The Coronavirus outbreak is a salient reminder that as individuals our own personal affairs should be up-to-date. Here is a brief guide to what you may wish to consider as part of a personal contingency plan.

Firstly and most importantly, we hope that you and your families keep well and safe during the Coronavirus outbreak.  

Irrespective of how healthy you are the worst may happen. So it is even more important than ever to talk to those closest to you and to look at making a Will or making sure that your current Will and any letters of wishes are up to date.

A lot has happened over the last 7 days as the country gets to grips with new ways of working and the workforce adapts.

What are the key themes emerging for the charities and not for profits we support?

Job retention scheme - furloughing employees

On 20 March the Government announced the launch of its COVID-19 job retention scheme, intended to pay employees who would otherwise have been made redundant.  Yesterday HMRC published guidance on calming for wage costs through the scheme. 

The key points are:

We recognise that the charity and not-for-profit sectors play vital roles in looking after their beneficiaries, many of whom will be particularly vulnerable during this public health crisis.

We therefore want to assure you that we are here to support you through this challenging and unprecedented time.

Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) has welcomed three new solicitors into its national Agriculture team.