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Post Info TOPIC: How is everyone doing?


Master Book-keeper

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How is everyone doing?


With the corona virus now affecting us a lot more how is everyone coping?

I'm fine at the moment and it's pretty much business as usual, a couple of returns to get in before the end of March then I have the subbies coming up in April to look forward to, after that it's how quick other clients are going to want to get paperwork to me.

One client affected so far in respect of staff lay offs.  Small caterer who runs a golf club cafe will have to give one staff member notice, and the other regular staff member is in the balance.  Functions were his bread and butter, of which the majority have been cancelled, so he only has his daytime trade for the foreseeable future.

Another I just do the payroll for is a restaurant and no doubt they will have a massive downturn in business.

 



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John 

 

 

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Hi John,

Glad to hear it's business as usual.

I visited one of my clients to collect (read: look for) paperwork on Monday afternoon, and their bookings have all but dried up. Their cash flow is very day to day, so I can see them folding. Meanwhile, another is in a very good position financially, so they should be okay - though whether they can carry on operating isn't just about cash in the bank; it also requires people able to handle the work! I haven't spoken to any others yet.

That's the business point of view.

From a health point of view, I'm in one of the slightly higher risk groups because of my BP etc, but I can't just bolt my doors and ride it out. I wonder how many of us are in that same boat? :(



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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software

(I only came here looking for fellow apiarists...)



Master Book-keeper

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Hi boys
On a very personal level, Im in a high risk group due to my asthma and have been advised to self isolate like the oldies for 12 weeks. Im thinking, Im otherwise fit and healthy, not had a bad asthma 'event' (ie a 3 weeker) for about 6 years, so just carry on and try to help elderley neighbours etc, that is until my whole family and frankly several lovely clients told me to get a grip and do as I was told for a change. I have encountered extremely bad periods of respitory distress over the last 30 years and have so far, touch wood, never had to be hospitalised so I am not planning on being a burden to the NHS now. Yes, you heard it from me, a first, I am doing as Im told!

So, I am collecting a clients batch of paperwork for the last time today. They are on semi shutdown today due to a funeral, with only the receptionist in. I could let them deliver the papers and that will happen in future, but I need all my records/notes and as Vince said need to 'look for' the correct paperwork before systems are put in place for future document delivery, so with only one person in - its a good time to visit. Then Im on lockdown. Issue is - I normally do 2 days a week (this is my semi FD type role) and not being in makes that harder.

Ive undertaken some research (UK Lancet type/Chinese info) as has my brother (USA info) and have found out that, as far as they know, the virus can stay around on paper/plastic for c 3 days, I read somewhere could be up to 5) so all my clients are now aware to drop their papers off but that they then will not be touched for a minimum of 5 days. One client INSISTED I sanitise the papers he dropped off yesterday - he has just returned from a skiing trip in a badly infected area of Austria on Sunday. It may be extreme but Im taking no chances with my health.

I have spoken to all of my clients bar one. For most its business as usual this week, although footfall for most has already decreased massively and at least 2 expect to be closed by weekend due to reduced sales or once the government bring in sanctions in the retail sector. Many already work from home, but have involvement in the pub sector, recruitment and the like, so have plans to semi diversify or will shut up shop. I expect a few will fold and I feel very badly for them as those who will are damned hard workers and lovely lovely people.

This will of course impact massively on the daily lives on bookeepers/Accountants and Im aware of both of your particular circumstances John and Vince. So lets hope we can all ride this out, but that the ride is a short one.

Vince - protect your health as much as you can - perhaps consider to do what Im doing re the paperwork if you can. Glove up, disinfect and work from home as much as possible. Im looking at remote PC access to one client at the mo, but already have it for others. Glad you havent seen too much impact John - hope that continues.

Stay safe!



