COVID-19 advice and assistance: FESPA Australia reaches out to members

With the rapidly changing situation we find ourselves in, FESPA Australia has created a comprehensive information list in response to common questions that are being received from its members.

“At this time we feel it is important to give our members as much advice and assistance possible to help navigate the unfamiliar territory we are currently experiencing,” said Nigel Davies, President FESPA Australia.

“FESPA Australia is available to support you with information and support during this time. It is recommended that employers become familiar with the information around the virus – particularly how it is spread and how it can be prevented,” he added, recommending that business also implement procedures to mitigate the risks to their employees being exposed while performing work.

FESPA will update its members regularly as new announcements and information is made available.

ABA relief for small business

The Australian Banking Association has announced that all small businesses that are impacted by Coronavirus will be entitled to a six-month deferral on all business loans. To learn how this affects your business, go to https://www.ausbanking.org.au/banks-small-business-relief-package/

How can I prepare my business if I get sick?

Excerpt of information provided by the NSW Small Business Commissioner can be found on https://www.businessaustralia.com/how-we-help/be-a-better-employer/getting-legal-advice/employer-guide-to-coronavirus/latest-news?deliveryName=DM578

Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

It’s important to be prepared in case you cannot be there to run your business. Having a BCP ahead of time is a good way to ensure that your business can remain operating or viable should a disaster strike. Start your Business Continuity Plan with this BCP template at https://www.business.tas.gov.au/home

For more information, visit: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/get-help/covid-19-coronavirus-information-small-business-owners

Measures regarding employees

Please see https://www.hicksons.com.au/insight-news/march-2020/bulletin-–-covid-19-and-measures-regarding-employe

We thank the ASGA and Warwick Ryan from Hickson Lawyers for sharing this information with us.

CPA Australia also have a COVID-19 Contingency Plan checklist that's quick and easy to use.

Other practical ways to prepare for a shut down or isolation period:

- Use cloud-based storage for all your business records to enable you to access your key data and documents from any location with an internet connection.

- Have a list of your key contacts and a handover notes prepared and easily accessible in case someone needs to run your business on your behalf

- Have a staffing plan to ensure your employees are trained so they have the skills and knowledge to undertake necessary activities.

- Make sure that you have arrangements for relief or casual/temporary staff you can call on at short notice if your regular staff are unable to work.