23 October 2020

Friday’s roundup of sector news - 23 October

This week's news 

1. Covid-19 - latest
2. Covid-19 - financial support
3. Government reminds business to prepare for leaving the EU
4. Consultations update

1. Covid-19 - latest

As we have set out in past member updates, audiology practices are essential services, and at this stage there is no intention to force local practices to close as part of local lockdowns across the UK. We continue to monitor this situation and will keep members up to date with developments. 

We will keep members up to date with further changes as the pandemic progresses. 

At this stage, we would like to remind all members of the importance of regular refresher training on infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, and in particular standard precautions. You can use our standards precautions poster and training and compliance guide to support this effort.  

To help you remain Covid-secure and provide care safely throughout the pandemic, you can also access additional support and guidance on our Covid-19 resource hub.

If you need any help and support, please get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] or by phone on 020 7298 5110. If you need support with an HR issue, you can email us at [email protected].      

2. Covid-19 - financial support

Following last week's member update, the Chancellor announced yesterday that the government will now increase financial support for businesses and workers. 

The key points are: 

Job Support Scheme (JSS) 

The UK-wide JSS will come into effect on 1 November and run for six months. There is a different level of support for businesses that are open but experiencing a downturn because of Covid-19 and companies legally required to close because of local restrictions. Given that hearing care providers are not expected to be part of local lockdown restrictions, the key points are: 

• JSS will now be open to all businesses that are experiencing considerable difficulty due to Covid-19 - e.g. where staff are working reduced hours due to reduced demand 
• The initial intention was for employers to pay a third of their employees' wages for hours not worked, which required employers to be working 33% of their normal hours. The JSS will now require employees to work a minimum of 20% of their regular hours and employer contributions for unworked hours will be reduced to 5%. 
• HMRC is due to publish more detailed guidance, and we will share this with members as soon as possible.

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) 

The UK-wide SEISS will be extended and will offer larger grants. The key points are: 

• There will be two additional SEISS grant payments for those who are eligible, one covering November to January and a second covering the period February to April 
• The profits covered by grants will increase from 20 per cent to 40 per cent. This will increase the maximum grant from £1,875 to £3,750 
• HMRC is expected to provide more detail about claiming the grant in mid-November. We will keep you up to date with developments.

Expanding access to business grants 

The Covid-19 business grant scheme for England will now also be open to businesses significantly affected by local restrictions, even if the company itself is not forced to close. This support, however, is targeted at hard-hit sectors such as hospitality, and it is unlikely that hearing care providers will be eligible at this stage. For more information, see the Business Grants Factsheet. 

Read more about the package of support.  

3. Government reminds business to prepare for leaving the EU

The UK government has said time is running out for businesses to prepare for the UK leaving the EU Single Market and Customs Union. The government's 'Time is running out' campaign is now "urging business leaders to step up preparations for Australia-style arrangements from 1 January". HMRC has also written to 200,000 traders who trade with the EU to set out the new customs and tax rules coming into place and how to deal with them. Read more.    

4. Consultations update

We are currently working on our response to the HCPC consultation on proposed changes to its generic standards of proficiency for all its registrants. Thank you to members that have volunteered to take part. We will be sharing our draft response with you shortly. If you would like to take part, please email [email protected]. 

The policy team is currently analysing the NHS 2021/22 tariff engagement consultation. This survey seeks feedback on the potential policies for the 2021/22 national tariff and related financial architecture. This consultation will influence what proposals are included in the statutory consultation on the next tariff.Past national tariff consultations have had an impact on how hearing aid dispensers' services are funded in England, for example, tariffs paid for follow-up hearing care. If you have any questions or would like to share your views on NHS proposals with the NCHA, please email [email protected].