UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,369,775 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 1,730 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 2,862 (146 fewer than previous day) as of 6th April
New deaths across UK: 7
Total UK deaths: 127,087
England Cases per 100,000: 19 per 100,000 (daily change: 5 fewer)
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 32,121,353 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 111,109
There have been more over 4.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 127,000 people have died. More than 32 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Data shows almost 7 million people have had their second jab.
The average number of daily infections in the UK has continued to decline but is flattening. On Friday, the government changed the way cases in England are reported. Cases that were identified using a lateral flow test have been removed if the person subsequently took a PCR test and tested negative within three days.
This means 8,010 cases have been removed from the case data causing the overall total to fall. A further 1,730 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government on Sunday.
The R value and growth rate in England
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in England – the R range for England is 0.8 to 1.0 and the growth rate range for England is -4% to 0% per day as of 9 April 2021.
Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to include a summary of rule changes from 29th March
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
Death of Prince Philip – Director General of CBI pays respect on behalf of business community
The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, will be “warmly remembered” by the business community, the director general of one of the UK’s largest business organisations has said. The duke passed away at Windsor Castle, aged 99, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday, April 9. He was the longest-serving royal consort at any time in British history. Tony Danker, director general of the CBI, said: “Today we mourn the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh. He was a great advocate for UK enterprise around the world spanning much of his lifetime. “He will be warmly remembered by the UK business community Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family at this time.” The Duke of Edinburgh was once described by the Queen as her “strength and stay” and has been a constant presence by her side for more than 70 years. Prince Philip’s funeral will be a small, family occasion at St George’s Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle, taking place at 3pm next Saturday 18th April. It will be televised.
PM warns people to follow restrictions as lockdown eases from today
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson is warning people to take steps to suppress Covid as the latest stage of lockdown comes into effect today. Pub gardens, indoor gyms and hairdressers are among the businesses that can now reopen in England as part of the third stage of the government’s “roadmap” out of this lockdown. There’s a five-week gap between each step so infection rates and hospital admissions can been assessed. With that in mind, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged everyone to “behave responsibly” as he welcomed the “major” step towards normality.
Step 2: Non-essential retail and pub gardens open today
More businesses will open, but indoor settings should be visited alone, or with household groups. Outside, six people or two households can meet.
- All shops allowed to open
- Hairdressers, beauty salons and other close-contact services can open
- Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors
- Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in England in self-contained accommodation
- Non-essential journeys between England and Wales are allowed
- Weddings – up to 15 people
- Funerals – up to 30 people, with 15 at wakes
- Children will be able to attend any indoor children’s activity
- Care home visitors will increase to two per resident
- Driving lessons can resume, with driving tests restarting on 22 April
Boost for UK health and care sectors – frontline workers granted free visa extensions Thousands of frontline health workers across the UK will be granted free visa extensions according to the government. Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced today (April 9) that the Home Office has extended the visas of over 10,000 people across the country. Workers such as doctors, nurses, paramedics, midwives, occupational therapists and psychologists will be able to stay in the UK for an additional year in a bid to tackle the pandemic.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 20,792 to 11th April
Cases in the latest week: 121 (50 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 704 to March 26th
Cases per 100,000: 41 per 100,000 (England area avg: 19)
R number in North West: 0.8 – 1.0
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 145,684 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 4th April
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport Council and officers express condolences on the death of Prince Philip
You can read recent statements here from the Mayor of Stockport and all leaders of the political groups in Stockport, following the death of His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. A national e-book of condolence is available on the Royal website, and as a mark of respect the flag at Stockport Town Hall will be flown at half-mast. If you wish to pay your respects please sign the book of condolence online and observe restrictions in place at this time by not meeting other households indoors, and sticking to the rule of 6 or 2 households when meeting outside. Please do not gather in crowds. As an alternative to floral tributes, the Royal Family are encouraging donations to a charity of your choosing in honour of His Royal Highness.
NatWest economic survey shows sign of recovery in North West
NatWest is the latest high street bank to indicate signs of economic recovery in the North West in its March Business Activity Index. In the bank’s latest monthly report, output in the region was shown to be rising at the fastest rate since September last year, with businesses reporting an influx of new work at the highest growth rate in three years, as the easing of lockdown increases confidence in the overall economy. The news follows similar business surveys by Lloyds Banking Group and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. NatWest’s survey also indicated that the increased positive outlook of businesses would also see employment levels begin to rise in the North West also. The North led the way in the level of job creation in March, with the North West behind only the Yorkshire & Humber region nationwide.
Saturday Economist predicts 6% growth this year
The IMF has upgraded forecasts to 5.3% this year and 5.1% next. North West based The Saturday Economist, John Ashcroft, forecasts assume growth of 6% this year and 5.2% in 2022. “Consumer spending is expected to surge as the route out of lock down is secured. Households have amassed significant savings, most of which will be remain on deposit or passed into pensions, housing and financial markets.
