Over £700 million funding for businesses impacted by Omicron variant.

The government have delivered over £700 million to local authorities for businesses impacted by Omicron.

Companies in the hospitality, leisure, and accommodation industries, many of whom have experienced a decline in footfall and increased cancellations as a result of the Omicron variation, will be able to apply for one-off grant of up to £6,000 per premises, depending on rateable value:

• businesses with a rateable value of £51,000 or above: £6,000
• businesses with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000: £4,000
• businesses with a rateable value of £15,000 or below: £2,667

Additionally, local governments will have access to more than £100 million in discretionary funds to help other firms.

The funding is part of a £1 billion package of support that also includes an extra £30 million for the Culture Recovery Fund and the reintroduction of the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, which reimburses qualified employers for the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for COVID-related absences.

Businesses are urged to apply for grant funds from their local government, which will be distributed in the coming weeks. On GOV.UK, you can find your local authority.

Other businesses affected by Omicron, such as those in the hospitality and leisure industries, as well as those providing personal care services, can apply for grants, with the government allocating more than £100 million to the Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) fund for local authorities in England.

Local governments will have complete discretion in allocating this assistance to those most in need.

Find out more