Closed petition Offer one-off grants for the worst affected industries due to forced closures.
Behind every business is a human and their family, we want to secure a government grant system to enable businesses to survive closures and loss of revenue due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
More details
The Co-funded payroll provides much needed contribution towards the wage bill incurred by businesses - however some are having to use what they receive to top up staff wages leaving them with nothing. Payroll is only one of many business expenses and the Co-funded Payroll scheme on its own is not sufficient to ensure the survival of businesses. A government grant scheme based on the level of detriment incurred by businesses would provide further support towards rent, supplier, insurance, utilities, employer contributions liabilities and other business costs, act as a safeguard against future unemployment and provide more economic stability during the reconnection of the economy.
This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months
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Ministers responded
This response was given on 15 February 2021
A new financial support scheme was launched on 9th February to provide extra financial support for the worst affected businesses though a monthly lump sum payment or grant.
Read the response in full
Ministers recognise that this has been an exceptionally difficult winter for our Island’s businesses. Ministers launched the Fixed Costs Support Scheme (FCSS) on 9th February 2021 to provide additional financial support for businesses.
The FCSS will add £9.5 million to the support already available to businesses through the Co-funded Payroll Scheme, Business Disruption Loan Guarantee Scheme, Visitor Accommodation Support Scheme, and Visitor Attractions and Events Scheme.
Ministers are committed to continue protecting businesses, lives and livelihoods in Jersey throughout the whole duration of the pandemic. This additional funding provides the necessary support to enable those businesses most impacted by public health measures to weather the winter period and to move ahead with more confidence into 2021.
Island businesses can apply to the scheme if they have been impacted by recent Government measures which have forced them to close as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme is backdated to 01 January 2021 and will run until 30 April 2021.
Applicants need to show they have suffered a 20% fall in turnover when compared with a comparable month in 2019.
The maximum amount of monthly support a business can claim is set at four levels, determined by the business rates they paid on their business premises in 2020. Businesses and self-employed individuals that do not pay business rates are also eligible.
Some businesses that have been able to open can also receive some assistance from this new scheme if they were affected by restrictions such as two-metre physical distancing or restricted trading hours.
Full guidance on the details of the scheme and how to apply are available via the Government of Jersey website: https://www9.gov.je/Health/Coronavirus/BusinessAndEmployment/Pages/GovernmentSupportForBusinesses.aspx#FCSS