Covid-19 - Frequently Asked Questions
Are Farm contractors and workers still able to travel about?
Yes. Staff will be able to travel between land holdings to carry out essential work, this includes planting crops and livestock care. There is currently no requirement for staff to carry letters to explain their reasons for travel.
Will I still receive deliveries of fertiliser seeds etc?
This remains at the discretion of individual companies. At the moment it is absolutely fine for deliveries to be made as long as all safety precautions re social distancing and hand washing are followed.
If I employ season staff who are due to start in 10 days time, will they still be allowed to travel?
Yes, as long as their work is deemed essential.
Is there any guidance on what work should and shouldn’t be carried out?
If the work cannot be carried out from home and social distancing guidelines can be followed then essential works can be carried out. This includes things such as work in relation to crop and livestock husbandry as well as planting trees. Safety must be kept in mind though and risks of putting pressure on emergency services minimised where possible.
Does SLE have any advice in relation to the ordering of young gamebirds in Spring for next season’s shoots?
The impact on the forthcoming shooting season is unknown, however we hope that it will be able to continue in autumn and winter.
Further advice can be found on the BASC website.
Is the Tenant Farming Commissioner’s Tenants Amnesty June deadline likely to be extended?
We understand that the Tenant Farming Commissioner intends to put out a statement covering the issue of on farm meetings etc. There is no suggestion of the amnesty being extended but we anticipate that the TFC will highlight what needs to be done from a legal perspective before the end of the amnesty (the process does not need to be complete, only a notice needs to be served) and what is reasonable in the circumstances.
Having a diversified business, we have some areas of the business where there is no longer work for all of the staff. Can they reduce hours to suit the new needs of the business?
If there is no longer work for employees to do then they may be “Furloughed” which in practice means they will not come to work, but you will continue to pay them and be able to reclaim 80% of the costs from the government.
If our business does not pay rates, will we will qualify for any of the business grants that we see on the government website?
As you will have seen the UK and Scottish Government are changing the support that is being provided on an almost daily basis and a lot of the detail has not yet been worked out.
We are in discussions with the Scottish Government regarding the treatment of agriculture in the coronavirus crisis. Agriculture does not pay rates and nor is it eligible for the Coronavirus Business Loan Interruption Scheme.
We would advise calling the dedicated business helpline number (0300 303 0660). The helpline will be open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.
Will I qualify for rates relief for my sporting enterprise?
Along with all other businesses sporting enterprises or individuals who pay sporting rates will qualify for the 1.6% rates relief all non-domestic properties in Scotland will get. However, in terms of the 100% rates holiday sporting enterprises are not currently on the list of eligible businesses.
We feel very strongly that sporting/country sport enterprises should qualify as a “retail, hospitality and leisure businesses” and receive the relief. All sporting enterprises have seen a major drop off in their clients and could stand to make zero revenue this season. This means they will have to lay off staff. The lack of sporting visitors also has a wider impact on neighboring businesses (accommodation, restaurants, bars, shops).
We are talking Scottish Government and have written to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Kate Forbes, to ask that these businesses be added to the eligible list, receive 100% relief and be eligible for the associated grants.
Will I be able to meet the 2nd April deadline for BPS entitlement transfers if unable to travel to meetings?
We understand that the department are looking at the process for this, one suggestion was accepting photographs of documents until such time as scans or hard copies could be provided and using electronic signature software. We reminded them that whilst this form of signing documents might be commonplace in businesses it won’t be for the majority of farmers. We thought as an interim measure good quality photographs might suffice but there would need to be a degree of tolerance from government over potential errors. These issues boil down to traveling for work that can’t be done at home and being able to maintain at least 2m distance from people not in your household, the guidance seems to be evolving on this.
Will there be a derogation on timings to implement AECS capital works if contractors cannot be secured?
We understand that there will be further detail on the issuing of derogations. For the time being we have had verbal commitment that derogations will be issued for all RPID schemes but have yet to see anything in writing. The concern we have raised with the Cabinet Secretary is this commitment needs to be in writing to prevent overzealous department staff issuing fines when things return to normal. Derogations were issued earlier in the year for tree planting that had to be postponed due to bad weather and availability of nursery stock so there is precedent.
During the current situation, should my business close temporarily?
The UK and Scottish Governments have issued instructions that non-essential businesses should close for at least three weeks from 24 March 2020. This will be enforced by the police. Further guidance and details of which businesses should close and which may remain open can be found here.
