Businesses are invited to take part in a short 10-15 minute online survey to share their views on doing business in Stockport as part of the preparation for developing the borough’s Economic Plan. The survey will ask a few questions relating to best understand the nature of the different businesses operating in the borough. All responses will be treated as confidential and in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. Access the survey here.
UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 9.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly more than 142,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 50 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, around 87% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. Nearly 80% have had their second and 18.4% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 9,366,676 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 33,177 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,900, 126 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 262
Total UK deaths: 142,124
England Cases per 100,000: 373
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,296,735 – 87% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 45,873,038 – 80%
Daily 1st doses: 33,559
Daily 2nd doses: 20,361
Daily Booster doses: 277,578 (10,580,122 total booster doses)
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 47,935 to 9 November
Cases in the latest week: 1,125, 167 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 770 to October 29th
Cases per 100,000: 382 per 100,000 week ending 5 November
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 83% of over 12s to 8 November
2nd dose: 77%
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 5 November 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Recruitment firm wrongly claimed furlough as staff worked, ex-employees claim
Thousands of companies are thought to have misused the government’s furlough scheme – introduced to support businesses during the pandemic.
Furlough was introduced in March 2020 after Covid-19 forced large parts of the UK economy to close. Officially known as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, it saw the government pay towards the wages of people who could not work, or whose employers could no longer afford to pay them, up to a monthly limit of £2,500.
Key to the scheme was that people must not work for their company while furloughed.
Food prices are rising at their fastest pace since August 2020, figures from data firm Kantar suggest, as supply chain disruption continues.
Grocery inflation rose to 2.1% in October – the highest rate since last year, when retailers were cutting promotions amid the Covid pandemic. Last week, the Bank of England confounded market expectations by holding interest rates.
But with overall inflation heading for about 5%, a rate rise is expected soon.
Supply chains have been under pressure from factors including the pandemic and a shortage of lorry drivers. Retail and hospitality groups warned MPs on Tuesday that gaps on shelves and inflationary pressures would continue for the months ahead.
Vaccines to be compulsory for frontline NHS staff in England
Frontline NHS staff in England will have to be fully vaccinated against Covid, the government is expected to announce later. A deadline has been set for next spring to give unvaccinated staff time to get both doses.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Small businesses encouraged to seek support with managing cashflow
With the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic putting financial pressure on many organisations, businesses in Stockport, particularly smaller companies, are being encouraged to seek out further support if they are struggling with cashflow.
A recent report from the government’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), identified cashflow as one of the key challenges affecting businesses in Greater Manchester, particularly small and microbusinesses. Businesses have been put under particular pressure in recent weeks following the end of furlough and the commitment and requirement to repay the BBL and CBILs on a monthly basis. Many businesses, especially smaller businesses, are finding managing cash flow a challenge, as is prioritising payments to safeguard future viability.
Campaign launches to combat dirty air around Stockport schools
Parents and guardians of Stockport children are being urged to ‘Turn it Off’ as part of a new campaign to clamp down on dirty air caused by car exhaust fumes outside the borough’s schools. Poor air quality is the largest environmental public health issue facing the UK and is estimated to contribute to the equivalent of 1,200 deaths in Greater Manchester each year. One of the most common places for cars to be left idling is close to schools at drop off and pick up times. As a result, school children are being exposed to increased and unnecessary air pollution. Air pollution affects health throughout our life, but it affects children more as their lungs are still growing.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace – shops, branches, and close contact services – Guidance updated (most sections) to improve readability. Additional information added to sections on managing risk, ventilation, self-isolation and reducing contact for workers.
COVID-19 Response: Autumn and Winter Plan 2021
The government’s Plan A for managing COVID-19 in autumn and winter 2021/22 in England, and a Plan B that would only be used if it was needed to protect the NHS.
CARE:
Making vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes
We are seeking your views on a proposal to make COVID-19 vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes.
COMMUNITY:
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.
How to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test at home
Find out how to do a rapid lateral flow test for COVID-19 and report the results. Rapid tests are only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
CONSTRUCTION:
Subcontractors still waiting too long for VAT repayments
Specialist contractors are still having to wait months before they receive reclaimed VAT payments following a controversial change in the tax regime earlier this year.
The “domestic reverse charge” change came into force in March and means companies in the construction supply chain no longer receive their 20% VAT payment when they submit bills. The VAT cash is instead paid direct to HMRC by the customer receiving the service who will reclaim it in the normal way.
That has left a lot of specialist contractors no longer receiving VAT payments from customers but still paying them to suppliers. In that situation subcontractors become known as “repayment traders” who are owed money at the end of each quarter by HMRC.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus and higher education students: England, 22 October to 1 November 2021
Experimental statistics from the Student COVID-19 Insights Survey (SCIS) in England. Includes information on the behaviours, plans, opinions and well-being of higher education students in the context of guidance on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
HOSPITALITY:
Wetherspoons reports mixed results in first 15 weeks of financial year
Wetherspoons has reported like-for-like sales for the first 15 weeks of the financial year are 8.9 per cent lower than sales achieved in the same period in 2019.
Bar sales were -9.6 per cent, food -8.1 per cent, fruit/slot machines -12.3 percent and hotels were +11.5 percent. This is, however, an improvement compared to sales of -17.8 per cent in the last 10 weeks of the previous financial year, when pubs reopened inside. In the last 15 weeks, there has been a considerable increase in sales of the range of drinks often consumed by younger customers, for example cocktails (+45 per cent), vodka (+17 per cent) and rum (+26 per cent). In contrast, sale of traditional ales are down by 30 per cent and stout down by 20 per cent.
PROPERTY:
Commercial rents code of practice, November 2021
This code of practice replaces the previous code, offering guidance on how parties should resolve COVID-19 commercial rent disputes.
New measures in Bill to assist commercial landlords and tenants in resolving rent debts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic
Commercial tenants mandated to close to be further protected from enforcement action to pave the way for proportionate resolution of COVID-19 related rent debts.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode – latest data table added. This page now includes a new monthly table on practical Large Goods Vehicles vocational driving tests.
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
TRAVEL:
International travel update, 9 November 2021
From 4am Monday 22 November, COVID-19 vaccines on the WHO EUL will be recognised and all under-18s coming to England will be treated as fully vaccinated at the border.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
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