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 Joanne 

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Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position



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Hi Joanne,

I've been very careful, but... I hadn't even thought about paper. :(

I presume you're using hand sanitiser to sanitise it? Something I haven't been able to get, and I'd be worried that anything else might be problematic for the paper, and my subsequent ability to actually do anything with it afterwards! :(

The problem with leaving it for five days, at my biggest client I handle payments - so some of the subbies hand in paperwork in the morning for payment ASAP. Not touching it for five days would mean they go without for a week which is something many can't do. I'm simply going to have to ramp up my paranoia level for handling paperwork.

What I have been doing is benefiting from my own forgetfulness. Having forgotten to put the plastic containers from the bathroom out with the recycling, a while back I realised I had two empty soap dispensers. I transferred some soap from a new one into one of them, and filled the other with water. These (and some paper towels) have since gone with me wherever.

If I go shopping, they stay in the car and I wash my hands before getting back in the car.

If I visit a client and I'm not going to be in there long, the same.

If I'm somewhere for a longer period, it comes in with me, and I wash my hands with it at the desk whenever I venture away from and return to it, and randomly as the day goes on (and especially before eating). I got some funny looks at first when I started doing that - not so much now, though. This is where I'll ramp up a bit; as soon as I've run through any given batch of paperwork, followed by...

This morning I spotted that I have a couple of empty screenwash squirty bottles in the boot of the car, so I'm going to clean those out and mix up some disinfectant to go in them, and carry that as part of the same kit.

...so immediately followed by disinfecting the desk surface and anything I've touched while looking at that paperwork.

What a time to be alive.

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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software

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Master Book-keeper

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Thanks for replies.

I did wonder about you Joanne, as I saw your comments on another forum of having to self isolate.For the likes of myself, I would sooner get it and be done with but I'm consciously aware that that people like yourself and Doug have to much take extra care.  Fortunately I don't have any paperwork to contend with until the subbies start in April, as I've had all the paperwork sent by email.  I'm just wondering, if you handle paperwork with surgical gloves*, does that reduce/eliminate the risk of getting it that way.  Obviously a thorough clean down after each session would be required.

*Assuming you can get any, that is.

 



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John 

 

 

 Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.



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If you need hand sanitiser they are selling it on Amazon takes a while to get here though. Like you Joanne I also have asthma an am working from home.

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Riel


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Hi Vince
Im not using sanitiser on the paperwork because like you I couldnt get any. The only ones that really work are the ones with 60% + alcohol content, which most of them havent got anyway....I could use the vodka I have stashed but might need that to keep me chirpy. Plus as you say, it could be an issue with paper - you would have to hang it all on a washing line.

Ive read that the virus will just die within the time frame mentioned. It needs a host to continue to live. Now Im no expert and things are moving all the time, information kind of changes as they learn more about this virus as the world turns! There was a new article out today about the virus living longer than we though, although my estimate of 3-5 days seems to still be erring on the side of caution for paper (they state 3 if I recall), but its your other surfaces where it can linger for longer, eg a table, so check out eg the BBC website for the latest announcement.

My plan after the time period was then to process it whilst wearing gloves, but then be aware the gloves may be contaminated #

The MAJOR message, it seems, is - whatever you touch do not, absolutely do not, then touch your face as that is the way the virus gets into your body.

Easier said than done as we humans are actually pre-programmed to touch our faces a hell of a lot, its a fundamentl behaviour of the human race and we do it without noticing most of the time. We tend to touch our faces for a number of reasons - reduces stress, self-soothing, flirting etc it places a role in cognitive and emotional processes.

The wearing of a mask whilst processing the work may help just because it means you cannot touch as much of your face as you would normally. Actually just had a thought - wearing balaclavas would be a great idea, then you just have to remember not to touch your eyes. Oh boy, how can we set up a production plant?!!!!

