With so many of our clients plunged into lockdown today between Newcastle and VIC as well as our friends in Sydney and QLD also in lockdown we wanted to get a quick update out to let you know where you can find the most up to date information, grants available etc, but mainly to let everyone know 'you've got this'
Business certainly has been chaotic at times over the last 18 months, but the old saying is true.......what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.
I'm constantly in awe of all of our clients creativity over the last 18 months in changing your business models to come up with solutions to continue kicking goals. Keep that creativity coming. For those of you in good positions, keep supporting the small businesses making these changes.
LOCKDOWN - Newcastle
Today the NSW Premier announced a snap lockdown for Newcastle and surrounds commencing 5pm today (5th August) and ending midnight next Thursday. This lockdown covers Newcastle, Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Port Stephens and Singleton local government areas.
NSW Government have information on what the restrictions look like for the region here. This list is comprehensive and includes which businesses are allowed to remain open etc.
Retail & Hospitality are allowed to open for 'click and collect' or delivery only.
Renovation work can continue but there are rules that need to be followed where the house is still occupied. This includes no more than 2 people working in an indoor area of the home at the same time, and the residents need to be in a seperate area. You can find details here
Construction work can also continue (which includes renovation / repair work at 'unoccupied' sites). Again the rules for this can be found here.
JobSaver - NSW
JobSaver remains open for applications. For those businesses who have not shown a downturn of 30% in a two week period when compared to 2019 but are now closed and are therefore likely to meet the qualification test, we will be in touch once you have qualified. It's important to note that you cannot lodge a claim for JobSaver until you have shown the decline (ie we can't project that you will).
JobSaver is applied for via Services NSW and you need to upload a bunch of documents including a letter from us declaring your turnover reduction. We will provide the instructions and appropriate information for you should you qualify.
JobSaver payment is 40% of your normal wages bill and is based on your headcount as at 13th July. You do not need to pass this amount to your employees like you had to do with JobKeeper, you continue to pay employees for the hours they work as normal. This JobSaver payment is simply paid to your business. It's important to note that you MUST maintain your employee headcount (ie you can't fire anyone) during the period you receive JobSaver.
LOCKDOWN - QLD
Qld have announced a business support grant as well for effected businesses. This grant will be a $5,000 payment. To be eligible you need to have a 30% reduction in turnover as a result of the lockdown.
Applications will open mid-August
Fair Work
Fair work has some great information on what businesses should do when workplaces are shut quickly because of a lockdown.
We suggest anyone who has been forced to shut to checkout the resources available.
Growthwise
Our team are all setup to work from home, so it's business as usual for Growthwise, albeit for the next week sporting ugg boots and probably our comfiest trackie pants. For those of you who do come to the office regularly, Joey still makes us do 40 squats at 10am and another 40 squats at 4pm! Feel free to join in!