Our forecasts are for consumer spending to increase by 7.9% this year and by 7.4% in 2022. The sector analysis is listed below. Restaurants, hotels, domestic tourism and clothing are expected to be the major beneficiaries. The latest IHS Markit/CIPS surveys confirmed the strength of recovery in manufacturing, services and construction. The manufacturing index moved to an all-time high. Output, order books and employment all gathered momentum. Optimism about the year ahead improved further. Read more here
North West leaders optimistic as some businesses reopen
Leaders from across the North West are looking ahead with optimism as restrictions are further lifted today. The rules have now eased with outdoor pubs, shops, gyms, non-essential retail and hairdressers all reopening. Neil Sturmey, a senior partner at Grant Thornton in the North West, noted that it had been “the longest winter” for high street retailers and the hospitality sector, with both “overdue some good news”. “That is coming,” he said. “Most of us are desperate to go out again and many businesses are hoping that we are heading for a golden summer. Longer term, things are going to be different. If we fast-forward even further to 2022, it’s still hard to picture Friday nights with customers standing shoulder-to-shoulder in busy pubs.
Life Leisure reopens after long lockdown
Following the Government’s announcement that it is now safe to reopen gyms and swimming pools, the fitness provider has confirmed its Stockport-based centres will reopen today, Monday, April 12. This will include the return of swimming sessions, outdoor group classes and bookable indoor gym sessions, where members will finally be able to get their hands on equipment such as rowing machines, weights
Transport for Greater Manchester advice for safe travel as restrictions ease
12 April sees another step forward in the easing of lockdown restrictions and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is working with businesses and employers to support employees and customers to travel safely as they start to return.
With more people expected to be using public transport to access newly reopened shops and restaurants, as well as for those returning to offices across the city-region, TfGM has produced a factsheet for businesses to help them support employees and workers travel safely. The media pack is available to download here, with visual content to download here; you will need to enter your name and email address but no password is required.
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re self-employed and getting less work or no work
Guidance for people who are self-employed and getting less work or no work because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated with the latest rates effective from 12 April 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you were employed and have lost your job
Guidance for people who were employed and have lost their job due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated with the latest rates effective from 12 April 2021.
Reopening businesses and venues in England
This guidance details the steps to reopen certain businesses and venues in England – updated guidance in line with new rules as of April 12.
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
This guidance sets out restrictions on certain businesses and venues in England during coronavirus restrictions – updated in line with guidance changes on 12 April.
Compliance with coronavirus (COVID-19) guidelines
Compliance of different social groups with the official guidance. A qualitative study to understand attitudes, behaviours and the issues people face in the pandemic.
COG-UK: Impact of travel restrictions on importations to England from May to September 2020, 16 March 2021
Paper prepared by the COVID-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK).
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what to do if you’re already getting benefits
Guidance for people who were receiving benefits before the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated with the latest rates effective from 12 April 2021.
By working in collaboration, Stockport can become united and encouraged to build a better future for everyone by supporting the local economy, connecting communities and promoting health & wellbeing. Find out more at www.onestockport.co.uk
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus remains a serious threat across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated in line with the latest government guidance.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Stockport’s Director of Public Health: “Stay safe in Stockport”
As we move towards a significant step in the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, it’s important for everyone in Stockport to stay safe, says Stockport’s Director of Public Health Jennifer Connolly. From Monday, non-essential shops and close contact services like hairdressers can open, and hospitality venues will be able to serve food and drink outside. Gyms across Stockport will also be able to open, and libraries across the borough will return for book browsing, computer and printing services. However, while Jennifer Connolly praised local businesses for the efforts they had made to ensure they could reopen safely, she also sought to remind everyone of the ongoing need for good hygiene, social distancing and use of face coverings to keep the virus at bay in Stockport. Read the full statement here
COVID-19 vaccination: vaccine product information
Information on the presentation, doses and storage of COVID-19 vaccines.
Updated to include the Moderna vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccination: healthcare and community settings posters
Information and promotional resources to support the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added COVID-19 vaccination and Ramadan posters.
COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19 – content updated: Fluid-repellent (Type IIR) surgical mask section, Type II surgical mask section.
COVID-19 vaccination: blood clotting information for healthcare professionals
Information for healthcare professionals on blood clotting following COVID-19 vaccination – updated sections: 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21 and 22.
PROPERTY:
Stamp duty boom goes on as index shows market resurgence
The Chancellor’s decision to extend the stamp duty holiday has “put a spring in the step” of the housing market according to the Halifax. The lender – Britain’s largest – says there’s been a “resurgence” in market activity in recent weeks, with the average house price 6.5 per cent higher than a year ago and a typical home valued at £254,606 in March. Russell Galley, managing director at the Halifax, says: “A year on from the early days of the first national lockdown, March’s data shows that house prices rose by 6.5% annually, or £15,430 in cash terms.”
Two-tier rental market: London rents fall while rest of UK rises
The scale of the London-rest of Britain divide is shown by Hamptons’ data showing the average rent on a newly let home in March stood 4.4 per cent higher across Britain – but if London is excluded, that figure booms to 6.8 per cent annually. London rents have started to fall again – just as every other region of Britain is showing significant annual increases. Figures for March from Hamptons lettings agency show rents in the capital falling 2.1 per cent annually; this is the second month in a row that rents have fallen. Inner London rents dropped 17.1 per cent, the 13th consecutive month that rents have decreased.
