Coronavirus: Advice for Directors UK members

COVID-19, a type of coronavirus, has affected countries around the world including the UK. As well as potentially affecting your physical health, it has disrupted everyday working practices — particularly for those working in a freelance capacity.

Below we have compiled expert resources and advice on dealing with the virus, from both health and employment standpoints. Rest assured, we are monitoring the situation and updating members as and when we have any further advice specific to directors and freelancers.

As a preventative measure, Directors UK has made the decision to close our offices. All our staff are working from home and can be contacted via email as normal. We ask that you please contact Directors UK via email wherever possible, so we can ensure that your query is dealt with promptly.

While there are a number of financial support schemes available to freelancers, and Directors UK welcomes these schemes, it remains the case that many of our members and other self-employed workers are still being overlooked – in particular, self-employed workers operating as Ltd companies and those earning above a certain amount. Alongside our partners within the industry, we are lobbying the Government and continue to make the case for more wide-ranging support. We will update our members on this issue throughout the pandemic.

If you have any questions that aren’t addressed by the below, please email us at communications@directors.uk.com.

Industry recovery

• Directors UK have published Working Under COVID: Advice for Factual Directors, which provides a framework for safety across all levels of production during the pandemic. Find out more and download a copy here.  
• The British Film Commission have produced return-to-work guidelines for film and high-end TV production that have also been approved by the Government. These guidlines are “advisory not mandatory” and include proposals such as providing COVID-19 safety training for all crew, taking each crew member’s temperature twice a day, and having a dedicated supervisor for each production.
• The broadcasters and Pact have prepared some general TV production guidelines, giving top-level recommendations for returning to work, including measures such as reducing the number of people required on site, making editorial changes to increase distances between cast and participants, and putting in place additional health precautions. They have also produced an additional guideline document following the relaxation of the 2-metre rule.

Coronavirus and work

• BECTU have called on anyone experiencing discrimination at work linked to COVID-19 to report to their employer. If you have experienced this or have any questions, email us at communications@directors.uk.com.
• Business debtline have provided some useful advice and help for sole traders and businesses. 
• Money Savings Expert offers useful financial advice across a broad range of issues.
• The Government-established Money Advice Service offers free and impartial financial guidance.
• The Government has developed a business support finder tool.
• The Citizens Advice Service offers guidance across benefits, work, debts, housing and law.

Coronavirus and wellbeing

• The NHS have a dedicated page on the symptoms and risk levels of coronavirus.
• Mind have provided advice on coping with coronavirus from a mental health perspective.
• You can also read the latest advice from Public Health England here. 
• Creative Scotland has collected a resource page with advice tailored towards freelancers based in Scotland.
• The Film & TV Charity Support line is offering emotional support, practical sign-posting and support grants for those experiencing significant financial difficulty.

Urgent Financial Assistance

• Members experiencing hardship can contact our sister charity, the Directors Charitable Foundation. Find out about the Directors Charitable Foundation here.

Financial Assistance — Nation/Region Specific

• Bristol – Small Business Grant Fund
• England - LEP Growth Hubs – COVID-19 Business Support
• Creative Scotland are reopening their Hardship Fund for Creative Freelancers on Monday 15 March. Find out more here. 
• Meanwhile, Screen Scotland are also opening their Hardship Fund on Monday 15 March.