Your soap idea is a good one! I will hazard a guess a few people will be regretting giving you funny looks! Most folk will no doubt scoff at the idea of just washing your hands in soap and water, but its not as daft as it seems. Without getting all scientific, the main issue with a lot of viruses and especially this one is that the microbes itself are sticky, the longer they can stick to something, the more chance of getting into your body, the more effective they can be. The soap disrupts the virus and the nasty half dead bugs then dissolve in the water. Stops them sticking. Im not saying is completely fool proof, but goes a long long way to helping. If you havent watched it - worth a watch of the video how to wash your hands effectively as most folk tend to miss bits!

# when you remove the gloves, ensure you do so so that they become inside out and then ditch them. Or...ensure you wash them thoroughly in soap and water/sanitise. Plus then sanitise your desk etc (watered down bleach Ive been told can help).








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 Joanne 

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Master Book-keeper

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Leger wrote:

Thanks for replies.

I did wonder about you Joanne, as I saw your comments on another forum of having to self isolate.For the likes of myself, I would sooner get it and be done with but I'm consciously aware that that people like yourself and Doug have to much take extra care.  Fortunately I don't have any paperwork to contend with until the subbies start in April, as I've had all the paperwork sent by email.  I'm just wondering, if you handle paperwork with surgical gloves*, does that reduce/eliminate the risk of getting it that way.  Obviously a thorough clean down after each session would be required.

*Assuming you can get any, that is.

 


Hi John

Think I mightve covered off your question in my response to Vince.

Yep....I in for the duration so I have hoarded pink sports bras and mig welders from Aldi. My Aunt suggested the pink sports bras could double up as face masks, being almost the same shape! biggrin

I get what you mean about getting it and so its done with.  Trouble with everyone isolating = how can 85% of the population then get this mild dose and become immune? So that the rest can then have a jab (when they eventually develop one?). Im very much in a quandry on that one!



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 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position



Master Book-keeper

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Riel wrote:

If you need hand sanitiser they are selling it on Amazon takes a while to get here though. Like you Joanne I also have asthma an am working from home.


Susssshhhhh, dont tell everyone Riel.  Yes, stuff like that is taking what seems like an age on the old delivery dates.

Glad you are protecting yourself.  But it aint half weird cutting yourself off, isnt it!



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 Joanne 

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Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position



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Thank you all for the useful advice on this thread, I would like to add the following 

 

Ive stopped wearing rings. Washing your hands doesnt get right around a ring and the virus can survive for some time on a metallic surface. NHS staff were advised to stop wearing rings when the public were being told to sing Happy Birthday.

 

I use alcoholic wipes for my mobile, laptop, calculator, eye-glasses, metallic door handles, and my fridge door. You can still get some on Amazon, and latex gloves for handling paperwork.

 

I tear off a few kitchen roll wipes and carry them with me - if you need to touch or scratch your face you can use these rather than your hand, and just bin and replace as you need to.  

 

I also wear gloves now (no particular kind) when out, for door handles etc. Also, they help remind me not to touch my face with my hands. 

One place of work reacted swiftly and moved to homeworking a week ago. Another, I am going to offer free services to, to assist temporary closure (they work with the public) and hope they survive this. A third is a food supplier, so they won't close and the work is all on-site, so need to think carefully about that one, and the bus trip there and back. 

 

Good luck everyone and stay well.



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Lorraine 



Master Book-keeper

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Has anyone thought about making their own sanitiser?  There is a recipe somewhere, the alcohol isn't a problem (hic) but whether the other ingredients can be got I don't know.

Hi Lorry, interesting about wearing gloves outdoors, never thought of that.  However I've not noticed checkout people wearing them yet, and they are dealing with handling change and notes all the time.  If I worked in a shop I think I would want to wear gloves definitely.



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John 

 

 

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Yes very weird, I start earlier finish later and still feel like I am cheating.  As someone at work has said its like being in a end of the world film.



-- Edited by Riel on Friday 20th of March 2020 04:03:04 PM

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Riel


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John: I did think about that before I opted to create my portable washing kit - hand sanitiser being a second best for when you can't wash your hands. That kit means I can wash my hands frequently when out and about, so no need for the hand sanitiser.

