UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 3,985,161 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 13,013 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 26,684, 74 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 1,001
Total UK deaths: 114,851
England Cases per 100,000: 179
R number in UK: 0.7 – 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 13,058,297 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 411,812
There have been nearly 4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and over 115,000 people have died. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. More than 13.5 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Target to offer vaccine to 15 million people by mid-February
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 18,262 to 8th February
Current cases: 631 (113 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 595 to January 29th
Cases per 100,000: 215 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.7 – 1.0
The R number in the North West has fallen to between 0.7 – 1.0
The R value and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK – The R range is one of the most important factors in making policy decisions
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to clarify the guidance on campaigning for electoral events.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
ONS: December up by 1.2% as UK economy record’s record slump in 2020
The UK economy shrank by a record 9.9% last year as coronavirus restrictions hit output, twice as much as the previous largest annual fall on record.
In December, the economy grew by 1.2%, after shrinking by 2.3% in November, as some restrictions eased. Hospitality, car sales and hairdressers recovered some lost ground, the ONS said. December’s growth means the UK economy looks set to avoid what could have been its first double-dip recession since the 1970s.
A double-dip is when the economy briefly recovers from recession, only to quickly sink back. A recession is generally defined as two consecutive quarters where the economy contracts.
Bank of England predicts UK economy ‘firing on all cylinders by Spring’
The Bank of England has shone a ray of hope on the UK economy by predicting that it will bounce back thanks to a sustained vaccination programme and large amounts of ‘pent up financial energy’. Writing in the Daily Mail, Andy Haldane said the economy was like a “coiled spring” and that due to the number of vulnerable people who would have been vaccinated, restrictions could be eased so that people were socialising and spending by the summer. Figures released this morning show the UK economy shrank by a record 9.9% in 2020.
BBC: New quarantine rules in force next week – are they severe enough?
Documents seen by the BBC suggest the quarantine rules for passengers arriving in the UK from coronavirus “red list” countries – which come into effect on Monday will be less strict than in Australia where borders were quickly closed, and new law quickly enforced. That country’s use of hotels to isolate overseas travellers is seen as the “gold standard” internationally, writes the BBC’s science editor, David Shukman.
CMA threatens lastminute.com with legal action over failure to refund over £1m
Holiday specialist lastminute.com has been slammed by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) for failing to meet a key deadline. At the end of last year, the firm committed to pay out over £7m to more than 9,000 customers affected by the pandemic and subsequent travel disruption. However, the CMA has announced that the firm missed its deadline of January 31, with over £1m of refunds still outstanding. In addition, it has emerged that the company advised some package holiday customers to go directly to their airline to get the cost of their flight back – breaching both its commitments to the CMA and obligations under the Package Travel Regulations.
Lastminute.com faces legal action unless it pays outstanding refunds
Coronavirus and the impact on output in the UK economy: December 2020
An analysis of monthly growth for the production and services industries between November 2020 and December 2020, highlighting the impact from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Government to introduce tougher measures and enforcement rules for quarantined passengers
Tough new enforcement measures – from fixed penalty notices to imprisonment – will come into force on Monday 15 February. The charge for a single adult is £1,750
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 12 February 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Analysis by Deloitte to mark Chinese New Year has found that exports to China from the North-west region have totalled over £10 billion since 2015.
Despite ongoing uncertainty due to Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, exports from the region have remained stable in recent years, averaging at between £1.5 billion and £1.8 billion annually. Quarterly exports so far in the 2020/21 financial year have averaged at £400 million, a small increase on the £375 million average of the previous year.
MEN: Latest infection rates across Greater Manchester
Cases in Wigan have fallen by 24pc to 200.8 per 100,000, while Stockport’s rate has gone down by 14 per cent to 209.3 per 100,000. The spread of the virus in Greater Manchester continues on its downward trend, although at a slower pace than the English average. The infection rate in Bolton has risen by 6 per cent to 288.6 cases per 100,000 people, according to Public Health England figures. Every other borough in Greater Manchester has seen rates continue to fall. The overall rate across the region fell by 16pc to 219.9 per 100,000.
HS2 to boost North West jobs by 5,000
Delivery of the first North-west leg of the HS2 high-speed rail project, running from Birmingham to Crewe, has secured Royal Assent, putting the bill into law.
