Office for Life Sciences Bulletin – 29 January 2021
OLS Introduction The Office for Life Sciences (OLS) is a joint unit between the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). This bulletin aims to keep the life sciences sector up to date on the latest guidance and during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, providing you with information from Government to help your members and networks prepare. If you would like to be added to the distribution list, please email nita.bhanot@beis.gov.uk For any questions on the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement please contact euexit@officeforlifesciences.gov.uk
News NEW - From Monday 18 January at 4am, all travel corridors with the UK were suspended – meaning that all international arrivals who have departed from or transited through any country outside the Common Travel Area in the previous 10 days will be required to both take a pre-departure test, and self-isolate immediately for 10 days on arrival. Please see the full list of exemptions here. For those wishing to travel out of the UK - anyone who does not have a valid reason for travel will be directed to return home and may face a fine - the reason for travel will be checked. For those seeking to enter the UK - those arriving from countries where the government have imposed international travel bans, and who cannot be refused entry, will be required to isolate in hotels for 10 days without exception. More details will be provided in due course. For further information on the Home Secretary’s statement, click here.
Regulation
UPDATED - Guidance on Decentralised and Mutual Recognition Procedures has been updated to clarify that UK national MA applications can be submitted irrespective of applications for the same product in EU and clarification of options for ongoing procedures that were not completed by 31 December 2020. For more information, click here.
Transition Guidance
UPDATED - Guidance designed to help you find out which licences and permits you need to operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight above 3.5 tonnes on international journeys from the UK has been updated. For more information, click here.
UPDATED - The ‘check if you need ECMT permits’ guidance has been updated to provide clarification about when you need ECMT permits and what other options there are for other types of permits. For more information, click here.
UPDATED - Guidance on claiming a waiver for goods being brought into Northern Ireland from Great Britain has been updated with a new section on what to do if you exceed your allowance. For more information, click here.
UPDATED – Guidance on international trademark registrations has been updated with comparable UK trademarks. For more information, click here.
Events Keep up to date with all the latest available webinars: • • • • • •
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Find videos to support your business during coronavirus disruptions here. Watch past HMRC videos here. Find videos to help you learn more about trading with the EU from 1 January here. Click here to view a list of webinars for organisations that trade with the EU you can watch live or on demand. The Home Office has created a podcast episode to help you prepare for the pointsbased immigration system. Listen now to Business and the Future of Immigration in 2021. Also available on Spotify and Apple. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is hosting a series of free podcasts to help businesses that make, use or supply chemicals, understand what actions they need to take. To listen to the podcast, just search ‘The HSE Podcast’ on your chosen platform. Audiences can also register to receive notifications for each episode released using this link. BEIS has launched a series of on demand videos, to help businesses familiarise themselves with the new rules. Topics include importing and exporting, trade, Rules of Origin, tariffs, data, and audit and accounting. To view the videos, click here.
Various dates – Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) Various dates – Extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and flexible furloughing webinar. Register here. Various dates – HMRC Completing customs import declaration, please register here.
Workforce
UPDATED - A new page brings together guidance for jobs seekers so they can develop their skills, get advice on job applications, and search for opportunities. This is part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs to support, protect and create jobs across the UK.
NEW - If as an employer, publishing your claim details could leave individuals at risk of violence or intimidation, you can request HMRC not to publish details about your Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme claim. For more information on what you will need to make a request, click here.
UPDATED - Guidance has been updated with a YouTube video about how to claim the Self-Employment Income support Scheme, third grant. Watch the video and register for the free webinars to learn more about how to claim the third grant.
UPDATED – Guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been updated with examples to help you calculate your employees' wages. Please find more information here.
UPDATED - From 3 February 2021, employers can apply directly to the Kickstart scheme for any number of job placements, as the threshold of 30 job placements has been removed. From 28 January 2021, applications from new Kickstart gateway have closed.
Business Support
UPDATED – Guidance on Coronavirus tests, taxable expenses and benefits has been updated. Please find more information here.
UPDATED – Guidance on paying VAT deferred due to Coronavirus has been updated. Please find more information here.
UPDATED - From 00.01 Tuesday 19 January, all hauliers travelling from the UK to the Netherlands, by ferry, will be required to show evidence of a negative lateral flow test obtained within 24 hours of boarding a service departing for a Dutch port. A free test can be obtained at one of our 35 Information & Advice sites across the country, where support on getting border ready is available.
UPDATED - Guidance has been updated to reflect Orwell Crossing Truck Stop hours now begin at 4am. To avoid delays, hauliers are to get tested at an “Advice site” before entering Kent. For more information on haulier sites opening hours, check here.
UPDATED - Drivers and crew of HGVs, LGVs, coaches and vans need a negative COVID19 test result, which they need for travel to France, Denmark and the Netherlands. Other requirements may also apply, so check the links to keep up to date.
UPDATED – Guidance on how tests and testing kits for COVID-19 work has been updated, please find more information here.
NEW - The Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP) supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions, beginning 5 January 2021. To find out if you are eligible, and how to apply, click here.
NEW - Voluntary and compulsory strike off processes have been temporarily paused for one month from 21 January until 21 February 2021. Find out more here.
Useful Links • • • • • • • •
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Gov.uk/transition provides a central hub of resources You can sign up to email alerts on GOV.UK at this link. Sign up for Home Office email updates about the next steps for EU citizens in the UK at this link. Access the ‘Check How to Export Goods’ tool here for the information you need to export goods out of the UK market. Click here for more information and advice on exporting. Click here for updated information on the Covid-19 response from the Department for Health and Social Care and Public Health England. Click here for a list of Business Representative Organisations and Trade Associations you can speak with to get advice. Specific information for businesses and employers in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales is available. In England, Growth Hubs can advise on local and UK Government business support. COVID 19 key contact details: o General offers of help from industry: gcfcovid19enquiries@cabinetoffice.gov.uk, or visit this webpage. o Share the impact COVID-19 is having on your organisation with intel@beis.gov.uk o To provide feedback on MHRA engagement please contact engagement@mhra.gov.uk o To call the Business Support Helpline in England please dial FREEPHONE 0800 998 1098, Scotland 0300 303 0660, Business Wales 0330 060 300 and Invest Northern Ireland 0800 181 4422