Coronavirus free advice helplines
We are offering clients up to thirty minutes free legal advice. We are here to answer any queries or concerns you might have regarding the impact of Covid-19, what legal options are available to you, and what steps you can take to protect your business, your staff, or your job. Contact our teams:
An update from our CEO
Collyer Bristow is monitoring carefully the escalating coronavirus situation. We are taking appropriate actions with the wellbeing of our clients, colleagues and our wider community being foremost in our minds.
Working remotely
Our staff are now working entirely remotely. Clients should be reassured that our business infrastructure fully supports remote working and as such we expect to maintain the usual high level of service.
Our colleagues can be reached by phone, email and online conferencing facilities in the usual ways.
Our events programme
We have suspended our events and seminar programmes. We have also temporarily closed our Art Gallery to members of the public.
Deadlines and Court dates
Our teams will work with clients to identify any upcoming deadlines and milestones, such as court dates, which may be affected, and act accordingly. If you have any concerns in this regard please contact your usual Collyer Bristow lawyer.
The safety of our clients, colleagues and our wider community is paramount, but so too is ensuring that the high level of service expected by our clients is unaffected. We believe the measures which we are taking represent the most prudent course of action to achieve that balance.
We will remain in close contact with you and provide updates as the situation evolves.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this challenging time.
Phillip Palmer
Chief Executive
Collyer Bristow LLP
Ongoing Government advice
New rules are now in force: you must stay at home. More information and exemptions can be found at gov.uk/coronavirus Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives.
In line with Government recommendations we are providing the following advice to employers:
- Basic hygiene is crucial. Wash hands regularly, use hand sanitiser, and use disposal tissues to catch coughs and sneezes. Increase office cleaning.
- Keep informed. Make sure you know how to recognise COVID-19 symptoms, stay up to date on government guidance and guidance from the World Health Organisation, particularly regarding overseas travel. Ensure remote working structures and available and accessible.
- Keep in touch. Communication with staff is key. Keep them informed on steps being taken. Make sure emergency contact details are updated.
External resources
- Government guidelines for employers and business
- Government general guidance on the situation
- World Health Organisation’s technical guidance
Who to talk to
Our team is on hand to provide guidance on a full range of issues relating to coronavirus including employee health and wellbeing, employer responsibilities, contracts, and dispute resolution. Please feel free to direct any queries you may have to the people listed below.
Read our latest COVID-19 content
We continue to consider the issues most affecting and concerning our clients and contacts, and are regularly producing guides and articles as the Coronavirus situation evolves. This includes content on employer obligations and options, contracts and their validity, family and private wealth issues, and the impact on the financial services market.
Coronavirus: Your Employment Questions Answered
There is a lot of uncertainty at the moment in light of the Covid-19 crisis. However we can provide some certainty as we navigate these unchartered waters. Please read of our FAQs below to help guide you, your business and your job through these extraordinary and difficult times.
An update on ‘Furlough Leave' options for employers
On 26 March, the Government released its much anticipated clarification of the Job Retention Scheme. Whilst helpful for all employers, this will be particularly welcome news to businesses who are already taking steps to place staff on ‘furlough leave’.
Can you CLAIM UNDER YOUR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE?
A guide for businesses considering claiming for their losses from the Coronavirus outbreak on their Business Interruption Insurance policies.
Download our flowchart to aid decision making
Download our flowchart to aid decision making
My WORKPLACE IS OPEN. SHOULD I GO INTO WORK TODAY?
The Covid-19 pandemic has infiltrated all the daily decisions we used to make without thinking. But one vital question at the forefront of the British workforce’s minds is ‘can I go to work today?’. Our flowchart may help with decision making.
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme: an overview for SMEs
The Government has announced the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, CBILS, will make loans available to qualifying businesses across the UK who are experiencing a loss in revenue as a result of coronavirus.
Must business owners affected by coronavirus meet their obligations under commercial contracts?
Many businesses may be struggling to meet their obligations under commercial contracts. Alternatively, they may be suffering loss as a result of suppliers being unable to fulfil their contractual obligations. This briefing explains how businesses can navigate the difficulties associated with the outbreak where contracts are governed by English law.
Six options that could help businesses stave off the need for immediate redundancies
Six options that could help businesses stave off the need for immediate redundancies
Coronavirus: six alternatives to making redundancies
The economic impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on businesses will be significant. Employers will need to strike a delicate balance between protecting the solvency of their business and supporting their employees.