The HS2 Phase 2a Bill had brought forward construction of the line so that it would be delivered by 2031, rather than by the end of the 2030s, and accelerating its economic benefits to the region. Construction of this stretch of the line expected to support approximately 5,000 jobs. From Crewe, the service will connect with other routes in the North-west England, including to Manchester and Liverpool, as well as services beyond to Edinburgh and Glasgow. The additional route will increase capacity on existing London-bound services.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Support Scheme for Stockport’s large strategic employers
Grants of up to £150,000 per business are available, with applications required by 28th February 2021. Businesses will be considered if they are based in Stockport with over 50 employees and have a strategic impact on the local economy (businesses with less than 50 employees will be considered in exceptional circumstances where there is exceptional contribution demonstrated to the economic vibrancy locally). Please consider the application guidance and check the eligibility criteria on the following web page: www.stockport.gov.uk/support-scheme-for-large-strategic-employers
Stockport Council expands eligibility for Discretionary Grant Schemes
Stockport Council has announced it is expanding its discretionary grant schemes to support a greater range of businesses affected by the pandemic.
The new Micro-business support scheme will see businesses outside of the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors become eligible for both the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme and the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses, affecting organisations that were impacted during the lockdown from 5th November to 2nd December, and subsequent periods of lockdown. Support will be backdated to the first date of eligibility. The discretionary schemes allow councils to support businesses that have missed out on other support as they do not have a business rates liability. Stockport Council is adding a number of sectors to those already eligible for the schemes. Details here To be eligible for the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme bus also meet specific criteria – details here Businesses will need to be able to demonstrate that they have fixed property costs and demonstrate a loss in income as a result of the pandemic.
Applications for the above scheme are now open and may be accessed here
Micro-business support grant – Stockport Council
Some businesses have not been eligible to receive a grant, and this continues to be the case – find out more here
Please note: The Council has now received funding for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme for the period following the end of the lockdown on 2nd December 2020.
A system to make automated repeat payments for qualifying businesses based on their initial applications is being used and so there is no need for businesses to reapply after their first application for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme. Funds will be paid to businesses and an email will be sent to each business stating that in accepting the funding they are confirming that they meet the qualifying conditions and statements set out in the email.
If you have not yet applied for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme, you will need to make an initial application before you can be considered to be eligible to receive any automatic payments for further qualifying periods. Further information on the schemes will be updated on the Stockport Council website.
Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown
There are a number of business grant schemes available that cover different periods of time and different situations, such as being under national lockdown.
Updated with info for businesses to check on eligibility etc. to the new grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-restrictions
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
COMMUNITY:
Get a test for coronavirus (COVID-19) if you do not have symptoms
Find out how to get tested when you do not have symptoms – added a link to find out if your area offers rapid asymptomatic LFD testing.
Understanding lateral flow antigen testing for people without symptoms
An explanation of the technology behind asymptomatic testing and the role these tests play in the national COVID-19 testing programme – added a link to find out if your area offers rapid asymptomatic lateral flow testing.
Testing for coronavirus at home
How to use your coronavirus (COVID-19) home test kit – added a new document, ‘COVID-19 home test: step-by-step guide for use in Wales’, and an updated version of ‘Testing yourself for coronavirus: easy read’.
Testing for coronavirus before hospital
Sets out how and when to get tested for COVID-19 before a hospital procedure.
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
CONSTRUCTION:
HS2 gets green light for £4.5 billion extension to Crewe
Granted Royal Assent by MPs, the 36-mile phase 2a route will now be built earlier than originally planned at a cost of £4.5bn. Contracts have still to be awarded for this part of the route which is expected to create 5,000 construction jobs, with many more in the supply chain. Successful contractors will deliver two tunnels, 26 cuttings, 17 viaducts and 65 bridges on phase 2a.
EDUCATION:
Over £42 million to extend projects for children with SEND
Further funding to help raise educational standards, improve services and provide practical support to children with special educational needs and disabilities
January 2021: further education and skills providers
An operational note for Her Majesty’s Inspectors carrying out inspection activity of further education and skills providers from January 2021 – updated to clarify that from 15 February, Ofsted will carry out progress monitoring visits to new providers due a full inspection: this applies to those that have had a new provider monitoring visit 2 years ago or more.
