Help Stockport Council to improve the support they give to employers
Stockport Council is working with researchers at the Behavioural Insights Team to better understand the needs of employers to support youth employment. We will use your feedback to improve our services. Please click the button below to take part in the survey. The survey takes no more than 5 minutes. Take the survey here
UK NEWS UPDATES:
UK economy stutters as health sector and secondhand cars drive growth
The UK economy grew by just 0.1% in October, official figures show, despite a strong performance by the health sector and second-hand car sales.
A fall in people dining out and reductions in oil extraction and gas use meant growth came in lower than expected. However, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the services sector returned to pre-pandemic levels. The economy is still 0.5% below pre-pandemic levels, the ONS added. The slower growth has led to predictions the Bank of England will not put up interest rates next week.
Masks trequired in more indoor venues from today
Face coverings are now compulsory in most indoor venues in England, under measures to tackle the Omicron variant. The new rules require people to wear masks in locations including theatres, cinemas, places of worship, museums and indoor sport stadiums. Further changes start next week under the government’s move to so-called Plan B Covid restrictions. But businesses have expressed concerns about the impact of Covid passes and work from home guidance.
Free HGV courses available across the country
Free courses for adults to train to be HGV drivers are under way across the country as part of a package of measures to ease driver shortages. Skills Bootcamps in HGV driving are free, flexible, intensive courses designed to train drivers to be road ready and gain their licence, offering people the chance to launch careers in the logistics sector. People that successfully complete the HGV courses are guaranteed a job interview with an employer, and the first drivers are expected to be on the road from March 2022. The courses are available now in locations across the country and will also support existing drivers to refresh or upgrade their skills so they can get back on the road. The Department for Education has today announced it has boosted capacity for even more people to just over 11,000 places – backed by £34m.
“The unvaccinated ask for jabs but by then it’s too late”
Many Covid patients being admitted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary are unvaccinated – and ask to be jabbed when they come in, says one senior nurse. The hospital is treating unprecedented numbers of sick people – with Covid and other conditions – at the start of what hospital bosses say could be the toughest winter in the 73-year history of the health service. The BBC was in A&E and on the wards on the night of 2 December and morning of 3 December, following the doctors and nurses – and meeting some of the patients.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been 10.6 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 146,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 51 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 89% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 81% have had their second and 38% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 10,660,981 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 50,867 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,347, 10 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 148
Total UK deaths: 146,135
England Cases per 100,000: 513
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,183,457 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 81%
Daily 1st doses: 21,700
Daily 2nd doses: 29.437
Daily Booster doses: 414,645
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Hiring slowed in November but North shows fastest growth
Professional services hiring data from Robert Walters shows a slow down in November but 2021 a record year for vacancies, with North showing fastest growth of regions. Across England, professional vacancies rose 110% on 2020, and 55% above pre-pandemic levels, with the North of England recording the fastest growth in hiring intentions of any UK region. London however continued to lead the way in professional services recruitment, representing 42% of all vacancies. Vacancy growth in the UK’s regions has been helped by the financial services sector, which has seen the biggest increase in hiring plans outside of London, and created jobs in other major cities, particularly Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham.
Greater Manchester Chamber return to home working and close meeting rooms
Following the Government’s latest announcement about the start of ‘Plan B’ measures to control the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid, staff at the Chamber will, once again, be working from home as per the guidelines set out. Elliot House, including all event and meeting rooms and the Members’ Lounge, will be closed from 13th December – the start date for these guidelines – and will remain closed until at least the next government announcement on any likely changes to restrictions expected in January.
