Covid-19 update from Bridgend County Borough 4 June

Information is available to support employers and self-employed people in Wales on delivering the Test, Trace, Protect strategy. Designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, protect the NHS and save lives, the guidance offers advice on a wide range of issues, including what happens when employees have to self-isolate as a result of track-and-trace, what to do if a workplace experiences an outbreak of Covid-19, when sick pay and employment support allowance are applicable, and more. General guidance from Welsh Government has been produced, as has advice for employers on both their responsibilities and Test Trace Protect, while potential financial support for the self-employed and answers to frequently asked questions are also available.

Support for small charities and more

Charity-run shops, sports premises and community centres in Bridgend County Borough are being encouraged to apply for a newly launched £10,000 Welsh Government business support grant scheme. The scheme is available until 30 June to eligible organisations who have properties within the retail, leisure and hospitality sector with a rateable value of £12,000 or less. With applications restricted to a maximum of two properties, the funding is not available to organisations that have already received a £10,000 grant from the Economic Resilience Fund (ERF). While organisations who have received less than £10,000 in ERF funding can still apply, that amount will have to be deducted from any small charities grant they receive. Visit the council website for full details.

Visiting a recycling centre

Anyone who is planning an essential trip to a community recycling centre is reminded to check the ‘odds and evens’ number plate schedule at the council’s recycling page to make sure they are selecting the right day for access, and to take note of the traffic management arrangements for each of the sites.

Updated advice on shielding

People who are shielding in Wales during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic are to receive new advice from Welsh Government. A letter will be issued this week offering further clarification from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales and advising that people who are shielding should continue to do so until 16 August. The letter will also provide reassurance over recent changes in lockdown procedures which are allowing those who are shielding to go outside to exercise or meet other people as long as they observe social distancing and strict hand-hygiene procedures. The situation is under constant review, and people who are shielding will receive a second letter from the Chief Medical Officer for Wales before 16 August featuring new advice based on the latest up-to-date information available at that time.

Start-back support for businesses

Retail businesses are benefitting from the council’s new start-back support. More than 150 businesses have enquired about free Covid-19 awareness training sessions to date, and have been offered complimentary ‘sneeze guards’ to provide staff and customers with further protection from exposure to the coronavirus. To find out more about the training or request a sneeze-guard, contact Employability Bridgend on 01656643428 or email employability

Pandemic business advice

Businesses are encouraged to check the council’s business