Help Stockport Council to improve the support they give to employers
Stockport Council is working with researchers at the Behavioural Insights Team to better understand the needs of employers to support youth employment. We will use your feedback to improve our services. Please click the button below to take part in the survey. The survey takes no more than 5 minutes. Take the survey here
UK NEWS UPDATES:
PM announces new booster target for all adults in England
Booster jabs will be offered to everyone over 18 in England from this week, the PM has announced, as he declared an “Omicron emergency”.
“No one should be in any doubt, there is a tidal wave of Omicron coming,” Boris Johnson said on Sunday. A new target has been set to give boosters to all adults who want one by the end of the month, he said. Ten people in England are in hospital with Omicron, Health Secretary Sajid Javid confirmed on Monday.
Some medical appointments are to be postponed to focus on boosters.
Mr Johnson gave his update in a TV statement on Sunday evening, just hours after the UK’s Covid alert level was raised to four due to the spread of the new Omicron virus variant. Level four means a high or rising level of transmission – the last time the UK was at this level was in May.
Urgent Omicron appeal: Get boosted now
Prime Minister and NHS turbocharge booster programme against Omicron and launch an urgent national appeal calling for people to get jabbed.
Change in testing for Covid 19 contacts from Tuesday (14th)
Double-jabbed people identified as a contact of someone with Covid-19 in England will be told to take a daily rapid test for seven days from Tuesday, health officials said. Unvaccinated adults are not eligible for this new daily testing policy, and they must self-isolate for 10 days if they are a contact of someone who tests positive.
The daily testing aims to reduce pressures on people’s everyday lives by replacing the requirement for Omicron contacts to isolate for 10 days, the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) said. The policy also aims to protect the public by identifying asymptomatic cases and stopping the chains of transmission.
Daily rapid testing for COVID-19 contacts launches this week
From Tuesday, fully vaccinated contacts of a COVID-19 case should take a daily lateral flow test for 7 days to slow the spread of the virus.
Work-from-home guidance reintroduced in England from today
People in England should now work from home if they can, as part of the government’s Plan B guidance to curb the spread of Omicron.
The change brings England in line with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Rules on face masks have already been tightened, and Covid passes will be required to get into nightclubs and other large venues from Wednesday.
Despite the new rules, Boris Johnson said on Sunday the UK faced an “Omicron emergency”, with a “tidal wave” of the new variant coming.
F1 stars including Lewis Hamilton back COVID-19 vaccine drive
Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and George Russell and CEO of F1 Group Stefano Domenicali, urge fans to get the COVID-19 vaccine this winter.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been 10.8 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 146,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 51 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 89% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 81% have had their second and 40% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 10,819,515 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 48,854 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,413, 57 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 52
Total UK deaths: 146,439
England Cases per 100,000: 520
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,254,510 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 81%
Daily 1st doses: 25,378
Daily 2nd doses: 36,873
Daily Booster doses: 530,086
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
NatWest: Region’s private sector economy in recovery
Despite rising cost pressures on firms, the North-West private sector economy continued to recover strongly in November which hit a new record high. That was according to the latest Regional PMI data from NatWest showing marked rises in both activity and employment. Firms in the region reported a further rise in new business in November, signalling a continued improvement in underlying demand conditions. 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 – climbed from October’s 55.3 to a four-month high of 57.6 in November.
Former engineering works transformed to provide town centre assisted living
The site of dilapidated engineering works in Stockport town centre has been given a new lease of life following its transformation into a supported living facility.
Albion Works on Mottram Street was demolished and replaced with a four-storey building, providing 18 self-contained apartments and creating 15 care sector jobs to provide round-the-clock care. The scheme was delivered by Homelife Holdings and backed by a seven-figure loan from specialist non-profit sector bank, Unity Trust Bank.
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
Stockport Council launches new Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses facing continued challenges from impact of coronavirus
Stockport Council has opened applications for its Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, allowing businesses that remain negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic to access further financial support. The Additional Restrictions Grant supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. You can apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant if your trading levels continue to be negatively impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).
ARG Grant data as at 09/12/2021:
Applications received: 295
Applications allocated: 38%
Value of Grants issued: £366,000
Locality Boost Grant
The Council is also offering a further opportunity for businesses in local areas to access a Locality Boost Grant for their area if they did not do so in the first round of these grants. The Locality Boost Grant is for district centre trading associations or their equivalent. District centre trading associations can bid for your local area to run events to drive footfall that will support local businesses that are reopening. If the local area does not have a trading association that can lead the bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that area. They will then lead as the single point of contact for their area. Only one application for each local area will be accepted. Further information on the Locality Boost Grant and how to apply is available at this link Locality Boost Grant – Stockport Council”
Locality Boost Grant data as at 09/12/2021:
Applications received: 19
Applications processed / in process: 95%
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 53,029 to 10 December
Cases in the latest week: 1,381, 254 more than previous week
Total deaths: 795 to November 26th
Cases per 100,000: 469 per 100,000 week ending 6 December
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 84% of over 12s to 9 December
2nd dose: 78%
3rd / booster dose: 40%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 10 December 2021.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Growth is slowing but will be over 7.5% this year
The latest ONS estimate for GDP growth was released this week. Data for October suggested the economy was slowing down. “Construction slowdown holds back recovery” the headline in the Times. It was a similar story in manufacturing.
