Dear Resident,
Coronavirus is the greatest challenge our country has faced in decades.
I know that this will be an extremely difficult time for families, friends and for many of the most vulnerable members of our local community. The situation remains very serious, but we will get through it – together.
A huge national effort is underway to combat the disease and we must all play our part in this fight.
The single most important thing that you can do is to stay at home. By doing so, you’re protecting some of the most vulnerable in our community, supporting NHS staff on the front-line and saving lives.
The response from members of the community across Bromsgrove District has been fantastic, with families, friends, neighbours and community groups supporting one another.
I will continue do all that I can to support our community through this difficult time and as ever, if you need my assistance, please do get in touch via sajid.javid.mp@parliament.uk
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NHS Coronavirus advice
COVID-19 is a new illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It's caused by a virus called Coronavirus.
Stay at home if you have either:
- a high temperature – you feel hot to touch on your chest or back
- a new, continuous cough – this means you've started coughing repeatedly
Do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital.
You do not need to contact 111 to tell them that you're staying at home.
Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you're staying at home.
Go to NHS.uk/coronavirus for information about the virus and how to protect yourself.
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#ThankYouNHS
Every Thursday evening, we Clap for Our Carers to show our support for NHS staff and front-line responders.
It's always fantastic to see so much support in our local area, so thank you for taking the time to show your appreciation.
The government is working hard to support the NHS in any way that it can.
A military-sized operation is underway to ensure the supply of PPE, with millions of items of PPE distributed every single day.
A comprehensive action plan to increase testing for NHS staff has been put in place, all NHS debt has been removed - a massive boost to Worcestershire hospitals; and NHS workers will get free car parking.
I'm in regular contact with Worcestershire Acute Hospital Trust, Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and Herefordshire and Worcestershire CCG - who will continue to have my full support.
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Support for Businesses and the Self-Employed
The Chancellor has pledged to do whatever it takes to support the UK economy.
In the last few weeks, the government has announced an unprecedented support package - amongst the most comprehensive in the world.
Businesses can be eligible to benefit from:
✅ Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), all UK employers on a PAYE system will be able to access support to continue paying 80% of the salary of furloughed employees.
✅ Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), small and medium sized businesses can access loans of up to £5 million.
✅ Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), large businesses with an annual turnover of over £45 million, can apply for up to £25 million of finance.
✅ VAT deferral for three months and access to Time to Pay, to support cash flow and outstanding financial liabilities.
✅ The Future Fund, will issue convertible loans between £125,000 and £5 million to innovative companies which are facing financing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak.
✅ And much more, including Statutory Sick Pay Rebate, small business grants and support for the retail, leisure and hospitality industry. You can find more information here.
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Support for the Self-Employed:
On March 26th, the Chancellor announced a package of support for the self-employed. I include just some of the measures below, with more information available here.
✅ Self-Employment Income support scheme (SEISS), a grant for self-employed individuals, worth 80% their profits, up to £2500 per month.
✅ Income Tax Deferral and access to Time to Pay, income tax payments due in July 2020, will be deferred to January 2021.
✅ Suspension of the Minimum Income Floor for 12 months, self-employed individuals can now access, in full, Universal Credit at a rate that is equivalent to Statutory Sick Pay for employees.
For the latest guidance, advice and support available to the self-employed, please do visit, here; or get in contact via telephone 👇🏽
Business Support Helpline: 0300 456 3565
HMRC: 0800 024 1222
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Foreign and Commonwealth Office Guidance:
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advises British people travelling abroad to return to the UK now and to not travel abroad unless it is essential. This applies for an indefinite period due to unprecedented international border closures and other restrictions.
The government have reached an agreement with airlines to help British nationals return home. Furthermore, where commercial routes are not available, the government will provide £75 million to charter flights.
For the latest advice, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
If you are a Bromsgrove constituent, who is experiencing difficulties returning to the UK, please do get in touch via sajid.javid.mp@parliament.uk
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Support in Bromsgrove
Supermarket update:
Sainsbury’s - Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, all supermarket stores will dedicate 8am - 9am to serving elderly, disabled and vulnerable customers. Every Monday to Saturday will dedicate 7:30am - 8am for NHS and Social Care workers (ID required).
Morrisons - Introducing an NHS hour in all Morrisons stores from 7am to 8am, Monday to Saturday for NHS workers.
Iceland - Monday to Saturday, the first hour of trading will be a priority hour for elderly and vulnerable people and the final hour of trading for NHS staff only (ID required).
Marks and Spencer - Reserving the first hour of trade every Monday and Thursday, as a special shopping hour for more vulnerable and elderly customers to help them get the food and products they need. For NHS and emergency service workers, have access to the reserved first hour of trading on Tuesday and Friday for them to shop.
Waitrose - From Friday 20th March, the first opening hour in our supermarkets will be dedicated to elderly and vulnerable shoppers, as well as those who look after them.
Tesco - Introducing a priority shopping hour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 9am - 10am for vulnerable and elderly customers (not available in Express stores).
Co-op - All stores have a dedicated shopping hour for those at higher risk and the people who care for them. Check with local store for details.
Asda - Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, all supermarket stores will dedicate 8am - 9am to serving key workers.
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Worcestershire County Council Here2Help Scheme:
Worcestershire County Council have set up a dedicated support scheme for residents who are self-isolating. Furthermore, individuals and businesses can also register any support they may be able to provide.
The forum is available to contact here or via telephone on 01905 768053.
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Local support and volunteering:
Bromsgrove residents have pulled together to look out for the most vulnerable in our community. There has been a fantastic response so far, with hundreds of volunteers offering their support and help.
If there are any organisations that you would like me to include in future emails, please do let me know via sajid.javid.mp@parliament.uk
Bromsgrove District Community Support Group:
A volunteer group, supporting those who are self-isolating in Bromsgrove District. You can get in contact on Facebook here or via telephone on 01527 306490
Catshill Community Support Group:
A volunteer group, supporting those who are self-isolating in Catshill. You can get in contact here.
Clent Community Support Group:
A volunteer group, supporting residents in Clent. You can get in contact on Facebook here or via email at rpadmore@opening-doors.org.uk
Fairfield Village Community Association:
A residents support group operating in Fairfield, Wildmoor and Stoneybridge. You can get in contact on Facebook here, on their website or via telephone on 01527 833583.
Lickey and Blackwell C19 Support Group:
A volunteer support group, operating in Lickey and Blackwell. If you need help with shopping or just want a chat, you can call 07930 837770 or email lickeyandblackwellc19@gmail.com
Romsley & Hunnington Coronavirus Support:
A volunteer group, supporting residents in Romsley & Hunnington. You can get in contact via mobile on 079079 76915.
Wythall Parish Council
The Parish Council is co-ordinating a group of volunteers to support eldelry and vulnerable members of the community. You can email cvhelp@wythall-parish-council.org.uk or call 07584 058549.
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NHS Volunteer Responders:
The NHS has asked for 250,000 healthy volunteers to support the 1.5 million people in England who are most at risk from the virus.
It was fantastic to see that well over 750,000 people have signed up already! I have signed up too.
For more information, please visit: https://www.goodsamapp.org/NHS
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How to Contact Sajid:
I'm holding surgery meetings (by phone). If you need to contact me, you can find the details below.
By post:
The Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP
House of Commons,
London,
SW1A 0AA
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