UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 3,164,051 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 45,533 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 35,075 (1,286 more)
New deaths across UK: 1,243
Total UK deaths: 83,203
England Cases per 100,000: 553 average
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.4
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The R number range for the UK is 1.0 to 1.4 and the growth rate range is 0% to +6% per day as of 8 January 2021.
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 2,431,648
Total 2nd doses: 412,167
Total in England 1st dose: 2,080,280
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 14,746
Current cases: 1,275 (237 new cases on previous week)
Total deaths: 507 to January 1st
Cases per 100,000: 435 per 100,000
R number in North West: 1.0 – 1.4
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
Scotland tightens lockdown rules with six changes
Nicola Sturgeon has announced six changes that will be introduced on Saturday:
- Non-essential click and collect purchases must stop
- Take-away services must operate from a serving hatch or doorway, no one can go inside a premise to collect food or drink
- Alcohol will be illegal to drink outdoors in public
- Statutory guidance will be given to employers to allow staff to work from home wherever possible
- Work inside people’s houses only allowed if it is essential maintenance
- People must not leave and remain outside the home other than for an essential purpose
Business Interruption Insurance Scandal – Decision due this week
The Supreme Court will give its judgment on the long-running Business Interruption Insurance case on Friday. In November a Supreme Court appeal completed a four day hearing on the issue, which in turn had followed a High Court ruling back in September favouring policy-holders against insurers who claimed their BI policies did not include Coronavirus. The Financial Conduct Authority represented policy holders against eight insurance firms which had argued – unsuccessfully, at the High Court – that the pandemic was not a valid reason for paying out on policies. The FCA says the test case that it promoted affects claims by some 350,000 small and medium sized firms.
Prolific North: CBBC sees 437% uplift in viewers for lockdown learning
Record numbers have tuned in the BBC’s lockdown learning programme, the biggest educational programme hosted by the BBC. On Monday, CBBC saw a 436% increase in viewers in its 9am – 12 noon slot, while BBC2, which is carrying at least 2 hours of educational content every day, saw an increase of 29% for its afternoon 1pm – 3pm slot. Downloads of Bitesize daily episodes on BBC iPlayer were requested 275,000 times, 12% more than on the April launch day while 1.6 million unique visitors viewed Bitesize online. Read more
Edinburgh Woollen Mill stores saved from permanent closure
More than 1,400 jobs have been saved with the acquisition out of administration of Carlisle-based Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Ponden Home. Joint administrators at FRP Advisory said the deal with Purepay Retail Limited, which is backed by an international investor consortium, saves 1,453 jobs and 246 stores. However, they also confirmed that 119 stores have permanently closed and 485 staff made redundant. These are in addition to 866 job losses announced when the group collapsed last November. The group, owned by Stockport-born Philip Day, was put into administration last November, due to the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on high street trading. Today’s rescue includes the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Ponden Homes and Bonmarché chains.
Record number of Armed Forces personnel help with Covid response
The Defence Secretary has today updated Parliament on the role the Armed Forces are playing to tackle Covid.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated in line with latest government guidance.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport Jobs Match adds new functions and content to relaunched website Stockport Council has relaunched its Jobs Match website, connecting residents with local jobs, training opportunities and careers advice.
The new-look website launched on 21st December to prepare for those embarking on a New Year job search and can also assist residents looking for guidance during the current lockdown such as access support and information about their rights. The website was initially set up during the start of the coronavirus outbreak in the UK to help jobseekers find key worker and frontline support jobs during the first national lockdown. As the council continues to work proactively to support local employers and jobseekers during these challenging times, the new website has been designed to feel more aspirational for users. Stockport Jobs Match now provides a wider range of information for jobseekers including careers guidance and access to training on top of live vacancies. The newly launched Job Board, Training Directory and Careers Hub will help people make a positive change to their career in 2021.
Business Growth Hub webinars – click on the links to register your interest:
The Business Growth Hub webinars are designed to help businesses navigate through the new legislation, rules and procedures brought about by Brexit
EU Exit Webinar New rules and procedures for EU Trade (Importing & Exporting)- Focusing on Goods
Date: 14th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar Regulation & Compliance
Date: 20th January 2021, 2:00pm -4:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – Food & Drink Labelling
Date: 26th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – New rules and procedures for EU Trade- focusing on services
Date: 27th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Dates and Trigger Points of Additional Restrictions Grant, Local Restrictions Support Grants and Christmas Support Payments for wet-led pubs
Download the Grant Matrix
Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown
There are a number of business grant schemes available that cover different periods of time and different situations, such as being under national lockdown.
