UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 5,121,245 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 31,772 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 2,731, +83 on previous day
New deaths across UK: 15
Total UK deaths: 128,425
England Cases per 100,000: 224
R number in UK: 1.2 to 1.5
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 45,881,721
Total 2nd doses: 34,764,511
Daily 1st doses: 93,763
Daily 2nd doses: 211,446
There have been 5.1 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 128,000 people have died, government figures show. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. Nearly 46 million people in the UK have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 25,796 to 9 July
Cases in the latest week: 1,082, up 268 on previous week
Total deaths: 725 to June 11th
Cases per 100,000: 369 per 100,000 week ending 5 July
R number in North West: 1.1 – 1.2
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 83% of adults to 8 July
2nd dose: 64%
The R value and growth rate in England
The R range for England is 1.1 to 1.3 and the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 2 July 2021. Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK NEWS UPDATES:
PM urges caution as Coronavirus restrictions near to being lifted
As Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to confirm plans to lift lockdown in England later, he urges caution and a warning that we “must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress, ensuring we continue to protect our NHS”. Almost all legal restrictions on social contact are earmarked to be lifted on 19 July, after the original reopening date on 21 June was postponed. During a news conference later, Mr Johnson will outline the country’s position based on the latest data, which Downing Street says suggests hospital admissions, serious illness and deaths from Covid will continue, but at a lower level than before the vaccination programme. Mr Johnson warns Covid cases, currently at about 30,000 a day, would continue to rise as society reopened but the delay in reopening allowed millions more to be vaccinated.
Early findings bring hope of test for Long Covid
There is no universally agreed definition of Long Covid and it remains somewhat a mystery. But now scientists say they have detected irregularities in the blood of those suffering from the condition, raising hopes this could pave the way for testing for it. There appears to be a pattern of rogue antibodies in the blood of a small number of people with long Covid, researchers at Imperial College London found. This research could lead to a simple blood test within six to 18 months. The early findings are “exciting”, says Dr Elaine Maxwell, from the National Institute of Health Research, but she warns long Covid is a “complex condition”, adding it is important to continue to research.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
North West businesses show strength in recovery
Business activity across the North West private sector continued its recovery in June, with the pace of growth easing only slightly from May’s record high, latest UK regional PMI data from NatWest has revealed. However, the data shows that the rebound in activity was accompanied by a record increase in average prices charged for goods and services amid soaring cost pressures. The headline North West Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors – registered 65.0 last month, down slightly from an all-time high of 66.4 in May. Supporting growth in activity was a sustained upturn in inflows of new work, linked to the reopening of the economy and improved confidence among clients.
As lockdown lifts, Stockport’s Director of Public Health warns it’s not without risk With the government set to end Covid-19 restrictions ahead on the 19th July in line with Step 4 of its easement roadmap, Stockport’s Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly, has outlined some of the decisions residents will need to make after that date to keep the virus in check in the borough: “While we will all welcome the chance to return to ‘normality’ after so many months living with the pandemic, opening again is not without risk and we must find new ways of living with the virus. The pandemic is far from over. The Delta variant now accounts for 99% of all Covid infections in Stockport, is believed to be around 60% more transmissible than other strains and the number of cases is still rising rapidly, with rates in Stockport currently at 366.7* cases per 100,000 and 154 new cases each day. Rates are especially high in the 10 to 29-year-old age group and also in children aged 0-9.”
The latest published data can be found here. The final decision of what Covid-19 restrictions will be lifted is not set to be announced until this evening (12th July).
Manchester Airport to open flagship Terminal 2 as pandemic forced delay
Manchester Airport has confirmed that its new Terminal Two extension will reopen to passengers from Wednesday 14th July. Jet2 and TUI flights will be the first to take-off from the new-look terminal, with other airlines set to join them as the government’s easing of travel restrictions for fully vaccinated passengers comes into play. The extended Terminal Two is the centrepiece of MAG’s £1bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), which was first announced in 2015. The terminal was originally set to reopen to passengers in the summer of 2020; however, this date was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on international travel. To ensure the smoothest possible opening when flying resumes in earnest, MAG has agreed a staggered launch of the terminal with its airline partners. It will see Jet2 start flying from there from 14th July, with just three flights on the first day – to Menorca, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca.
North West based companies battle through pandemic as insolvency rates fall
The number of North West corporate insolvencies more than halved during the first six months of 2021, according to new data, as the array of government support measures and a supportive lending community helped businesses trade their way through the pandemic. Analysis of notices in The Gazette by Interpath Advisory reveals that 50 companies in the region fell into administration from January to June 2021 – down from 103 in H1 2020 and 125 in H1 2019. The trend mirrors that seen across the UK, with a total of 301 national companies entering administration or receivership during the same period compared to 655 in H1 2020 and 686 in H1 2019.
Infection rates continue to rise across most of Greater Manchester
Oldham has the highest infection rate at 615.7 cases per 100,000 people as of 7th July; in Stockport, the number of cases is up by 18 per cent compared to the previous week – leaving the infection rate at 381.4 cases per 100,000 population.
