which particularly for the elderly or those with complex health needs can be highly dangerous . 

To understand the symptoms it is best to visit the NHS Website which will help you assess whether you or someone else has the condition 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

 

Advice for Legal Professionals 

As your professional body we’re hearing a lot from our members on the ground. We’re using that insight as the voice of solicitors with government and regulators during the pandemic. We’re developing advice and support to help you through this difficult period.

Our priorities are:

  • looking after our members’ safety – from protecting our members in courts to pushing for documents to be signed remotely
  • helping members keep their businesses going – from advice on government support to tips on remote working
  • helping members stay compliant – lobbying regulators to make changes
  • protecting the rule of law – scrutinising the emergency legislation

These were our immediate priorities in the first days of the crisis. We're already starting to see results, and we're now turning to other issues that arise.

Access the resources at https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/support-services/coronavirus/

Or read selected Highlights on our news pages

 

 

Employment Support and Financial Assistance

The Government has now published a range of advice including Employment advice to Employers and Employees , Financial Assistance along with support on the range of benefits which can be obtained . You can access the information here : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

 

 

Legal Aid Agency Response

The Legal Aid Agency has published its response to the crisis and emphasised it intends to take a proportionate and flexible approach to support providers at this time .

This includes guidance on contract compliance and progressing legal aid applications when it may not be possible to obtain clients signatures face to face . This alos includes interim payments arrangements Further updates are promised .

Access the Guidance here : https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-legal-aid-agency-contingency-response

 

What about going to Court ? 

Current HMCS Advice is to be found here : 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-courts-and-tribunals-planning-and-preparation

The Courts have developed guidance on how they will deal with cases :

  • Remote Urgent Hearings in the Magistrates Court
  • Urgent Cases and now PTPH and Sentence Hearings in the Crown Court
  • Urgent and Priority Cases in the Civil and Family Courts
  • Introduction of a new Digital Platform

Stay at home for 7 days if you have either:

  • a high temperature
  • a new continuous cough

Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.

You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home.

Read advice about staying at home.

 

Government Support Package

The Government and HMRC have published details of the Support Scheme available to Businesses :https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

  • a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
  • deferring VAT and Income Tax payments
  • statutory sick pay relief package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
  • a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality, leisure and nursery businesses in England
  • small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief
  • grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
  • the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme to support long-term viable businesses who may need to respond to cash-flow pressures by seeking additional finance
  • a new lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans
  • the HMRC Time To Pay Scheme to help with tax
  • A new scheme for the Self employed based on reported Profit of less than £50,000