Originally written by Timothy Adler on Small Business
The Scottish government has launched a helpline for small businesses coping with the unfolding coronavirus pandemic.
The COVID-19 helpline is open Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 5:30pm.
Based at the existing Scottish Enterprise call centre in Clydebank, advisers across Scotland will answer questions from small businesses related to COVID-19. The helpline will also help the Scottish government identify the current challenges facing business over coronavirus.
>See also: Coronavirus government statutory sick pay – how to apply for it
The business helpline number is 0300 303 0660. The helpline will be open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm.
Callers should select option one to speak to the COVID-19 team.
However, the Scottish government has yet to respond to chancellor Rishi Sunak’s announcement in the Budget that nearly half of all small businesses in England will be exempted from business rates in 2020-21. This is because business rates have been devolved to governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Scottish economy secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We continue to work closely with our partners to identify what further support businesses need … I also chaired a meeting with representatives from Scotland’s business support organisations including the STUC to hear their concerns and provide reassurance that the Scottish Government will do everything in our power to protect the workforce, businesses and our economy.”
Commenting on the business rates holiday for small businesses in England, Northern Ireland finance minister Conor Murphy said: “We need to study the detail of the proposal before deciding how the Executive can best support small businesses here.”
Northern Ireland will have its own Budget later this month.
Further reading
Budget 2020 what it means for small business – analysis and live blog
Scottish government launches small business coronavirus helpline
via https://ift.tt/2Jn9P8X by Timothy Adler, Khareem Sudlow