BUSINESS:
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos, sign up for email alerts and register for free webinars to learn more about the support available if your business is affected by COVID-19 – a recorded webinar about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been added.
Almost half of staff care less about their careers since start of the pandemic
If you are less focused on climbing the corporate ladder since the coronavirus crisis forced more of us to work from home, you are not alone. According to a study by Aviva, 47% of employees were less career-focused because of the pandemic.
Around two in five people said they could never switch off from work.
“One result of this always-on, ever-present culture is that 40% of employees are concerned about work-related burnout,” the insurer said.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: July 2021
The number of individuals claiming the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant up to 6 June 2021 by age, gender, industry sector and geography.
Amazon, Sky and Molson Coors back vaccine rollout campaign
The businesses have joined a growing?list?of?leading employers?encouraging?their staff to get vaccinated
Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers
How we’ve adapted the way we work to maintain our services for the public and protect the welfare of our employees – the temporary measures put in place during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic for stamping SH03 forms with stamp duty paid have been made permanent.
COMMUNITY:
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do. Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and at Event Research Programme trial events in England.
Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer – updated the general list of providers.
EDUCATION:
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) notifications by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week – added data for weeks beginning 14 and 21 June. Arrangements for the assessment and awarding of vocational, technical and other general qualifications: 2021 to 2022?
A joint consultation published by Ofqual and the Department for Education on VTQ arrangements for the academic year 2021 to 2022. Learning during the pandemic
A collection of 5 reports from Ofqual studying aspects of learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
EVENTS:
Events Research Programme – Science
Events Research Programme (ERP) is building evidence on the risks associated with COVID-19 transmission routes, the characteristics of events and surrounding activities, and mitigation measures that can effectively address these risks – added Science Board Statement on evidence from Phase II of the Events Research Programme, protocols for Phase II and Science Board requirements for Phase III.
Events Research Programme – Ministerial Directions
Ministerial Directions in relation to the Events Research Programme pilot events – added The Royal London Series Third One Day International, The Vitality International T20, The 2021 Challenge Cup Final, and Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
More than 80 million vaccines administered across the UK
Over half of young people aged 18 to 24 in England have received a first dose following rapid uptake
COVID-19 vaccines highly effective in most people in clinical risk groups
Those used in the UK as effective at preventing symptomatic disease in the majority of people with underlying health conditions as the rest of the population – updated to clarify that some people in clinical risk groups might not respond well to vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccines highly effective in clinical risk groups
Those used in the UK as effective at preventing symptomatic disease in the majority of people with underlying health conditions as the rest of the population.
PROPERTY:
Empty properties – an opportunity for investors and reduced burden on new builds?
The topic of empty homes has long been a contentious one, with many pointing out that existing properties that have fallen into disrepair, aren’t being used by the owner or just can’t be sold could help to ease the UK’s housing crisis without needing to build, build, build. Now insurance firm Admiral has analysed government data, as well as gathering data from local councils through Freedom of Information requests, to investigate where in Britain the most homes have been sitting empty and unused for the longest periods of time. The research highlights the sheer scale of the issue, currently being 341,419 homes across England, Scotland and Wales that have been sitting vacant for at least six months. In total, these homes have a value of £79.2 billion – but where are they located? And could investors take advantage of the opportunities these homes represent?
New figures show 8.5% growth in rental market
Across Great Britain the pace of rental growth continued to climb in June, with rents rising 8.5 per cent year-on-year. The data comes from Connells-owned agency Hamptons. The firm says four of the 10 fastest months for rental growth over the last decade have been since the onset of the pandemic. Stock scarcity has become a pressing issue, with 46 per cent fewer homes on the market than at the same time two years ago. In rural and suburban areas, the drop in rental homes on the market has been even greater.
RETAIL:
ASOS has formed a joint-venture with a US-based multi-channel retailer to invest in a minority interest in the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands.
The new outfit – operating alongside Nordstrom, which operates more than 350 stores alongside online platforms that attract almost two billion annual visits – is designed to help drive the growth of the industry heavyweights. It could also pave the way for exploration of a wider partnership aimed at building greater awareness and engagement in the US and Canadian market. Under the agreement, ASOS will retain operational and creative control but work with Nordstrom to leverage its US market expertise and extensive customer reach to “build an exciting future” for the brands.
SCIENCE:
Coronavirus England briefing, 9 July 2021
Latest epidemiological data used by the government to brief MPs on the roadmap out of lockdown and to inform local and national decision-making in response to COVID-19 outbreaks.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Applications for the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant closed 31st May
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 01/07/2021
- Received: 2,911
- Processed: 2,911 (100%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £10,493,716
Restart Grants summary:
Grant allocation: £14,652,603
Number of businesses eligible: 1,816
Number received a grant: 1,738
Total value of payments made: £12,408,150
Stockport Council 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.
Applications closed on 30 June 2021
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:
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 to June 21st
- 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.
Last chance to get the winter Covid-19 booster 
Stockport hosts further pop-up Covid-19 vaccination clinics ahead of Christmas