I think you need something like isopropyl alcohol, essential oils, and aloe vera - all of which are readily available (though the isopropyl alcohol might not be something you can get in your local supermarket). OTTOMH I'd say the main mix is 2/3 alcohol, with 1/3 aloe vera, and some drops of the oils - but you'd be better off checking a reliable source than going by my memory. :)

But if you have suitable containers, I'd go down the route of making a washing kit.



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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software

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With gloves (ignoring disposable ones) I wear my driving gloves whenever I go out, and keep them on when shopping etc. When I get home, after I take them off I immediately wash my hands - and then wash the gloves; by hand, though, because I'm in a tower block and only have a weekly slot in the communal laundry. I'll see if I can pick up more pairs when I next go shopping. Ideally, I'd like to wear a fresh pair each time I need and drop them immediately into my laundry bag, so they don't get worn again until they've been through a proper wash.

I do have a supply of disposable gloves, and I carry a few in my trouser pocket, a few more in my coat pocket, and some in my laptop bag - all for use if and when necessary, but only for 'emergency' use because I don't know if/when I'll be able to get more.

Speaking of being able to get things... I normally keep a well stocked larder and freezer, so I have food to last a while, which is good given how empty supermarket shelves have been lately due to all the idiotic panic-buying. However, well stocked doesn't - can't, really - include perishables. I ran out of bread yesterday, so this morning I didn't have any toast as usual for breakfast. (And I don't usually buy cereal or milk, so that wasn't an option). Just after lunchtime (which I also didn't have... because no bread for a sandwich) I popped to my local shops to get a loaf.

None in one, almost none in the other.

I decided *not* to buy any, on the basis that the reason the shelves are so empty is because of the idiots panic-buying, and there might be other people who need it far more than me. I'll simply make my evening meal a little earlier than usual, and pop to Asda later to see if I can pick up a loaf. (And if I can't, I'll grab something else suitable for breakfast for the next couple of days, and for lunches etc).

That is what people who don't have a desperate need *should* be doing, not emptying the shelves at the expense of people who have a greater need. :(

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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software

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Hi Vince,

Yes, that's how I work it with a series of pairs of gloves and its easy enough to manage. I have a BP issue as well to consider. 

Completely agree with you regarding some folks approach to this, without a thought for others it seems.  I'm glad to see there are places offering free hot drinks and discounted takeaways to NHS workers, and some shops providing shopping slots for the elderly, and keeping supplies for NHS workers.  



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Lorraine 



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Morning all

Glad to see you are all managing to find ways to cope during what can only be described as 'the chaos' that we find ourselves in.

Must admit not a lot has changed in my daily routines as of yet, I still work part time in the mornings and then from home for my accounting work although I am certainly going to feel the impact of working from home and the schools shutting which could mean the kids being off for up to 5 months!

And to top it all, just when I need a drink the most they shut the pubs!

Oh well, chin up I am sure we will all manage to come through this!



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Doug

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Master Book-keeper

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My caterer client above has had to close the kitchen, following Bo Jo's announcement last night.  Was going to lay the other one off next week and just him and his wife run it, but that's been taken out of their hands now.

As he hadn't actually issued termination notices (he was letting the first one know on Monday), we're currently looking into the job retention scheme.  Can the portal be up and running in a matter of a few weeks?  Collossal task I would imagine.

Thoughts are offer them the retention scheme option or terminate their employment (won't be able to pay payment in leiu, but can cover this weeks wages) both are on Universal Credit  so not sure how that affects them with either option.

I know it's early and info is very thin on the ground but does anyone know how it's handled on the payroll side regarding the job retention scheme?  I know you have to lay them off unpaid in order to qualify, that's as much as I can glean so far.



