HU UPDATE: 5th May 2020
LOVE LOCAL APP
MICROBUSINESS FUND
BOUNCE BACK LOANS
SELF EMPLOYED SUPPORT
TAX CREDITS
HU ACADEMY
LOVE LOCAL APP
HU is currently working to secure a low cost alternative app / online platform to help hospitality businesses to offer home delivery or click and collect during the lockdown period, as well as facilitating in-premises ordering direct from tables when we reopen under social distancing measures.
The platform will initially facilitate online ordering from their customers to offer food and drink for collection or delivery until such times as the current lockdown measures are eased. It will then move to provide an opportunity for local businesses to digitally take orders directly from customers sat at their tables with social distancing measures in place once the current lockdown ends.
Pubs, restaurants and bars will play a key role in their communities by safely and responsibly providing food and drink to self-isolating families, fostering community spirit and keeping morale high, as well as in-premises as and when the rules change.
The LOVE LOCAL platform is geared to help our industry and their customers going through each phase of this crisis.
A survey by Kantar during the first week of lockdown showed that the #1 thing people are looking forward to when the crisis is over is going out with friends for some food and drink. Together, we can make sure we still have places to go when the time comes.
Further updates on LOVE LOCAL will be issued in the coming days.
£40M SECURED FOR MICROBUSINESS HARDSHIP FUND
Economy Minister Diane Dodds has announced that £40 million is to be made available for a new Hardship Fund aimed at microbusinesses which have not been able to avail of the existing support schemes and which require financial support due to the impact of COVID-19.
It is estimated around 8,000 businesses across Northern Ireland will be eligible.
Minister Dodds said:
“I am pleased to announce that the Executive has approved funding of £40 million for this Hardship Fund which will provide much-needed support to thousands of businesses suffering financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19. Social enterprises and charities will be able to access the fund if they meet the eligibility criteria.
“Details on the scheme including eligibility criteria and arrangements for applying will be released next week.
“This fund should mean that around a third of all businesses in Northern Ireland will now be able to access support under the Northern Ireland COVID-19 grant schemes.”
BOUNCE BACK LOANS SCHEME
The Bounce Back Loans scheme is now open for applications for all businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. These loans are processed online on a self certification basis, and provide up to £50,000 to businesses not currently in receipt of CBILS or CLBILS support.
CLICK HERE for more
SELF EMPLOYMENT INCOME SUPPORT SCHEME
HMRC will begin contacting customers who may be eligible for the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
The claims service will open on 13 May, the claims process will be very simple, and those eligible will have the money paid into their bank account by 25th May, or within six working days of completing a claim.
CLICK HERE for more
TAX CREDITS
Tax credits customers will continue to receive payments even if working fewer hours due to COVID-19.
CLICK HERE for more
HU ACADEMY
The first wave of registrations to the HU Academy Online Training Platform powered by Flow Hospitality is now complete.
If you haven't received your set up emails to date, or if the links in your emails have expired, email please CLICK HERE to contact us, stating 'HU Academy sign up' as the reason for your enquiry.
The HU Academy is a state of the art, accredited online training platform offering you access to over 40 online courses; all fully compliant with industry standards and legislation as part of your Hospitality Uster membership at NO ADDITIONAL COST*
This includes compliance training such as Food Hygiene, Health & Safety and much, much, more. The training is delivered on your own online training platform, in an easy to manage and fun learning environment that suits all learning styles and size of business.
*Level 1- No additional cost: HU Members with less than 100 staff can access the extensive range of courses and an easy to use online management suite at no additional cost. A managed service is also available, if required.
Level 2- Exclusive 20% discount: HU Members with more than 100 staff can access the extensive range of courses, as well as an easy to use online management suite, plus an enhanced range of bespoke features, additional management tools, integration with existing management systems and the ability to create your own content. An all-encompassing onboarding, learning and development, communication and engagement tool, backed by individual support from the Flow management team with an exclusive 20% discount on the normal licence fee.