What support is available to me to help me continue to employ my staff?
The UK government is going to step in and help pay people’s wages – paying grants to support as many jobs as necessary.
Grants will be paid to any employers who retain their staff. Any employer in the country – large, small, charitable or for profit – who promises to retain their staff, will be able to apply for a grant from HMRC to cover most of the wages of people who are not working but are kept on payroll, rather than being laid off.
Grants will cover 80 per cent of the salary of retained workers up to a total of £2,500 a month – which is above the average income. The cost of wages will be backdated to 1 March and will be open initially for at least three months – and the UK Government will extend the scheme for longer if necessary.
Employers will be free to top up the remaining 20 per cent, but this is not mandatory.
There will be no limit on the number or total value of grants paid out.
HMRC is working to get the scheme up and running, and we expect the first grants to be paid within weeks.
Is there any help to cover the cost of sick pay?
This refund will cover up to two weeks’ SSP per eligible employee who are either ill or been told to self-isolate because of COVID-19. This is in line with the recommended isolation period. Guidance on self-isolation can be found here.
Employers with fewer than 250 employees will be eligible. The size of an employer will be determined by the number of people they employed as of 28 February 2020.
Employers will be able to reclaim expenditure for any employee who has claimed SSP (according to the new eligibility criteria) as a result of COVID-19.
Employers should maintain records of staff absences, but employees will not need to provide a GP fit note.
The UK Government will work with employers over the coming months to set up the repayment mechanism for employers as soon as possible. Existing systems are not designed to facilitate employer refunds for SSP.
The eligible period for the scheme began on 13 March.
Are there any grants of reliefs available for my business?
If your business occupies a property in the retail, hospitality or tourism sectors you will be eligible for a 100 per cent discount on your rates bill for 1 year from 1 April 2020. This will be regardless of the rateable value of the property. The property must be occupied in order to be eligible.
You may be eligible for a grant of up to £25,000 if your business is in the hospitality, leisure and retail sector and occupies a property with a rateable value of between £18,000 and £51,000.
You may be eligible for a grant of up to £10,000 if your business is eligible for the Small Business Bonus Scheme or Rural Rate Relief.
Your business will be eligible for a 1.6 per cent relief regardless of rateable value. This measure effectively freezes the poundage rate for the coming year. This will not need to be applied for – it will automatically be applied to your bill.
You will be eligible for these reliefs even if you are already in receipt of another form of relief.
You should now be able to apply for reliefs and grants via your local authority. The Scottish Government has said they are working urgently with Scotland’s 32 local authorities to ensure these reliefs are administered in the most effective way. Information on how to apply is available at here.
Further information for businesses in Scotland is available here or by calling 0300 303 0660.
A package worth £60 million has been agreed with water companies to help businesses that are facing difficulties with their water charges.
Scottish Water has agreed to suspend pre-payment charges for licensed providers for two months, beginning with the April payment. This means water suppliers can now be flexible with their customers.
The Central Market Authority (CMA) has also agreed to suspend all ‘performance standard charges’ to allow licensed providers to focus on supporting customers.
Is there any help to handle tax bills?
HMRC may agree, on a case by case basis, to assist with your business’ tax bill through the Time to Pay Service.
These arrangements are tailor made and based on individual circumstances and liabilities.
More information can be found here.
I have a café - can I simply convert to a takeaway to keep money coming in?
The Scottish Chief Planner has made clear that planning authorities should not restrict pubs or restaurants operating a takeaway service temporarily.
These measures will be reviewed in three months.
More information is available here.
Will my business interruption insurance cover any losses?
The UK and Scottish Government’s medical advice of 16 March is sufficient to enable those businesses which have an insurance policy that covers both pandemics and government ordered closure to make a claim – provided all other terms and conditions in their policy are met. Businesses should check the terms and conditions of their specific policy carefully and contact their providers if in doubt.
However, most businesses have not purchased insurance that covers pandemic related losses. This means they cannot claim regardless of whether government orders businesses to close. As such they should make use of the government support available to them.
Council Tax:
The council tax reduction scheme has received additional funding. To find out eligiblity please click here.
Details on how to apply for a council tax reduction via your local authority can be found here.
If you require further financial support
You can check whether you are eligible for any of the social security benefits delivered in Scotland here or you can contact your local Citizens Advice Centre.