Manchester’s economy “resilient to the impacts of the pandemic”
Following the publication of Manchester’s State of the City Report 2021, Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “State of the City Report shows that Manchester has continued to achieve many successes during an incredibly difficult year for the city and the legacy of the pandemic will be with us for some time. Our economy has been resilient to the impoacts of the pandemic, our population continues to grow quickly.” Cllr Craig went on to say, “Manchester’s future remains optimistic; we all want to build n even better city.” Read the full report HERE
Region launches first transport decarbonisation strategy
The North of England has launched its first Transport Decarbonisation Strategy, with Transport for the North (TfN) setting an ambitious target of near-zero carbon emissions from road and rail by 2045. The strategy is the first of its kind for a UK region and highlights the North’s ambition to lead the way in tackling carbon emissions, setting targets earlier than national plans. The Transport Decarbonisation Strategy has bene published following a public consultation over the summer, which agreed four priorities for plans. These priorities cover rail electrification; improving public transport including Northern Powerhouse Rail; developing a Zero Emission Vehicle charging infrastructure framework; and developing a regional route map for transport decarbonisation.
Stockport Businesses to feed into local economic plan
Stockport based businesses are being invited to complete the short business survey which will feed into Stockport’s Economic Plan. This is your opportunity to contribute you views and opinions on the plan and your input is greatly appreciated. Stockport Economic Plan – Business Survey
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
Stockport Council launches new Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses facing continued challenges from impact of coronavirus
Stockport Council has opened applications for its Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, allowing businesses that remain negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic to access further financial support. The Additional Restrictions Grant supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. You can apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant if your trading levels continue to be negatively impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).
ARG Grant data as at 09/12/2021:
Applications received: 295
Applications allocated: 38%
Value of Grants issued: £366,000
Locality Boost Grant
The Council is also offering a further opportunity for businesses in local areas to access a Locality Boost Grant for their area if they did not do so in the first round of these grants. The Locality Boost Grant is for district centre trading associations or their equivalent. District centre trading associations can bid for your local area to run events to drive footfall that will support local businesses that are reopening. If the local area does not have a trading association that can lead the bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that area. They will then lead as the single point of contact for their area. Only one application for each local area will be accepted. Further information on the Locality Boost Grant and how to apply is available at this link Locality Boost Grant – Stockport Council”
Locality Boost Grant data as at 09/12/2021:
Applications received: 19
Applications processed / in process: 95%
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 52,824 to 9 December
Cases in the latest week: 1,315, 208 more than previous week
Total deaths: 795 to November 26th
Cases per 100,000: 447 per 100,000 week ending 4 December
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 84% of over 12s to 2 December
2nd dose: 78%
3rd / booster dose: 39%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 3 December 2021.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Find out how apprenticeships will continue during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – following the Prime Ministers announcement on 8 December 2021, we have updated the guidance to reflect the government recommendation to work from home if you can.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Planning Inspectorate guidance – updated 09 December 2021
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and guidance from government, the Planning Inspectorate has published guidance on site visits, hearings, inquiries and events – guidance update following the government enacting its Plan B.
Penalties for not telling HMRC about coronavirus (COVID-19) support scheme overpayments – CC/FS11a
If you’ve received a grant but were not eligible or you’ve been overpaid, find out about penalties you may have to pay if you do not tell HRMC.
CARE:
Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund for adult social care
Information for local authorities and adult social care providers on the £162.5 million Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund – added ‘Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund: examples of allowable activity’.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination – updated the guide to the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus – updates to reflect new plan B measures being introduced to respond to the rise of the Omicron variant.
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make one
This page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) test kit: give feedback or report harm
How to give feedback about your COVID-19 rapid lateral flow, PCR or saliva test kit, including reporting harm or reactions you had when you did the test.
CONSTRUCTION:
Labour shortage blamed for fall in output
Construction output fell 1.8% in October representing the largest monthly decline since the pandemic sent construction off a cliff edge in April 2020.
New work fell 2.8% from September to October while repair and maintenance remained unchanged. At the sector level, the main contributors to the decline in monthly output were infrastructure and private new housing, which decreased 7.1% and 4.4% respectively. These falls were partially offset by increases in private industrial and public other new work of 9% and 7% respectively.