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – added information that after February half term, remote monitoring inspections in schools will normally last for one day and involve 2 HMI.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) weekly insights: latest health indicators in England, 12 February 2021
This article brings together data about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in England. Exploring how these measures interact with each other can improve understanding of the severity and spread of the pandemic. This weekly summary gives a general overview of the current situation and explores variations for different age groups and regions.
A record 3 million people tested by NHS Test and Trace this reporting week
More than 3 million people were tested by NHS Test and Trace this reporting week, the highest number ever in a single week – added link to the methodology used to calculate the R-rate.
Coronavirus England briefing, 11 February 2021
Epidemiological data and hospitalisation metrics used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on health.
Types and uses of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
Guidance on the different types of coronavirus test available – updated the time taken for LFD test results to arrive (from 2 hours to 30 minutes) and added a link to find out if your area offers rapid asymptomatic LFD testing.
Coronavirus data informing local and national decision-making
The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) provides evidence-based, objective analysis to inform local and national decision-making in response to COVID-19 outbreaks.
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme privacy notice
Information on how and why personal data may be used in the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme – updated to reflect that local authorities may now use Test and Trace Payment Support data for wider benefit accuracy checks, where they meet specific criteria, and when making a payment under the scheme, local authorities will validate bank account details to ensure they align with the applicant, for anti-fraud purposes.
Thousands more NHS patients to get life-saving COVID-19 treatment
Thousands more NHS patients who are hospitalised due to COVID-19 will be able to receive the life-saving treatment tocilizumab, the government has announced.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 vaccination: care home and healthcare settings posters
Information and promotional resources to support the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.
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 January 2021 figures have been added to this collection page, these were published on 12 February 2021.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 11 February 2021
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority (LTLA) in England.
PROPERTY:
Government figures suggest eviction scare stories are ‘nonsense’
Government data suggests that scare stories talking of a glut of evictions if the current ban is lifted are simply unfounded. Data from the Ministry of Justice shows that in the fourth quarter of last year the number of claims made by private landlords in England and Wales to repossess properties fell by 37 per cent compared to the same period in 2019. This fall is despite the courts beginning to hear possession cases again following a six month stay on proceedings imposed earlier in 2020.
The number of possession claims made under the accelerated procedure – used by both private and social landlords – also fell by around 43 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019.
SPORT & LEISURE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of elite sport
Guidance for elite athletes and coaches on the phased return of elite sport – revised to reflect recent changes to UK travel restrictions
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): General Aviation
Guidance on General Aviation (GA) flying during the coronavirus outbreak.
Information on international GA flying and new entry rules for England.
TRAVEL:
Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel when you arrive in England
How to book a place in a quarantine hotel and arrange coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you’re travelling to England from a country on the banned travel list.
How to quarantine when you arrive in England
What to do before and after you arrive in England, including staying at home and ordering coronavirus (COVID-19) tests.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before you travel to England
You must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad.
Information about new testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from 15 February.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel bans to the UK
Countries from which entry to the UK is banned – ‘red list’ countries – New testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from 15 February.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – information about new testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from 15 February.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test to Release for international travel
Pay for a COVID-19 test to find out if you can reduce your self-isolation period after international travel. New testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from Monday
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
All travel corridors for people arriving in England are suspended – new testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from 15 February.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – new testing, self-isolation and quarantine rules from 15 February.
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.
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:
Business Growth Hub webinars – click on the links to register your interest:
The Business Growth Hub webinars are designed to help businesses navigate through the new legislation, rules and procedures brought about by Brexit
EU Exit Webinar New rules and procedures for EU Trade (Importing & Exporting)- Focusing on Goods
Date: 14th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar Regulation & Compliance
Date: 20th January 2021, 2:00pm -4:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – Food & Drink Labelling
Date: 26th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – New rules and procedures for EU Trade- focusing on services
Date: 27th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
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:
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:
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.
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.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
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. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
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: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
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.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
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.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
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.
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
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
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.
New 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
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
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.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
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
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help 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
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
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.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
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
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
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
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
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.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
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.
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.