Mandatory face covering in shops and supermarkets in England from 24 July
Take a look at BCC’s response to the UK government’s announcement that wearing a face covering will be mandatory in shops and supermarkets in England from 24 July. Share with your members on Twitter and LinkedIn. The BCC team will provide further information and guidance on the Coronavirus Hub when it becomes available.
Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Following the publication of the Summer Statement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak MP, further information is now available about the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme. UK Chambers please review and share the information on eligibility, how to register an establishment before 31 August and promotional materials for those taking part in the scheme. More information is available on our Coronavirus Hub.
New campaign to prepare the UK for end of the transition period
Yesterday, the UK government launched a new public information campaign called “The UK’s new start: let’s get going”. The campaign will clearly set out the actions businesses and individuals need to take to prepare for the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020, and ensure they are ready to seize the opportunities that it will bring.
Campaign advertisements will include the “Check, Change, Go” strapline which directs people and businesses to an online checker tool to quickly identify the necessary next steps they need to take. See further details on our Brexit Hub.
UK government publishes new Border Operating Model
The Border Operating Model provides clarity and certainty for the border industry and businesses, including technical detail on how the border with the EU will work after the transition period and the actions that traders, hauliers, ports and carriers need to take. It covers all of the processes and systems, across all government departments, that will be used at the border. It provides clarity on the end to end journey for moving goods across the border – with information about controlled goods and new government systems that will support trade.
To help businesses prepare for these changes and continue to trade, guides on how to import and export goods are available in the form of a ‘journey’, so that you can clearly see every step you need to take to ensure that your goods are transported successfully.
BCC responds to the government’s proposed border controls after the transition period
Take a look at our response to the UK government’s new proposed processes for moving goods from the UK to the EU from 1 January 2021. Share with your members on Twitter and LinkedIn.
OTHER NEWS
BCC responds to further details on the points-based immigration system
Take a look at our response to the UK government’s publication of further details on the UK points-based immigration system. Share with your members on Twitter and LinkedIn. The new system, introduced from 2021, will require those applying via the skilled worker route to accrue points by meeting a number of relevant criteria, such as having a job offer at the appropriate skill level, the ability to speak English and meeting the salary threshold.
EU citizens resident in the UK by 31 December 2020 can still apply to settle in the UK through the EU Settlement Scheme until 30 June 2021.
BCC Advocacy team roundup – 7 July
Take a look at the weekly roundup from the BCC Advocacy team including a summary of BCC engagements, upcoming activities and key dates. Please contact the BCC policy team with any queries, case studies or insights ahead of future meetings.
T Levels update
UK Chambers please review this recent letter from the Department for Education (DfE) to T Level providers which provides details on:
| • | the T Levels that will be available for delivery from 2022 and 2023; |
| • | further information on when the approved 2021 technical qualifications will be available; and |
| • | revisions to some T Level course titles. |
Share with your members and contact Jane Gratton with any queries.
Further Education (FE) reform
In a recent speech, the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP announced plans for fundamental change in FE and a White Paper which will be published in the Autumn. BCC is on the reform steering group.
The Department for Education (DfE)’s plans include:
| • | dropping the 50% target for school leavers to go to university; |
| • | a focus on intermediate and higher technical qualifications (level 4 and 5); and |
| • | a greater recognition of the role of colleges in providing adult lifelong learning. |
The BCC was mentioned twice in the speech on the need to improve the transition from education to world of work, and the importance of apprenticeships and vocational education to improving productivity and levelling up.
Take a look at our response, which welcomed the renewed focus on FE, called for parity of esteem and funding for vocational and technical education, and high quality provision that leads to good work and career progression.
Screening for offices
Following a recent UK Chamber CEO call, our colleagues in Dorset Chamber have shared details of the self-standing desk screening which they have installed in their Chamber office. Photographs and a short video to describe the product are available on the Chamber Knowledge Hub. Contact Ian Girling at Dorset Chamber for further information.