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Bira calls for business rates reform and action on overseas imports alongside new government investment

26 Mar 2026

Bira has welcomed the government's £319 million investment in high street revitalisation, while warning that without reform of business rates and action on overseas imports, many high... Read more…

Chancellor's High Street Roundtable | Campaign Update from ACT parent company Bira

19 Mar 2026

The Chancellor held a roundtable discussion on a future high street strategy last week, with Bira the sole voice representing smaller retail businesses. Read an update on Bira's place at a... Read more…

Independent bike shop takes stand against selling or repairing e-scooters with police echoing plea

18 Mar 2026

An independent bike shop is refusing to sell or repair e-scooters over concerns about how they are being used, with the area’s police force backing the call and urging others to follow... Read more…

ACT parent company Bira backs calls for online marketplace accountability over dangerous product safety failures

13 Mar 2026

Findings from consumer rights publication Which? add to calls from the E-Bike Positive campaign to better scrutinise these sites and promote quality e-bikes from reputable manufacturers and... Read more…

Independent retailers warn Spring Statement missed opportunity as geopolitical tensions threaten high street recovery

5 Mar 2026

ACT parent company Bira has warned that the Chanellor's Spring Statement offered no new support for high street businesses, as rising tensions in the Middle East threaten to push up energy... Read more…

Scottish bike shop and cafe expands into bigger premises as council recognises 'positive impact on economy'

3 Mar 2026

A Scottish bike repair shop and cafe has recently moved premises into a bigger unit thanks to a growth in business, with the local council noting the positive impact it would have on the local... Read more…

Local Bike Shop Week returns this May, with independent retailers reporting strong benefits from past events

19 Feb 2026

Local Bike Shop Week is approaching, with this year’s celebrations taking place from Sunday 3 May to Saturday 9 May 2026 - and retailers have highlighted the positive experiences they've... Read more…

Independent bike shops unite for inaugural Local Bike Shop Week celebration

17 Feb 2026

A week to celebrate and highlight the expertise and passion of independent bike shops across the UK is set to be held this May.
Read more…

ACT part of coalition letter calling for consultation on online VAT reform

16 Feb 2026

A 18-strong coalition of business organisations and tax experts, including the ACT and led-by its parent company Bira, has today written to the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury calling for a... Read more…

Government's pub-only business rates package is "poor decision based on politics", ACT parent company Bira says

29 Jan 2026

The government's decision to give pubs a 15% business rates discount while excluding independent retailers is a "poor decision based on politics rather than what is good for the local economy",... Read more…

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Get ready to make your claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme today!

Posted on in Cycles News, Political News

As of today employers can make a claim through the Job Retention Scheme if they have put their employees on temporary leave (furlough) because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

 

Before you make a claim

Before you apply you need to check that both you and your furloughed employee are eligible to use the scheme and work out how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme calculator.

In addition to this you should also read all the available guidance on GOV.UK before you apply.

The Government's step-by-step guide outlines 5 steps to follow:
• Step 1: Essential information
• Step 2: Before you make your claim
• Step 3: Calculating your claim
• Step 4: Making a claim
• Step 5: What to do next


Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme calculator

Before you apply use this calculator to work out the figures you'll need when you complete an online claim through the scheme. It's aimed at organisations with a small number of employees.

At the moment, it will work for most employees who are paid the same amount each pay period (for example, weekly or monthly).

The calculator will work out the amounts you need to enter in the claim form. These are:

• gross amount paid to a furloughed employee
• employer National Insurance contributions
• employer minimum auto-enrolment pension costs

It will also give you a breakdown of the calculations for each pay period.

The figures are for one employee, for the claim period you specify. Run the calculator again for any other employees you're claiming for and add up the results.

Use the calculator now


After you've made a claim

• keep a note or a print-out of your claim reference number - you won't receive a confirmation SMS or email
• retain all records and calculations for your claims, in case we need to contact you about them
• expect to receive the funds six working days after you apply, provided your claim matches records that we hold for your PAYE scheme - please do not contact us before this time
• to receive payment by 30 April, you will need to complete an application by 22 April


ACT Furlough Letter Template

The ACT have produced a free-to-download template for employers to use to confirm that there is an agreement to temporarily furlough a worker or employee. The letter can be downloaded from the ACT website here.


How to claim

You'll need the Government Gateway user ID and password you got when you registered for PAYE online.

Begin Claim Now

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Useful links

If you have any other queries please contact us.