We are sorry to hear that Mr Peter Robinson of the Robinson Family of Brewers has passed away. The announcement was made by his brother Dennis in a touching letter:
“It is with the deepest sadness that I announce that on Saturday 8th May 2021, Peter passed away peacefully with his family at his side. A beloved brother to David and I, father to Juliet and Rachel, father in law to Matt and grandfather to his five wonderful grandchildren. He leaves a large void in all our lives, but many memories which will live on.” Read the letter in full
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,439,691 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,474 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 1,108 (22 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 20
Total UK deaths: 127,629
England Cases per 100,000: 16 per 100,000 (daily change: 0)
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 35,587,348
Total 2nd doses: 18,088,385
Daily 1st doses: 115,053
Daily 2nd doses: 231,835
There have been over 4.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 127,500 people have died. More than 50 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK to 5th May and more than 35.5 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Over 17.6 million people have had both their first and second jab. The average number of daily infections in the UK has continued to decline but is flattening. A further 2,474 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government yesterday, Tuesday.
The R value and growth rate in England
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19). The R range for England is 0.8 to 1.1 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 12th April
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
UK economy picks up as lockdown restrictions ease
The UK economy shrank by 1.5% in the first three months’ of 2021 but gathered speed in March as lockdown restrictions began to ease, official figures show.
The reopening of schools and strong retail spending helped the economy grow 2.1% in March, its fastest monthly growth since last August.
But the economy is still 8.7% smaller than it was before the pandemic.
However, March marked a possible turning point, economists suggested.
Tej Parikh, chief economist at the Institute of Directors, predicted the UK economy was now on course for a bumper bounce-back this year.
The Queen’s speech – ‘building back’ bigger, better, safer, fairer and greener
The Government’s second Queen’s Speech was delivered with the same confident rhetoric of previous set pieces. The overall theme was one of ‘building back’ bigger, better, safer, fairer and greener through a raft of legislation announcements and key policy pledges. The Government pushed forward with a selection of hyper-sensitive and controversial constitutional reform measures, such as introducing a requirement for voter ID and repealing the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, which saw many commentators question the motives behind the announcements. The Runnymede Trust, for example, suggested that the ID proposals would disproportionately affect BME and working-class voters. A lot of the speech did not come as a surprise as many of the measures had been announced before, such as the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (originally the pet project of Dominic Cummings), the much-promised ban on conversion therapy and the long-delayed Environment Bill. Some proposals were clearly designed with the Government’s levelling-up agenda in mind, ensuring the Conservatives continue to enjoy the favour of their new northern seats. For example, the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill will help adults to retrain later in life, with Boris Johnson describing the policy as ‘the rocket fuel that we need to level up this country and ensure equal opportunities for all’.
Read in full here
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 21,109 to 10th May
Cases in the latest week: 81 (22 more cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 716 to April 16th
Cases per 100,000: 28 per 100,000 week 30th April to 6nd May
R number in North West: 0.7 – 0.9
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 157,185 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 2nd May
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Greater Manchester: coronavirus rates double in Bolton
Bolton’s infection rate is now 152 per 100,000, seven times the national average of 21.8. Stockport’s rate has also risen slightly to 28.6; the Greater Manchester average is 43.7 cases per 100,000, twice the national average
Deloitte: What’s next for the region’s towns and cities?
The impact of the Covid pandemic has been felt right across towns and cities in the UK. With the shutdown of retail, leisure, and hospitality there has been a shift in the way people think about movement, residence, socialising and consumerism. A recent webinar in partnership with Deloitte put the spotlight on what’s next for towns and cities and how the public and private sector can work together to reimagine the struggling high streets and ensure that they are fit for purpose and act as magnets for businesses and jobs.
Local people at heart of Stockport’s vaccination programme
Local people are the stars of a film about the vaccination programme in Stockport that has been commissioned by the NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). Residents, volunteers and staff are all featured in a behind the scenes look at what people can expect when they attend a vaccination appointment, commissioned by the NHS Stockport CCG in partnership with Stockport Council and NHS Stockport Foundation Trust. Health professionals, GP practice staff, volunteers and Stockport residents from different communities feature in the film offering first-hand accounts of how being vaccinated made them feel. It also includes local resident and business owner Linda Lam who gave the film crew special access to her vaccination appointment.
!! Grant funding for local organisations and associations to host events!!
As Many areas of Stockport have been unusually quiet with reduced visitor numbers and many events cancelled due to the impact of the coronavirus and subsequent lockdowns. As the situation around lockdown eases, local organisations and community groups are being encouraged to apply for grant funding that will help them to host events and attract visitors in an attempt to support businesses and boost the local economy. Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
New ‘We Offer Testing to our Staff’ scheme launched
A new sticker scheme will allow businesses to easily show they are testing their staff regularly.
We Offer Testing to our Staff (WOTTOS): endorsement scheme
Guidance about a simple and free voluntary promotional scheme for firms who are participating in the government’s free coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace testing programme.
Open University hosts 45-minute webinar for Kickstart candidates
Following on from their successful existing offer from The Open University, Open door to success, the DWP have again, partnered with The Open University to launch an exciting new Kickstart Scheme web page to enhance and support the
employability and training for any candidates before, during and after their Kickstart placements. The free online courses allow Kickstart candidates to enhance their digital and employability skills to suit any industry placement.