EDUCATION:
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added guidance on working from home, the NHS COVID pass and parent and child groups. We have updated guidance on vaccination, vulnerable children and when to contact the NHS self-isolation hub, face coverings in communal areas, new and expectant mothers and individuals previously considered clinically vulnerable.
Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak’ to the section ‘Day-to-day running of a school’.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
Prescription charge waiver for COVID-19 Antivirals and Therapeutic Clinical Trials
A statement on prescription charges for COVID-19 antiviral medicines
Excess mortality in England: weekly reports
Weekly excess mortality in England – broken down by age, sex, geographical area, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: 10 December 2021
Estimates for?England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.?This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency and?Wellcome?Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse laboratory to collect and test samples.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Face coverings poster
Poster to remind people to wear a face covering where they are legally required to do so. From 10 December, face coverings will be required by law in most indoor public places.
JUDICIARY:
HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 statistics monthly
Monthly statistics providing data of COVID-19 in HM Prison and Probation Service in England and Wales – the link to the November 2021 figures have been added to this collection page, these were published on 10 December 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and prisons
Guidance for families and friends of people in prison in England and Wales during the coronavirus pandemic.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – information box added that England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant.
PROPERTY:
Agency that said High St offices were dead, opens High Street office!
An estate agency that three years ago launched saying that High Street offices were unnecessary has had a rethink – and has opened a High Street office. In November 2018 Bob Crowley – one of the founders of Agent & Homes, which had launched six months earlier – told Estate Agent Today: “Like most agents who have worked on the high street in the past, we’re of the opinion that a high street presence and shop front is no longer needed for a modern agency to be successful”.
Three years on, and the company has now opened a traditional branch on the High Street in nearby Ladbroke Grove to complement its Notting Hill Hub.
Understanding the possession action process: guidance for landlords and tenants
Guidance for landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors to explain the possession action process in the county courts in England and Wales. Information box added that England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant.
RETAIL:
Toast opens first ever standalone menswear store
Fashion retailer Toast – which has 20 stores across the UK – has opened its first ever stand-alone menswear store as part of the Shaftesbury retail portfolio.
Located in Carnaby’s Newburgh Quarter, the 1,146 sq ft space is spread over two floors and will offer a wide range of workwear and more relaxed designs. A small, curated selection of homeware and womenswear pieces is also on display.
Primark results expected to be ‘significantly better’ than last year
Primark owner Associated British Foods has revealed that trading for the year to date is currently “ahead of expectations”, adding that final results are expected to be “significantly better” than last year. The retailer has seen an improvement in like-for-like sales compared to the final quarter of 2020 but warned of increasing Covid cases hitting stores in Europe. The company also stated that – despite Covid restrictions and supply chain issues – it expects annual sales to be “significantly better” than last year, when a series of lockdowns saw high street stores shut their doors for five months. AB Foods also said it had managed to use its position as a major customer for its suppliers to overcome some of the squeezes on global supply chains, so has most of the products it needs for Christmas.
TRANSPORT:
Free HGV courses available across the country
Free courses for adults to train to be HGV drivers are under way across the country as part of a package of measures to ease driver shortages. Skills Bootcamps in HGV driving are free, flexible, intensive courses designed to train drivers to be road ready and gain their licence, offering people the chance to launch careers in the logistics sector. People that successfully complete the HGV courses are guaranteed a job interview with an employer, and the first drivers are expected to be on the road from March 2022.
TRAVEL:
Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England
How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England – updated to reflect that you can order an NHS COVID Pass letter to show proof of your booster vaccination for international travel
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.
Transport to schools and colleges during the COVID-19 pandemic
What those responsible for transport to schools and colleges will need to do during the COVID-19 pandemic – following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 8 December 2021, we have updated the overview section with information on daily contact testing for contacts that are fully vaccinated or are under the age of 18 years and 6 months.
Covid-19 Webinars:
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April