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                                                                                                           11/02/21
England is currently under National Lockdown restrictions. It is therefore vital that we all play our part in limiting the spread of coronavirus by:
  • Following the National Lockdown restrictions
  • Getting tested and isolating if you or your staff have symptoms
  • Remembering Hands, Face, Space
Please visit the Government’s website on National Lockdown guidance for the latest information on restrictions and exemptions.
Key Updates
Logo for the Kickstart scheme
No limits for Kickstart Scheme: The Government has removed the minimum limits on Kickstart placements, making it even simpler for employers of all sizes to benefit. The scheme is open to young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long term-unemployment. Employers can apply to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) directly. Click here to read the Government’s latest updates in full.

London councils, boroughs and the Greater London Authority have together produced a short guide for promoting good work and high-quality placements through the scheme, as part of wider efforts to support recovery. Click here to read the guide and to get more information on the Kickstart scheme.
Young apprentices
Why traineeships can be rewarding for your business: The Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) is looking for employers who are able to provide meaningful work experience placements to local young people. This is in support of the Government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ through the delivery of a local traineeship programme for 19 to 24-year-olds.

Taking on trainees not only increases your productivity and capacity, but as they learn and develop the skills you need from them, trainees can become valued and productive members of your workforce. WAES will support trainees with English, maths, digital and work-related qualifications. For each trainee that your organisation takes on, you can receive an incentive payment of £1,000 (up to a maximum of ten trainees).

If you are interested in providing work placements for trainees, please contact Nordeen Fahmy by sending an email to nfahmy@waes.ac.uk or by phone at 0208 057 5231.

For more information about traineeships, please click here.
Free Support for your Digital Transformation: We’re continuing our popular digital skills training series. Join these sessions for expert advice and training to support your business as you digitalise, generate online sales and deliver goods or services during lockdown: These training opportunities are designed to aid high street businesses in generating sales online as national movement restrictions continue. Spaces are limited and fill up fast, so book your place today.
Support for your Business
An example of a property in Westminster
Free Property Advice Service webinars: The London Business Hub is offering a series of free webinars and masterclasses that can assist and guide you on topics such as business rates, lease negotiations and much more. View upcoming webinar dates and find out more about the programme.
Rewarding energy innovation: The Energy Entrepreneurs Fund (EEF) is a competitive funding scheme that supports the development of technologies, products and processes in energy efficiency, power generation and storage. The scheme can particularly assist small and medium-sized enterprises, including start-ups. Selected companies will receive acceleration support and funding for their innovations. View the Government’s website for more information on the scheme.
Disposing of coronavirus waste: Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) are used to detect COVID-19 quickly, usually providing a result within 30 minutes. If the tests are used in a business or organisational setting – for example in a school, university, pharmacy or office – used LFTs require specialist waste management.

If your business is using LFTs to ensure your workforce isn’t at risk, please contact our Commercial Waste Services for information on disposal and to request a quote.
For more information on the ways Westminster City Council, the UK Government and the community can help, please follow the links below:
Whilst we are dealing with a greater volume of queries than usual, if you need bespoke advice, don’t hesitate to contact our Business Unit to get appropriate help.
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