UPDATE: on 2 November 2020 the UK Government made announcements concerning changes to their business support packages during the pandemic, including SEISS, Job Retention Scheme and Bounce Back Loans Scheme – you can find this information here:
AudioUK is working hard to ensure its members have the resources they need to negotiate the pandemic while continuing to produce high-quality podcasts, radio, audiobooks and much more.
You can read about our general efforts in the news story here.
Below we have provided links to current key resources from government and elsewhere – note government advice and support is subject to regular change – while we will work to keep information up-to-date, do follow links to check the latest government advice and support..
Audio Sector COVID-19 Production Guidelines
AudioUK is a member of the Government DCMS Working Group for Broadcasting, Film and Production. We have been drawing up guidelines to address specific concerns those running audio production companies might have on how to resume a wider range of production safely. These have now been published and are available here.
General Business and Income Support
A full up-to-date list of the Government’s overall business support is here.
Below we have reproduced the latest Government information and links as of 3 November 2020, distributed by the Dept for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) on :
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, also known as the furlough scheme, has been extended to December 2020. Check to find:
• Which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
• If you can claim for your employees’ wages using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
• What steps you need to take before calculating your claim
• Find out how much you can claim.
• Information on claiming for wages through the scheme.
The Job Support Scheme will not be introduced until after Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ends.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension: The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. The grant will be increased from the previously announced level of 40% of trading profits to 80% for November 2020. Find out if you are eligible and how much you can get.
Loan schemes: application deadlines extended to January 31 2021: The application deadlines for the coronavirus Bounce Back Loan has been extended until 31 January 2021. Those companies with an existing Bounce Back Loan can now increase the amount borrowed to the maximum level of £50k.