As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to disrupt the global economy, UK small businesses must keep a close eye on their operations and get advice. If you export or import from either country or the region, you must obey economic sanctions for your own business and for your supply chain.
With the likelihood of cyber warfare rising, all businesses should also check their cyber strategy and update software.
FSB has written to the UK Foreign Secretary to support the necessary business restrictions, and to offer assistance and advice as and when schemes are created to support offers of help from the small business community (such as employment or volunteering opportunities to those fleeing the region.)
Further information will be added to the page below as more information becomes available.
Latest official information on the Ukraine crisis
For the latest updates and response, please visit the UK Government’s website.
Russia sanctions, international trade and supply chains
If you have a question about trading with Ukraine, Russia or Belarus, you should contact the UK Government’s Export Support Service via their online service or by calling 0300 303 8955.
- View a list of the UK sanctions on Russia.
- The Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has published guidance on what has changed and what you need to do.
- The Law Society has published guidance on what the new financial sanctions mean for you and how you can comply.
- FSB members with questions about trade can contact our 24/7 legal helpline for support.
- If you’re an FSB member with questions about business insurance and the force majeure clause, you can contact FSB Insurance Service for advice.
Home Office Webinar: Guidance for employers and landlords
The UK is moving as quickly as possible to ensure that those fleeing Ukraine can find safety in the UK through the Ukraine Family Scheme and Homes for Ukraine. In addition, the Ukraine Extension Scheme which opens on 3 May will allow Ukrainians already in the UK on temporary visas to extend their leave here. Ukrainian nationals and their family members, who are granted a visa under one of these routes, will be given three years’ leave in the UK, as well as full access to work, rent, study, and public funds.
Join officials from the Home Office, Department for Work and Pensions, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, and the Refugee Employment Network on Friday 29 April 2022 at 11am for an explanatory webinar on visa routes for Ukrainian nationals, how to carry out right to work/rent checks, and support and guidance for employers and landlords. There will be further information on how employers can help Ukrainian nationals who decide to take up employment whilst in the UK.
Register for the webinar here.
Now is the moment to update your cyber security
The National Cyber Security Centre is recommending businesses follow their advice about actions to take when the cyber threat is heightened.
Watch FSB’s cyber security webinar for advice on how you can protect your business against online threats.
Supporting your staff
Hannah Thomas from FSB Employment Protection and Christine Husbands from FSB Care share practical advice for small business owners with employees affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
Language Support Task Force
A Language Support Task Force has been set up to respond to the rapidly developing need for Ukrainian into English language support in the UK. The Institute of Translation and Interpreting's website includes more information for organisations or individuals needing help with translation or interpreting, and template model document translations for visa applications that can be downloaded and used free of charge.
Donating to help
Many of our small business and self-employed community are already supporting local drives to collect items for donation as humanitarian aid. Others have made financial donations.
If you would like to donate, you may want to consider the official Disasters Emergency Committee appeal.
If you donate through other charities, do make sure you research the organisation and reassure yourself it is legitimate. FSB member Work For Good has a list of organisations.