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John 

 

 

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Master Book-keeper

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Lorry10 wrote:

 

Thank you all for the useful advice on this thread,  You are very welcome Lorriane.  I would like to add the following 

 

Ive stopped wearing rings. Washing your hands doesnt get right around a ring and the virus can survive for some time on a metallic surface. NHS staff were advised to stop wearing rings when the public were being told to sing Happy Birthday.  Good tip

 

I use alcoholic wipes for my mobile, laptop, calculator, eye-glasses, metallic door handles, and my fridge door. You can still get some on Amazon, and latex gloves for handling paperwork.

 

I tear off a few kitchen roll wipes and carry them with me - if you need to touch or scratch your face you can use these rather than your hand, and just bin and replace as you need to.  

 

I also wear gloves now (no particular kind) when out, for door handles etc. Also, they help remind me not to touch my face with my hands. 

One place of work reacted swiftly and moved to homeworking a week ago. Another, I am going to offer free services to, to assist temporary closure (they work with the public) and hope they survive this. A third is a food supplier, so they won't close and the work is all on-site, so need to think carefully about that one, and the bus trip there and back. 

Re this one - do they operate from a server and have an IT department or good IT support?  Wondering if they can set up a remote VPN to access their servers?  Failing that, how about considering remote access capabilties via one of the following - Windows/Google Chrome/Team Viewer/LogMein etc?   Then may be go in less often to collect papers and work for home.   Not ideal for all business I appreciate that.   I have it now for all except one who for some reason doesnt trust the security of it from a 3rd party perspective. No idea what Im going to do with that one!

 

Good luck everyone and stay well.


 



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 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position



Master Book-keeper

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Leger wrote:

My caterer client above has had to close the kitchen, following Bo Jo's announcement last night.  Was going to lay the other one off next week and just him and his wife run it, but that's been taken out of their hands now.

As he hadn't actually issued termination notices (he was letting the first one know on Monday), we're currently looking into the job retention scheme.  Can the portal be up and running in a matter of a few weeks?  Collossal task I would imagine.

Thoughts are offer them the retention scheme option or terminate their employment (won't be able to pay payment in leiu, but can cover this weeks wages) both are on Universal Credit  so not sure how that affects them with either option.

I know it's early and info is very thin on the ground but does anyone know how it's handled on the payroll side regarding the job retention scheme?  I know you have to lay them off unpaid in order to qualify, that's as much as I can glean so far.


One of my clients with a cafe has shut, but has enough meat on the bones to pay staff for several months, but this scheme will come in handy if it gets worse.

My £1m a quarter client has shut, well mothballed. Overnight income just vanished.  

I have a landlord client, has about 20 properties he rents to long standing tenants (and some commercial stuff as well) - he has told all his clients that he will cover them  (nice to hear)

Lots of others are taking a hit, although most are changing how they trade/diversifying  even if its from a small base.  None with potential layoffs as yet, a couple will definately go for the rentention schemes/grants/whatever.

Folk are calling for a change for the self employed.  Have to say - what about the one man Limiteds (especially the work from home ones) - no help on offer!

Ive not heard how long it will take to get the rentention scheme set up but have to say Ive not been watching the newswires since it was announced due to a couple of major issues at this end.  Ive got a pal who is a management accountant involved on some major projects at HMRC so will see if I can get a response on that one (albeit he probably isnt sleeping much at the mo, so no time for chit chat!)

 



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 Joanne 

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Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position



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Folk are calling for a change for the self employed. Have to say - what about the one man Limiteds (especially the work from home ones) - no help on offer!

Quite. The self employed (and one man Ltds) have been left out in the cold over this. This is particularly annoying as people in that situation tend to work harder/longer hours than regular employees, and have fewer benefits.

Right now I'm dreading getting home over the next few days in case I get one of the letters to tell me to batten down the hatches and stay at home for 12 weeks. I think in my case it's 50/50 whether I'll be on that list, and I hope I'm not if they're don't come up with a viable solution for the self employed.



