UK
Following the announcement of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s package of new support for businesses, which he said “would benefit large numbers”, UKFT, the trade body that represents UK drycleaners, summarises the offering for the textile care industry. 
Job Support Scheme
 A new scheme to replace the furlough scheme. It will be introduced in November and will run for 6 months.

  • To access the scheme
    • employees will have to work a minimum of a third of their usual hours
    • of the remaining 2/3rds the employer will pay 33% and the government will pay 33%
    • employees on the scheme will therefore receive 77% of their normal wage
  • All SME’s will be eligible to access the scheme. Large companies will only be able to access it if their turnover has dropped.
  • The scheme will be open to all companies even if they have not previously used the furlough scheme
  • The self employed grant scheme will also be extended on similar terms
    Companies will be able to access the new Job Support Scheme and the Job Retention Bonus
     
    Cash Flow Support
  • Bounce Back loans
    • the terms of these loans will be extended to 10 years
    • firms will be able to make interest only payments
    • firms struggling to pay will be able to suspend payment for up to 6 months
  • Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans
    • the government guarantee for CBILS to be extended to 10 years

 Availability of both loan schemes to be extended till 31st December 2020.

  • Tax Deferral
    • tax deferred and due in March 2021 will now be payable in 11 instalments without penalty
    • a similar scheme will be available for self employed
  • Hospitality & Tourism

VAT held at 5% until March 2021