Updated with info for businesses to check on eligibility etc. to the new grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-restrictions
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
It is anticipated that there will be a high volume of applications and contacts to be processed so it will not be possible for members of the team to respond to individual enquiries at this time.
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
AGRICULTURE & FARMING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read this page for regular updates – latest news item publised to advise change to Bank helpline opening hours.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19. The ESF Q&A has been updated to provide clarity to a number of existing questions. See the dates next to the questions for updates.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: why you are being asked to wait
Information about COVID-19 eligibility and vaccine supplies.
COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: women of childbearing age, currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Information for all women of childbearing age, those currently pregnant or breastfeeding on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus.
Updated guidance following the 4 January announcement of a national lockdown.
CONSTRUCTION:
HMRC offer advice to construction sector as IR35 looms
HM Revenue & Customs is running a series of free online workshops for construction companies as controversial changes loom to the IR35 rules.
The changes come into effect from April 6. Current rules allow workers to be employed via a personal service company (PSC) which determines whether IR35 tax rules should apply. That responsibility will shift from April to contractors who will determine employment status. Freelance workers fear losing out through higher tax payments while contractors would also face bigger bills from direct employment. The changes were due to come into force in April 2020 but were pushed-back due to the coronavirus outbreak. Construction had hoped the new rules would be delayed again but those hopes were dashed by the government.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Planning Inspectorate guidance – updated 12 January 2021
In response to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), The Planning Inspectorate has published guidance on site visits, hearings, inquiries and events.
EDUCATION:
Get help with technology during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for local authorities, academy trusts and schools on devices and support available to provide remote education and access to children’s social care – added O2 and Vodafone to the Get help with technology programme.
Review your remote education provision
A framework to help schools and further education (FE) providers in England identify strengths and areas for improvement in their remote education provision.
Ofsted inspections to be done remotely until half term
All planned inspection activity will be carried out remotely until after the February half term.
Providing school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for schools and local authorities on school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated information about how to order vouchers, sending eCodes to families, supermarkets and redeeming the vouchers.
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – updated the ‘Current activity’ section with details of our planned activity until the February half term.
Laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers progress data
Information about how many laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers we have delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts – added ‘Laptops and tablets data as of January 2021’.
Letter from Gavin Williamson to Simon Lebus
The Secretary of State for Education writes to Ofqual’s Chief Regulator outlining the process to agree alternative arrangements for exams in 2021.
Responsibility for exams
Guidance for schools and colleges on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing – updated the public health guidance to support exams from January 2021 to reflect that schools and colleges can continue with vocational and technical exams, where they judge it right to do so. This includes updates to the sections on the set up of the exam room, face coverings, maintaining distance between staff and candidates and where a candidate has a negative test.
HEALTH, CARE & WELL-BEING:
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for healthcare workers
Information for frontline healthcare workers on COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for social care staff
Information for frontline social care workers on COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for older adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): looking after people who lack mental capacity
Guidance for health and social care staff who are caring for, or treating, a person who lacks the relevant mental capacity – updated ‘The Mental Capacity Act (2005) (MCA) and the deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’ and ‘The Mental Capacity Act (2005) (MCA) and the deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: additional guidance’ to reflect the new national lockdown in England that began on 6 January 2021.
List of private providers of coronavirus testing
Information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people
Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.
Vitamin D opt-in service for vulnerable groups: privacy notice
Privacy notice explaining how personal information is used to provide a free 4-month supply of vitamin D supplements to high-risk groups.
Overview of adult social care guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information for adult social care providers on COVID-19 guidance and support.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Lockdown takeaways drive 387% increase in orders for Just Eat
An online food delivery marketplace has reported that it saw a 387 per cent surge in delivery orders in the UK in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Just Eat Takeaway.com announced today that delivery orders across the country jumped from 2.9 million in the same period last year to 14.2 million. Total orders in the period increased 58 per cent from 35.5 million to 56 million, with revenues climbing by approximately 60 per cent to more than £720m.