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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software

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VinceH wrote:

Folk are calling for a change for the self employed. Have to say - what about the one man Limiteds (especially the work from home ones) - no help on offer!

Quite. The self employed (and one man Ltds) have been left out in the cold over this. This is particularly annoying as people in that situation tend to work harder/longer hours than regular employees, and have fewer benefits.

Right now I'm dreading getting home over the next few days in case I get one of the letters to tell me to batten down the hatches and stay at home for 12 weeks. I think in my case it's 50/50 whether I'll be on that list, and I hope I'm not if they're don't come up with a viable solution for the self employed.


 Hi Vince

Re: Lockdown: Are you Ltd or sole trader?  If sole trader no income you can claim "sick pay" from the Gov at around £95 a week.  Also apply for housing benefit to your council.

If Ltd and no income I would simply moth ball* the Co and claim universal credit.  It's temporarily going up £20 a week so you should get around £93 a week plus hb.

 

Still waiting to hear if the 80% income guarantee will apply to Directors.  If so and you've been taking the £8k approx in wages that'll give you around £125 a week plus hb 

It might be worth running both figures through turn2us to see whether the 80% job rentention reduces your hb too much



-- Edited by Leger on Sunday 22nd of March 2020 08:22:10 PM

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John 

 

 

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Leger wrote:
 

 

Still waiting to hear if the 80% income guarantee will apply to Directors.  

 



-- Edited by Leger on Sunday 22nd of March 2020 08:22:10 PM


The consensus seems to be that it will not. In part due to not being able to furlough yourself when you have Directors duties to perform/no employment contract etc.    The devil is in the detail and there is very little detail out there at the moment.

Being trying to find out about CBILS for a client - nothing until at least Wednesday as the systems havent been tested at their bank yet.  Some banks not yet accredited to provide them, although there are a lot of banks who have been accredited.   The Banks though are saying they want tangible security (so not just a directors loan, but one backed by their house, or other property)  - so they get doubly secured! Anything they cannot get back from that house/other assets covered by the government....so many will fall at the first hurdle and shouldnt pin their hopes on it!  Of course that was caveated with 'we havent seen the full detail yet' but thats how the existing guarantee scheme works (used to be the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme, then the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme). 

 



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 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position



Master Book-keeper

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Cheshire wrote:
Leger wrote:
 

 

Still waiting to hear if the 80% income guarantee will apply to Directors.  

 



-- Edited by Leger on Sunday 22nd of March 2020 08:22:10 PM


The consensus seems to be that it will not. In part due to not being able to furlough yourself when you have Directors duties to perform/no employment contract etc.    The devil is in the detail and there is very little detail out there at the moment.

Being trying to find out about CBILS for a client - nothing until at least Wednesday as the systems havent been tested at their bank yet.  Some banks not yet accredited to provide them, although there are a lot of banks who have been accredited.   The Banks though are saying they want tangible security (so not just a directors loan, but one backed by their house, or other property)  - so they get doubly secured! Anything they cannot get back from that house/other assets covered by the government....so many will fall at the first hurdle and shouldnt pin their hopes on it!  Of course that was caveated with 'we havent seen the full detail yet' but thats how the existing guarantee scheme works (used to be the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme, then the Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme). 

 


 There is supposed to be a lot less restriction on applying for CBILS but it seems that the bank will be the arbiters. I can understand them wanting security for the 20% they'll be liable, but not the 80% guaranteed by the Gov.



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John 

 

 

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Leger wrote:


 There is supposed to be a lot less restriction on applying for CBILS but it seems that the bank will be the arbiters. I can understand them wanting security for the 20% they'll be liable, but not the 80% guaranteed by the Gov.


 Aye and I understand that and with my banking lending hat on I understand why they need the security for that element, but I think a lot of folk will think they can get help, where in reality they cannot.  But then that is like the furloughed wages and rates things, only for the few, not the masses and yet there are still folk out there trying to rip off the system. Mind you its folk like that who are the reason for us being in a tighter lockdown today isnt it?!  British Bank are I think trying to encourage unsecured lending element but with all the knocks on dodgy debt over the past 10  years or so, the Banks in general will not allow that.  