The data revealed, the economy grew by just 0.1% in October compared to 0.5% prior month. Construction and manufacturing sectors were hit by supply chain problems and rising material prices. Should we be concerned? Find out here
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace – shops, branches, and close contact services – Information added about who should go to work. From Monday 13 December, office workers who can work from home should do so.
CARE:
Vivaldi 3: coronavirus (COVID-19) antibody and cellular immune response in care homes study report
Report setting out the results of a study of 202 staff and 286 residents in care homes undertaken between December 2020 and June 2021.
COMMUNITY:
Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home – information box added that England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant.
Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England
How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England – updated to reflect that fully vaccinated children aged 12 to 15 can request an NHS COVID Pass letter for international travel from 9am on 13 December. COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship
Guidance for people attending a place of worship and those who are responsible for these venues – incorporating changes announced by the Prime Minister on 8 December when announcing the implementation of Plan B restrictions.
COVID-19: provision of night shelters
Operating principles for commissioners and providers of night shelters for people experiencing rough sleeping – information box added that England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant. Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make one
This page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
CONSTRUCTION:
HMRC: Accounting for VAT in the construction sector
In March 2021, changes were introduced in the way VAT is accounted for in the construction industry. Join this live webinar to get up to date with the changes and find out if they affect you. You can ask questions using the on-screen text box.
How to apply the VAT reverse charge for construction services
- When to apply the VAT reverse charge
- How to show the reverse charge on your invoices
- What to do if you make a mistake when applying the reverse charge
Register HERE
The following short videos on HMRC’c YouTube channel can help you with record keeping:
Crackdown begins on pandemic self-employment fraud
The Government is to spend £510m on a major crackdown on benefit and self-employment fraud. The cash will be used to raise capacity to detect and catch fraudsters. Around 2,000 trained specialists will be deployed to review claims in the crackdown carrying out property checks, following up earning declarations of self-employed claimants and cross-checking bank details. It builds on the department’s counter-fraud team investigations in cyber security and serious and organised crime.
EDUCATION:
Reported COVID-19 notifications by registered early years and childcare settings
Data on the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of COVID-19
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19
Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges in 2021 – following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 8 December 2021, we have updated guidance on school attendance, use of face coverings, contact tracing and isolation, wraparound provision and use of the NHS COVID Pass.
EVENTS:
Live Events Reinsurance Scheme
Scheme rules for the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme have been published by DCMS – Addition of attachment: Applying to the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer public places – managing public outdoor settings
Guidance for local authorities, owners and operators to support the safe use and management of outdoor public places while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains – information box added that England will move to Plan B in response to the risks of the Omicron variant.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination: booster dose resources
Information on the booster dose for eligible individuals.
UK coronavirus (COVID-19) alert level increased from Level 3 to Level 4
Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency and in the light of the rapid increase in Omicron cases, the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director have recommended to ministers that the UK COVID-19 alert level should increase from Level 3 to Level 4.
Monitoring reports of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination
Data on the real-world efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines – added Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of concern.
COVID-19 variants identified in the UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK – infection rate corrected to one million infections a day.
COVID-19 surveillance and immunity studies
An overview of national surveillance programmes to understand how COVID-19 is present and affecting the wider population.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Face coverings poster
Poster to remind people to wear a face covering where they are legally required to do so. From 10 December, face coverings will be required by law in most indoor public places.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus – added additional guidance about when to take a test before attending an event when using NHS COVID Pass.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Planning Inspectorate guidance – updated 09 December 2021
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and guidance from government, the Planning Inspectorate has published guidance on site visits, hearings, inquiries and events – Local Plan Examinations and CIL Examinations guidance updated
COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers
Genomically confirmed case numbers for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation – added local authority breakdown spreadsheet.
PROPERTY:
It’s beginning to look a lot like a normal housing market
Data out today from Rightmove shows the predictable seasonal effect of around 0.7 per cent knocked off the typical asking price. The portal, in its monthly price index, says it forecasts prices to rise by another five per cent in 2022, but with some of the edge taken off sellers’ pricing power by increasingly stretched buyer affordability, and more buyer choice boosted by previously hesitant sellers taking the plunge in the New Year. Even so, it says requests from homeowners to estate agents to have their home valued are 19 per cent up on this time a year ago, indicating that much-needed buyer choice will be coming to market in January.
No possessions until new year
Mortgage lenders have announced a voluntary moratorium on possessions from today, December 13, until Tuesday January 4. A statement from the umbrella body UK Finance says: “The industry is committed to providing ongoing support to those in financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic, especially those who may be worried about making their mortgage payments over the Christmas period. “Members of UK Finance and the Building Societies Association have agreed that they will not seek, or enforce, a warrant for possession for residential and buy-to-let properties during this period.” There was a previous 12-month pause on possessions from April 2020 to April 2021 which helped those struggling with their finances during Covid-19 lockdowns.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators and people who work in or from vehicles
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations, and people who work in or from vehicles, including couriers, mobile workers, lorry drivers, on-site transit and work vehicles – Plan B updates on face coverings and working from home.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – Plan B updates on face coverings.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVs
Actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus – Plan B update on face coverings.
Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England
How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England – updated to reflect that fully vaccinated children aged 12 to 15 can request an NHS COVID Pass letter for international travel.
Covid-19 Webinars:
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April