Covid-19 Recovery Revitalisation Scheme
The Department for Communities and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs have announced an investment of £11m to support organisations in their economic recovery from the impacts of Covid-19. The funding will be allocated to councils in two tranches to deliver measures to help provide a safe environment for visitors, shoppers and employees within town and city centres. This may include measures such as shop frontage and awnings/canopies; outdoor furniture; heaters and queueing systems; PA/Tannoy and digital screens, and other signage. The Department for Communities is investing £10m which will be used in larger town and city centres, with a further £1m coming from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to be used for smaller settlements. Whilst many businesses have already invested in various measures they may still require additional improvements. More information can be found here.
Apprenticeship Recovery Package
The Department for the Economy has announced three important initiatives. Employers will be offered £3,700 for every apprentice that they bring back from furlough and retain until they have completed their apprenticeship. Also, £3,000 per apprentice will be available to employers for each new apprenticeship opportunity created between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021. Finally, an Apprenticeship Challenge Fund will be launched in late September. This will support innovative approaches and new collaborations to increase apprenticeship opportunities. Find out more here.