For the full year, the company expects to report revenue growth of more than 50 per cent.
Events ‘boom’ on the horizon as booking platform raises £1.7m funding
A London event booking marketplace has announced that it has raised £1.7m as it prepares for an events ‘boom’ post-pandemic. Feast It, which has worked on events such as Pride in London and parties for A-list celebrities, has raised the funding in a round led by MAHR Project, former Co-op CEO Richard Pennycrook and ex-CFO of Arm Holdings, Tim Score. The company, which has contributed to private parties for Taylor Swift and Angelina Jolie, reported that it has seen “explosive growth” in virtual events towards the end of 2020.
Open letter to tied tenants of the regulated pub companies
An open letter to tied tenants, from the Adjudicator.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES:
Reallocating road space in response to COVID-19: statutory guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authorities on managing their road networks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Temporary signs to guide traffic to COVID-19 vaccination centres added for authority use.
Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG), Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG), Christmas Support Payment (CSP) for wet-led pubs: guidance for local authorities
This is guidance for local authorities on paying grants to support businesses during the November to December 2020 national lockdown and periods of local restrictions.
Business support package for the January 2021 lockdown: guidance for local authorities added.
Defence Secretary Oral Statement: Defence’s COVID-19 support
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace detailed Defence’s support to the COVID-19 response.
Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel – updated: Directed letter for COVID-19 testing.
PROPERTY:
Is the shift away from offices to home-working permanent?
A leading business consultancy says the level of working-from-home in the UK by 2025 will be five times that before the pandemic. Estate agents are currently advised to work from home where possible through the current national lockdowns across the UK; some agents have been working this way almost continuously since the first national lockdown began almost 10 months ago. Now Deloitte UK – which has itself already announced the closure of four of its 50 offices in this country as a result of increased remote working – says in a forecast based on a survey of corporate chief financial officers: “Business leaders believe the pandemic will permanently change the business landscape. CFOs anticipate a five-fold increase in home working relative to pre-pandemic levels by 2025 and believe that the state will be both larger and more active in the long term.”
Land Registry extends requisition deadline to up to 60 days
HM Land Registry is extending the time its customers have to respond to requests for information to up to 40 days – and then there will be an additional 20 days after a reminder is sent out. Requisitions are when formal requests are sent by the Registry to its customers for additional information about a property. This could, for example, be to an estate agent or a conveyancer over property names which may have been submitted wrongly, or querying boundaries of property plans. HM Land Registry says almost 20 per cent of its registration applications require a requisition. Now – from this week – customers will have 40 days to reply to a requisition letter (C90) after which they will receive a reminder of cancellation (C90a) allowing a further 20 days in which to reply. If no reply is received at all, the application may be cancelled.
Autumn bounce-back Auction Houses
for November proved to be a bounce-back month for auctioneers, according to the latest figures from Essential Information Group. Its data shows that November was the first month in 2020 where all metrics showed a year-on-year increase. Overall lots were up by 6.5% and the volumes raised increased by 75% – from £116m in November 2019 to £204m in November 2020. A total of 1,351 lots were offered at 39 sales in November 2020, according to EIG figures, with 71% selling. Across the commercial auctions sector, lots offered increased by 50% to 194 and totals raised increased by 337% from £13m to £57m. Sales rates improved by 12.6% to reach 74.2% Read more at Estates Gazette
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVsActions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus.
TRAVEL:
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, if they are legally permitted to travel internationally – updated with information on pre-departure testing for everyone travelling into England and Scotland.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time to view webinar
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Brexit Webinars:
Business Growth Hub webinars – click on the links to register your interest:
The Business Growth Hub webinars are designed to help businesses navigate through the new legislation, rules and procedures brought about by Brexit
EU Exit Webinar New rules and procedures for EU Trade (Importing & Exporting)- Focusing on Goods
Date: 14th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar Regulation & Compliance
Date: 20th January 2021, 2:00pm -4:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – Food & Drink Labelling
Date: 26th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – New rules and procedures for EU Trade- focusing on services
Date: 27th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Coronavirus – Guidance for employees and employers in Stockport: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert level: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
New opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.