Each course comes with a statement of participation and a digital badge, allowing learners and employers to record and recognise their achievements as they progress through their six-month Kickstart placement and into their future careers. The OU Kickstart page is now live and includes a helpful guide for both candidates and employers to enhance and support their Kickstart placements. It can be viewed here: https://www.open.edu/openlearn/kickstart
The OU have offered and will be delivering a 45-minute webinar to support Employers, Partners and Gateway Organisations on how to utilise these Kickstart related courses to support and potentially integrate into any industry placements.
Coronavirus and the impact on output in the UK economy: March 2021
An analysis of monthly growth for the production and services industries between February 2021 and March 2021, highlighting the impact from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus and changing young people’s UK labour market outcomes: January to March 2021
In-depth analysis of young people’s (aged 16 to 24 years) labour market outcomes in 2020, how the young people were impacted by the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) and some of the drivers of such outcomes, using labour market flows and quarterly labour force survey data.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): right to work checks
Advice for employers carrying out right to work checks during the coronavirus pandemic – updated as the end date for the temporary adjusted checking processes is now 21 June.
COMMUNITY:
Private providers of coronavirus 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 both lists of providers and ‘Private providers of coronavirus testing: what you need to know’ to add information on the UKAS accreditation process for prospective private providers of COVID-19 testing.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination.
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support
Who can claim the support and how to apply – updated attachment ‘Claiming financial support under the Test and Trace Support Payment scheme’ to make eligibility criteria clearer.
NHS Test and Trace: what to do if you are contacted
An overview of NHS Test and Trace, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive – added that you can leave self-isolation to get a COVID-19 test at a test site or to take a home test to a priority post box. Also added information about applying for an emergency proxy to vote in an election, and about local support available to people who are self-isolating.
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:
Construction activity recovers from Covid cliff-fall
Latest figures for output in March reveal construction grew nearly 6%, lifting activity above the pre-pandemic watermark recorded last February. Looking ahead new orders also grew strongly in the first three-months of this year jumping 12%, compared with the previous quarter. The growth in activity in March was driven by a 6.7% rise in new work and 4.4% recovery in repair and maintenance. Main growth sectors were private new housing, up 9%, and private commercial, which after months in the doldrums enjoyed a growth spurt of nearly 7%.
EDUCATION:
Monthly estimates of education output for remote learners during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Monthly estimates of education output for remote learners during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic with breakdowns by school phases, regions and Ofsted ratings.
Responsibility for exams
Guidance for schools, colleges and exam centres on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing – updated ‘Public health guidance to support exams from January 2021’ to reflect step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown. The guidance on face coverings has been updated and information specific to the spring term 2021 has been removed.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated with guidance for supporting children’s care homes in the management of visitor testing, safeguarding in out of school settings and youth clubs, and keeping residential settings safe from coronavirus (COVID-19).
HOSPITALITY:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Hotels and other guest accommodation – Updated to reflect Step 3 of the roadmap.
PROPERTY:
Agency backs converting empty shops into homes
An agency is backing the conversion of empty retail units into homes – and has figures to prove how big an impact this could have. Keller Williams UK analysed the potential square footage of high street stores used by 38 major retail brands that have ceased trading or are due to close this year. Based on the average square footage of A1 retail space (2,195 sq ft), Keller Williams estimates these closures will leave some 19,735,230 square foot of unused retail space across the UK.
With the average home coming in at just 790 square feet, this redundant retail estate could pave the way for a potential 24,981 new homes. Debenhams would account for the vast majority of the potential; it has already liquidated 52 stores with the remaining 45 to shut for good later this week. These 97 stores are thought in total to occupy 13,628,740 square feet of retail space, enough for 17,252 homes.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): landlord right to rent checks
Advice for landlords carrying out right to rent checks during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated as the end date for the temporary adjusted checking processes is now 21 June.
RETAIL:
ebay offers loans to help small businesses bounce back from Covid
eBay has launched a new finance initiative to help small businesses bounce back after the coronavirus crisis. The online marketplace will provide 300,000 sellers on its UK platform with new access to financing through a partnership with YouLend.
The Capital for eBay Business Sellers (CEBS) initiative will offer loans ranging from £500 to £1m, which will be repaid directly from the sales the company makes through eBay’s platform.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
TRAVEL:
National Express predicts strong recovery for 2021
National Express has expressed optimism about its 2021 performance following an “encouraging” start to the year. The firm, which has today reported its results covering the period January 1 to April 30, has seen its April revenue increase by around 50 per cent compared with the same period in 2020. Despite revenue for the whole period being 16 per cent below last year, the company is confident that it will be able to return to profitability as restrictions continue to ease.
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.
Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status when travelling abroad
How to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status to show that you’ve had the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine and access this status when travelling abroad – updated to reflect that you must wait at least 5 working days after you’ve completed your course of the vaccine before asking for a letter confirming your vaccination status to be posted to you. The letter can take up to 5 working days to reach you. It will be sent automatically to the address registered with your GP.
Traffic light system: safe return to international travel
From 17 May, the ‘Stay in the UK’ regulation will cease and international travel will be allowed to restart, governed by a new traffic light system.
Red, amber and green list rules for entering England
Countries rated as red, amber or green for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rules you must follow to enter England – Maldives, Nepal and Turkey moved to the red list 4am, Wednesday 12 May.
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 – updated to include the ability of amber and green arrivals to travel to a test site for their day 2 and day 8 tests.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Discretionary Grants summary:
Received: 2,700
Processed: 2,590 (96%)
Grants Funding Issued: £7,714,559
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:
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.