Statement given by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a media briefing on Sunday 22 March 2020. Good afternoon I've called today’s briefing because I want to leave people in no doubt about how serious the situation we face is, and how vital it is that everyone - individuals and business - follows the advice that has been issued.
Driving tests are suspended for up to 3 months except for critical workers, and MOTs for lorries, buses and trailers are also suspended for up to 3 months. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is suspending driving tests in England, Scotland and Wales for up to 3 months from 21 March 2020.
UK government page provides information about coronavirus and claiming benefits. It will continue to be updated.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announces package to support workers as government confirms further measures to keep people safe. The Chancellor has today outlined an unprecedented package of measures to protect millions of people's jobs and incomes as part of the national effort in response to coronavirus.
The Chancellor has set out a package of temporary, timely and targeted measures to support public services, people and businesses through this period of disruption caused by COVID-19. For many more links to information check https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses This includes a package of measures to support businesses including: a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme deferring VAT and Income Tax payments.
The Scottish Government is telling businesses including cafes, pubs, and restaurants to close, along with nightclubs, theatres, cinemas, gyms and leisure centres. The measures follow a meeting of the UK Government's COBR committee, attended by the First Minister, and will be implemented across the UK with immediate effect.
The Chancellor unveiled today (20 March) a further series of measures to support people, jobs and businesses. Good afternoon.
Criteria provided to local authorities to determine local need. Guidance on childcare provision for key workers has been published.
Good afternoon and thank you for coming again. Today I am joined by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak and Jennie Harries deputy chief medical officer.
"COVID-19 is the biggest challenge of our lifetimes." In recent days, we've been asked to make changes to our lives that would have been unimaginable a few weeks ago. COVID-19 is the biggest challenge of our lifetimes.
From the Office for Budget Resposibility. Government records a small deficit in February, but coronavirus will see borrowing rise dramatically.
The Scottish Government has welcomed the significant steps by the UK Government to support workers through the economic crisis sparked by coronavirus and has urged further support for self-employed, unemployed and sick. The Economy Secretary has also called on big businesses who have laid off staff because of the crisis to reconsider their decisions in light of the new wage support package.
Entertainment and hospitality premises to close temporarily and people urged to only travel if absolutely essential. Measures to close entertainment, hospitality and indoor leisure premises across the country to take place from the end of trading hours today (Friday 20 March) to limit spread of coronavirus .
From the Institute for Fiscal Studies. A response to the Chancellor's new package of support.
Convenience retailer, the Co-op, has announced plans to create 5,000 store-based roles in a bid to provide temporary employment for hospitality workers who have lost their jobs and to increase support for local communities, amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Recruitment procedures have been simplified so that candidates can apply for positions by walking into their nearest Co-op with a view to starting work in a matter of days.
Updates for students, staff and visitors Update March 17: North Highland College UHI is to suspend the delivery of face to face teaching from close of business today, Tuesday 17 March at 5pm, moving to the delivery of teaching and learning online to help reduce the risk of spread of coronavirus within our communities. Students local course leaders will be in touch to explain how this will affect students directly and to communicate how they plan to continue teaching and assessment arrangements.
We would like to reassure you that HIE is doing all it can to gather information and work with Scottish Government to ensure that the appropriate support is reaching our communities and local economy. We hope to soon have more detail about how to access the recently announced Scottish Government grants to help communities affected by Covid19 https://www.gov.scot/news/helping-communities-affected-by-covid-19 You will have seen new headlines emerging daily at a national and UK level with proposed measures to help individuals, businesses and communities.
As the ongoing COVID-19 crisis unfolds, we will post information for parents and pupils here. Please check daily for updates or subscribe to our website's news service by clicking on the ‘Follow Wick High School' option on the right of the school page.
The Highland Council is urging those from the hospitality and tourism sector who have been adversely affected by the coronavirus crisis to get in touch for support. The Highlands has a large seasonal workforce, many living in ties accommodation provided by their employer.
Highland Council tenants claiming Universal Credit are being urged to look out for messages from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The messages, due to start being sent to claimants from the 6th April 2020 will remind people to log on to their online journal and complete a to-do ‘Report any changes to your housing costs' to ensure their entitlement covers their annual rent increase for the year ahead.