TRAVEL:
Providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals
Information on the 2 tests you must book, pay for and take during your mandatory 10-day quarantine period after arriving in England, including how to book.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Stockport Council release details of Government’s Restart Grant
The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors with a one-off grant, to reopen safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
The Restart Grant will be split into two strands:
– Strand one will be for non-essential retail businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £6,000.
– Strand two will be for hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000.
Eligible businesses:
Non-essential retail
These are businesses that are open to the public and used for retail sale or hire of goods or services. This includes businesses that:
- were required to close during national restrictions from January 2021
- sell directly to consumer
Hospitality
These are businesses that provide a venue for the sale of food and drink. This includes businesses that:
- offer in-person food and drink services to the general public
- provide food and/or drink to be consumed on the premises, including outdoors
Leisure
These are businesses that provide opportunities, experiences and facilities, in particular for culture, recreation, entertainment, celebratory events, days and nights out, betting and gaming. This includes businesses that:
- provide in-person experiences in addition to goods
- rely on seasonal labour
- operate with irregular hours during the day, night and weekends
Accommodation
These are businesses that provide lodging for holiday, travel and other purposes.
Gym and sports
These are businesses where physical exercise, training, group sporting and athletic activities takes place. This may be on an individual or group basis, using exercise equipment or open floor space. This includes businesses that:
- offer in-person exercise and sport activities to the general public
- are open to members of the public paying an entry or membership fee
- offer exercise classes or activities
Personal care
These are businesses that provide a service, treatment or activity for the purposes of personal beauty, hair, grooming, body care and aesthetics, and wellbeing. This includes businesses that:
- deliver in-person holistic, beauty and hair treatments
- provide services such as tattoos and piercings
Businesses are not eligible if they:
- do not have a business property and do not pay business rates
- are in liquidation, dissolved, struck off or subject to a striking off notice
There are also businesses in strand two that are not eligible, these include:
- takeaway premises
- coach tour operators and tour operators
- dental services, opticians, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical/health services
How much will businesses will receive?
Strand one
The Restart Grant will support non-essential retail premises with one-off grants of up to £6,000.
Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000
- of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000
Strand two
The Restart Grant will also support hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym business premises with one-off grants of up to £18,000.
Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £8,000
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £12,000
- of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £18,000
Discretionary Grant Scheme – Additional Restrictions Grant
The Council launched an Economic Recovery Fund on 26/03/21, which provides 5 new business grants through the Additional Restrictions Grant funding.
Applications for the current Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, and the Micro-Business grant scheme will close on 30/04/21 and no further applications will be accepted for these original ARG schemes after that date.
The new Economic Recovery Fund ARG schemes are:
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Boost Grant
This grant will be provided to businesses that have been successful in applying for the original ARG scheme for closed businesses that have separate commercial premises with ongoing costs. Businesses do not need to apply for this scheme as their details are already held and will be used to identify eligible businesses which will be contacted during April 2021 about their further grant payment under this scheme.
This grant is to support smaller, independent retail operators with premises in the market place and Underbanks area only, to reopen and restart their businesses.
This is a one-off fixed grant of £3,000 for each business that successfully applies.
Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Market Place & Underbanks Independent Retailer Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant
This grant is for supporting the reopening and restart of hospitality sector businesses with their own premises in Stockport.
This is a one-off fixed grant of £5,000 for each business that successfully applies. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant
This grant is for businesses to apply for to make changes to premises and/or to buy additional kit to support reopening and operating in a covid secure way.
Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant
This grant is for district centre trading associations, or their equivalent, to bid in to for their local areas to run stimulus events to drive local footfall and customers into local areas to use local businesses that are reopening.
Where localities do not have training associations that can lead a bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that locality to lead as the single point of contact for their area.
There will only be one application accepted and one grant, if successful, provided per locality. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant.
Applications for this grant scheme will close on 17/05/2021 (please note this is earlier than for the other schemes).
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
Covid-19 Webinars:
Transition to Teach host webinar to aid HR with redeployment
Transition to Teach are delivering a free online presentation on Wednesday, 21st April at 12.00, aimed specifically at HR staff with redeployment responsibilities. Places can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transition-to-teach-outplacement-support-tickets-145448523449?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
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.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time to view webinar
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.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
Useful Government links for easing out of lockdown:
- Roadmap – Spring 2021: including the easing of restrictions from 29 March
- Covid-19 Vaccine
- Workplace Testing
- Back To School translations
- Stay Home translations
Coronavirus Roadmap out of lockdown – what and when?
From 29 March:
- People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
- The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
- Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts, and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
- Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances
Stage two (no earlier than 12 April):
- All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons (including in people’s homes)
- Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation
- Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
Stage three (no earlier than 17 May):
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors
- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
- Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- International leisure travel may resume
- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart
Stage four (no earlier than 21 June):
- All legal limits on social contact will be removed
- No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
- Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV???.UK.
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:
- Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
- Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
- Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
Check if you’re eligible for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs
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
Coronavirus – Guidance for employees and employers in Stockport: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
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.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
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.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
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.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July.
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 SchemeFrom 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.
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