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 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position



Expert

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Date:

Hi John

"Re: Lockdown: Are you Ltd or sole trader? If sole trader no income you can claim "sick pay" from the Gov at around £95 a week. Also apply for housing benefit to your council."

Where I am UC has been rolled out, so I'd have to claim that (again), and any housing benefit would therefore come from that. However, there's another issue with the way UC is done that will matter - not just to me if I end up claiming it, but also to others.

It's worked out on a month by month basis (to the 5th of each month IIRC) and you have to report your earnings to them - and whatever the amount you're entitled to, 63p (IIRC) is taken off of it for each £1 you've earned[1]. The lockdown has started part way through the month, and if it does only last three weeks (it probably won't, but the current plan is that it will), it'll end part way through next month.

That means SE people who are adhering to the lockdown and who's earnings have been as per normal for the period up to it - and assuming they will return to normal after it - will lose three weeks money, but get a pittance from UC to make up for it. Compared to employees who will get 80%.

Self employed peeps need to be given a better option. One possibility would be to grant them 80% of the sales figure from the last tax return, apportioned for the duration of the lockdown. (It has to be the sales, not the net profit, because they're still incurring their costs).

In my specific case, that's flawed - but a lot better than UC - because I was earning a lot less up until a few months after I moved last year, and I had to take steps to increase my earnings in order to be able to pay the rent. So my tax return figure doesn't reflect what I'm earning *now*- but it would be a lot better than the joke that is UC.

[1] It was based on the minimum income floor they assess for you if you earn less than that, but I understand that's being set aside for this crisis.

Edit: Changed an instance of SE to UC.



-- Edited by VinceH on Tuesday 24th of March 2020 11:40:45 PM

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Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software

(I only came here looking for fellow apiarists...)



Master Book-keeper

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Date:

Leger wrote:


 There is supposed to be a lot less restriction on applying for CBILS but it seems that the bank will be the arbiters. I can understand them wanting security for the 20% they'll be liable, but not the 80% guaranteed by the Gov.


 

We are causing massive waves on this one as the rules are very clearly not being applied as they were agreed and filtered down.

 

Responses from Rishi Sunak (well his office, obs) and several other MPs.   Same info that went to them now landing on several Bank's CEO email stacks and next will be the press.



__________________

 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position



Master Book-keeper

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Posts: 3904
Date:

Good stuff Joanne.

Just thinking aloud but would it have been possible for the Gov to have set up an at arms business bank, no security but your house/assets on the line for the 20% if not repaid?



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John 

 

 

 Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.



Master Book-keeper

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Posts: 8646
Date:

Leger wrote:

Good stuff Joanne.

Just thinking aloud but would it have been possible for the Gov to have set up an at arms business bank, no security but your house/assets on the line for the 20% if not repaid?


 Not that quickly no.

Besides the Banks can all do this already!

 



__________________

 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position



Master Book-keeper

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Posts: 3904
Date:

Then they need a good kick up the a*se!!

Hopefully from what you've said the message is getting through to them.



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John 

 

 

 Any advice given is for general guidance and professional advice should be sought applicable to your circumstances.



Master Book-keeper

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Date:

Lets hope so, once the missives are passed down. BUT how many businesses have already gone to the wall because they cannot access the correct information and therefore the loans?

Bad enough the info flow between local and central goverment and HMRC and central government is so slow and disjointed.

I think a lot of folk will jump into decisions on the tax issues that will severley bite them on the bum once things get back to 'normal' and the big machine starts up again.

__________________

 Joanne 

Winner of Bookkeeper of the Year 2015, 2016 & 2017 

Thoughts are my own/not to be regarded as official advice,which should be sought from a suitably qualified Accountant.

You should check out answers with reference to the legal position

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