Coronavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme

From 1 September, the government will pay 70% of wages but employers will need to top up employees’ wages to ensure they receive 80% (up to £2,500). You can read more information about the changes.

Unless you’re making a new claim for an employee who is a military reservist or is returning from statutory parental leave, you can only continue to claim through the scheme if:

  • you have previously furloughed the employee for 3 consecutive weeks between March 1 and 30 June
  • you submitted your claim before 31 July

Job retention bonus

The Job Retention Bonus is a one-off payment to employers of £1,000 for every employee who they previously claimed for under the job retention scheme, and who remains continuously employed (at least £520/month) through to 31 January 2021.
 

Specific financial support for the voluntary sector

Voluntary Services Recovery Fund (VSRF)

The voluntary sector across Wales has played a pivotal role in supporting those in need across Welsh communities, providing essential lifelines including food deliveries, emergency medical care, ensuring government guidelines reach all communities and tackling declining mental health.

As the Welsh Government eases lockdown restrictions and people in Wales move forward, the funding needs to respond to new challenges. Although the social restrictions are easing, many people are still in emergency situations that need urgent support.

The Voluntary Services Recovery Fund (VSRF) will focus on reducing inequalities across society as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many communities have suffered disproportionately, so actions need to take place to ensure a fair and just recovery. The funding will also provide the resources for the voluntary sector to embed safe practises to carry on delivering essential services across Wales. Grants will support not for profit organisations working at a community scale up to a national level in Wales and can be between £10,000 – £100,000.

Find out more about the grant aims and criteria here.

Third Sector Resilience Fund for Wales - Phase 2 - New Support

Changes to offer new funding to provide survival and recovery support for voluntary organisations in Wales during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

We’ve seen an amazing response by people wanting to volunteer and by voluntary organisations across Wales. They are doing vital work, giving people and communities the support they need in the face of this crisis – and for the longer term.

Sadly, as demand soars for their services, many voluntary organisations are under threat due to income streams drying up across the board. Fundraising is severely reduced as many marathons, charity concerts, and bake sales have been cancelled. Other income generators such as community centres, retail and hospitality services are also no longer possible.

Since April 2020 the Third sector resilience fund for Wales has been providing support to help organisations through the pandemic, but as time moves on it is appropriate for this to enter a new phase. The fund will expand its range of support, whilst still making available survival funding for those who need it. To assist recovery and to help organisations become more truly resilient for the future we are adding two new strands. There are now three strands: 

  • Survive
  • Improve
  • Diversify

Find out if your organisation is eligible & how to make an application


Organisations wishing to apply to either WCVA operated funds above will need to register with WCVA MAP Online.

Emergency fast-track loans

WCVA are offering emergency fast-track loans to voluntary sector organisations in Wales to help see them through the effects of coronavirus and recent flooding.

The application process has been reduced to a bare minimum in  recognition that speed of decision making and availability of funds are paramount. This will mean that the majority of organisations being approved will see money in their bank accounts within 7 days of submitting a completed application.

Eligibility criteria are: –

  • Incorporated social enterprise or charity based in Wales
  • Demonstrable effect on cash flow from flooding or Coronavirus
  • Need to replace assets damaged in flooding

Money can be used for: –

  • Support for cash flow
  • Purchase of replacement assets
  • Bridging of receipt of insurance claims

Financial support for businesses and organisations in Wales (including the voluntary sector)

Due to the unprecedented volumes of applications The Development Bank of Wales are now fully subscribed for the Covid-19 Wales Business Loan Scheme. 

Organisations seeking a loan should consider the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme available for SMEs through over 40 accredited UK lenders.

Visit Business Wales for more information on support for businesses.

Your organisation may also be able to benefit from rate relief via Powys County Council if you are not already receiving it for buildings you operate: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Help for Businesses You will be contacted if you are eligible for rate relief & this will be administered through the business rates system. If you currently pay rates on a building, you will also be eligible for additional Covid-19 Grants for businesses.

Useful information for organisations providing Covid-19 outbreak-specific support

Useful information for all 3rd sector organisations

 

NCVO (for England but many useful resources): Coronavirus — Knowhow Nonprofit

 

The National Business Response Network aims to connect businesses offering
professional support, resources and logistics, with communities and organisations in need.

Funding updates & Covid-19 specific funding

You can find regularly updated information about funders’ response to the Covid-19 outbreak via the WCVA: Funder responses in light of the Covid-19 virus

More about Covid-19 funds on Funding Wales: https://funding.cymru/coronavirus-latest

WCVA is also still operating it's Help Wales after Storm Dennis fund: https://wcva.cymru/funding/help-wales-after-storm-dennis-fund/

 

Arts Council of Wales ‘Arts Resilience Fund’: https://arts.wales/funding/coronavirus

Where to find us

Llandrindod Wells Office

Unit 30
Ddole Road Industrial Estate
Llandrindod Wells
Powys
LD1 6DF

01597 822 191

Newtown Office

Plas Dolerw
Milford Road
Newtown
Powys
SY16 2EH

01686 626 220

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