What does Tier 1 mean for businesses?

 Meeting friends and family

• You can mix socially in a group of up to six people from multiple households. This includes children and applies indoors and outdoors, including private homes.
• Socialising in larger groups is against the law, with fines up to £6,400.
• There are exceptions, for example if your household or support bubble is larger than six, or if someone enters your house to carry out work, registered childcare or care for a vulnerable person.

 Going to work

You should work at home if possible. If you have to return to your workplace your employer must make arrangements for you to work safely.

 Schools and nurseries

Primary and secondary schools are open, as are nurseries and childcare. If a school has coronavirus cases, local health protection teams will advise what to do.

 Leisure time

• Pubs, bars and restaurants are restricted to table service only and must close at 22:00 GMT.
• People are only allowed to visit in groups of six or less (unless they are from a larger household or support bubble). At least one member of any group should give their contact details or check in using the NHS Covid app.
• Face coverings must be worn, except when seated to eat or drink.

 Shopping

Shops can open with social distancing measures in place. Face coverings must be worn by customers and staff.

 Other

• When travelling to other parts of the UK you should respect the rules in those areas.
• You should avoid travelling to any part of England subject to very high (tier three) local Covid alert levels.
• Traveling to Wales from England for non-essential reasons is an offence.
• Organised sport and exercise classes are only permitted indoors if people can avoid mixing in a group of more than six. There are exceptions to enable disability and youth sport and physical activity indoors, in any number.
• Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and wedding receptions are restricted to 15 people (the reception must be a sit-down meal).
• Funerals must only take place in Covid-secure venues or in public outdoor spaces with up to 30 people in attendance. Wakes and other related events are restricted to 15 people.

The rules highlighted are a selection of the key government restrictions in place in your area.

What support can businesses get in Tier 1?

In Tier 1, which Worcestershire & Herefordshire are currently in, businesses are able to access the Job Support Scheme, up until 19th October, they we able to access self-employed grants – NOW CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS, and local authority grants. This table shows the support available dependent on tier.