Coronavirus Lockdown 2 - We Can Do More than Lockdown 1!

As England braces itself for a second National lockdown on Thursday 5th November, there are many questions about what we can and can't do when compared to the first lockdown in March 2020.

Some of the things we know so far:

• People can still move house, with estate agents, removal firms, construction companies all being allowed to continue working in a Covid Secure manner.
• The Courts will remain open meaning that hearings can still proceed, albeit now likely by way of remote hearings except in exceptional circumstances.
• Everyone "who can work effectively from home must do so. Where people cannot do so they should continue to travel to work/attend their workplace".
• Schools, colleges and universities are all still open- a major difference to the first lockdown.
• Childminders and nurseries will stay open and childcare bubbles, where for example a grandparent provides childcare while a parent works, will be able to continue.
• Playgrounds and parks will remain open

It is clear that this second lockdown does not impact on as many areas of our lives as the first lockdown.

What financial support is available this time?

• The Furlough Scheme has been extended for a further month and pays 80% of salary/wages up to a limit of £2,500, although employers must still pay NI contributions and pension contributions
• Business premises forced to close under this lockdown may be eligible for grants of up to £3,000
• The availability of mortgage holidays has been extended and this may extend to repayments of other debts, but that remains to be confirmed

We will update this page as and when further clarification is available.