By Sophie
Helpful Resources During Coronavirus
We are continuing to collect reliable and helpful resources to stay informed about Coronavirus. This page will pinpoint where to get government updates, health and sickness instructions, employment rights, unemployment rights, travel alterations and rent information.
Coronavirus Updates & Info
Whilst social media is amazing and there are lots of people talking about it, up-to-date and trusted information will be shared on these resources:
NHS
Any information about medical symptoms, protocol for unwell patients and their housemates, when to call emergency numbers 111 or 999
Any information about isolation rules, travel, employment, self employment or unemployment (see below for specific links)
The BBC have an entire Coronavirus tab with live updates of announcements.
Do monitor how much you’re looking at the news as it can be quite overwhelming, perhaps set some times when you look at it.
World Health Organisation (WHO)
For the most up-to-date information globally, please check the WHO website
Employment Queries
A lot of changes are happening amongst businesses and as a result, jobs are changing. Hopefully, things will go back to normal, but if for the time being you’re wondering what you should do check out the links below:
Employees
Specific information for employees, including if you’re on a zero hours contract, can be found here
Know what you should be doing if employers ask you to come in, new rules about sick pay (SSP) etc.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
If you’re unable to work because of coronavirus, check if you’re eligible for SSP as you could get some income from your employer whilst you’re unable to work.
Self employed
You can apply for Universal Credit (UC) and/or the new Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
For the latest updates on entitlement and arrangements for claiming benefits:
Coronavirus and claiming benefits – GOV.UK
Reduced Hours / Unemployed / Currently No Income
GOV.UK advice
Lay-offs or hours cut
Jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) – unemployed
If you are looking for work, apply now for Jobseeker’s Allowance. There is a rise in people applying for this, as current jobs are changing, so apply as soon as you can.
If nobody is getting income in your household, you can apply for Universal Credit.
Click here for regularly updated information if you are already receiving benefits, or if you need to make a new claim for financial support.
Paying Rent
If the impact of coronavirus means you are struggling to pay your rent, or you are concerned about your tenants’ rights, these sites have helpful information:
Lockdown Guide to Renting During Coronavirus – HelloGrads
Shelter – Housing advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
GOV.UK – COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Travel Alterations
For general help and advice, Citizens Advice is an excellent resource e.g. if you are uncertain about your rights concerning disrupted travel plans.
Citizens Advice: Coronavirus – what it means for you
Travel & visas
Visa applications & temporary UK residents
Volunteering
If you’re well and feeling stuck, think about volunteering. There are loads of communities doing it and some you can even do in the comfort of your own home or even donate money.
Volunteer for the NHS
Be a community support volunteer by getting shopping, picking up prescriptions, be a check-in and chat volunteer by phoning an isolated person at risk of loneliness.
This spreadsheet outlines local volunteer programmes. Find out what’s going on locally via Facebook groups and group chats
An App set up for neighbourhoods to share what’s going on and who needs help. Sign up to find out what’s going on in your neighbourhood.
An app also set up to help locally. You can help with people’s shopping, get prescriptions and more. If you can’t help by going out of the house, there’s also a donation facility.
