BUSINESSES in Thurrock that have been impacted by the Omicron variant of coronavirus can now apply for an Omicron Additional Restrictions Grant of up to £6,000.

The grant has been created to support businesses that are not eligible for the government's Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant, such as personal care services or those that supply the hospitality and leisure sectors.

The discretionary funding, which is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis, is for eligible businesses impacted by the Omicron variant since Thursday, 30 December 2021. One-off payments of between £2,667 and £6,000 will depend on either the rateable value or annual rent or mortgage of the business.

Thurrock Council's cabinet member for finance Cllr Shane Hebb, said: "Since the start of the pandemic, Thurrock Council has distributed more than £100 million of government grants and reliefs to businesses in much-needed support due to the pressures they have faced. I urge any local businesses that have been impacted by the rise of the Omicron variant since late December 2021 to take advantage of this new grant.

"We want to make sure that Thurrock businesses can access the support they need to strengthen our economic recovery. The council is here to help and if your business is eligible, go online today and apply for this funding."

Applications can be submitted using an online form and close on Monday, 28 February 2022. If you wish to claim a grant for more than one property, you should complete a separate application for each.

For more information, including full eligibility criteria, click here.