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UK NEWS UPDATES:
Booster demand calls for more volunteers as 500,000 book booster in one day
There have been queues of up to five hours outside walk-in vaccination centres, while the NHS website crashed as bookings for booster jabs opened to people aged 30 and over. But the prime minister says more than half a million people still booked appointments on Monday, describing it as an “incredible feat”. He’s now appealing for volunteers to help meet demand, while No 10 says in the next week “hundreds more sites, mobile units and pop-ups will be springing up across the country” – including at football stadiums, shopping centres and racecourses. People aged 18 to 29 will be able to book their booster jabs online from Wednesday. But senior health sources tell us they may not be able to meet a target of offering boosters to all adults by the end of the month.
Javid: Need for international travel minimised
Javid said the justification for having the rules had been “minimised” given the new strain was “fast becoming the dominant variant in our capital city and spreading rapidly throughout the country. This is something that I have already raised with my colleagues in the Department for Transport, and I hope that we can act quickly,” he added.
The COO Imperative: How do you ensure your workplace is still the right place
To retain talent and drive transformation, Chief Operating Officers must build a mutually beneficial relationship with their evolving workforce.
Today’s workers are sending a message to COOs – don’t just give us a job, understand our motives, give us the skills and meet our aspirations.
COOs face intense pressure to reduce costs and increase productivity, while navigating disrupted markets. By meeting the aspirations of your workers and adopting a talent ecosystem approach, you create a winning balance of job satisfaction, productivity and agility. Read more
Defence steps up support to vaccine programme
More than 750 Armed Forces personnel will be administering Covid-19 vaccines and helping with planning to maximise the effectiveness of the booster rollout
Proposal for mandatory COVID certification in a Plan B scenario: call for evidence
The government invites responses to the detail on the proposed certification regime which could be introduced as part of Plan B. This opportunity for engagement will enable the government to take into account relevant comments and views, and make any warranted revisions.
Nationwide passes Bank of England Solvency Stress Test
Yesterday, on December 13, the Bank of England issued the results of its Solvency Stress Test 2021 (SST). The specified hypothetical scenario provided by the Bank of England for SST represented a severe stress in the initial years with a GDP trough 19 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, house price falls of 33 per cent peak-to-trough and a peak unemployment rate of 11.9 per cent. Notwithstanding this, there was a strong economic recovery thereafter with both GDP and HPI, in particular, recovering quickly.
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 41% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 10,873,468 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 54,661 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,372, 53 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 38
Total UK deaths: 146,477
England Cases per 100,000: 524
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,279,167 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 81%
Daily 1st doses: 23,317
Daily 2nd doses: 30,195
Daily Booster doses: 397,532
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Extra Covid clinics at One Stockport Hub this week
Extra COVID-19 vaccinations clinics will take place in the One Stockport Hub in Mersey Square this week. The two new additional days for this week are Tuesday, 14 December and Wednesday, 15 December 10am – 3pm. These are in addition to the already promoted dates of Thursday, 16 December – Saturday, 18 December, 10am-3pm. Anybody eligible aged 18+ can walk in. If you need a booster, please make sure that at least three months have passed since your second dose. Vaccinations will be given on a first come, first served basis. The clinic may end slightly earlier than planned if all vaccines have been administered.
GM Leaders call for levelling up through innovation
Business leaders in Greater Manchester have called on the government to partner more closely with city-regions on driving innovation ahead of the publication of the Levelling-Up White Paper early next year. With the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee recently endorsing the Innovation Greater Manchester blueprint for driving innovation in the city-region, government is now being recommended to devolve greater powers to other conurbations nationwide to allocate R&D funding in the upcoming White Paper. The document will set out the strategy for how government will improve living standards, stimulate business growth and widen access to opportunities in UK regions beyond London and the South-East.
Plans for 500+ homes in Stockport town centre go to planning
Plans have been submitted to Stockport Council for significant apartment scheme on the site of the former Sainsbury’s store, which will create over 500 new homes in the town centre. Amstone Ventures confirmed their acquisition of the 3.28 acre plot in March this year, with the intention of redeveloping the superstore for build-to-rent apartments; Sainsbury’s closed the supermarket in January after 35 years trading from the site. The Hale-based developers have submitted a formal application to redevelop the site, and if approved, will deliver a £100 million development, No. 1 Knightsbridge, comprising 563 new homes, a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as townhouses. Apartments will be situated in buildings of up to 15 storeys, surrounded by communal gardens and green space.
Manchester United cancel tonigt’s fixture due to Covid
A coronavirus outbreak among Manchester United footballers has caused this evening’s match at Brentford to be called off.The Premier League says the decision was taken “following guidance from medical advisers due to the exceptional circumstances” of the outbreak. United have shut down operations at their Carrington training ground to minimise the risk of infection.
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:
MEN: In Stockport, the latest infection rate is 479.3 cases per 100,000 people and the number of cases has gone up by 14 per cent. A total of 1410 people tested positive for Covid in Stockport over the seven days ending on December 9, which is 168 more than the week before.
Total Stockport cases: 53,612 to 13 December
Cases in the latest week: 1,410, 168 more than previous week
Total deaths: 795 to November 26th
Cases per 100,000: 479 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: 42%
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:
BREXIT:
If you move goods between Great Britain (GB) and countries in the European Union (EU), you might be affected when full customs controls come into effect on 1??? January??? ?2022.
| If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs |
| Call HMRC Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300??? ?322??? ?9434. The helpline is open from?? ?8am to 10pm??? ?Monday to??? ?Friday and from?? ?8am to??? ?4pm at weekends. You can also send us your questions or contact us by webchat. |
| The Export Support Service is a new helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a ‘one-stop shop’ and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support. |
| HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos and recorded webinars about customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU. |
| Watch our Rules of origin recorded webinar to understand the process and what you need to do if you buy from, send or sell goods to the EU. |
| Register now for HMRC’s live webinars |
| We’ll explain existing guidance and answer general questions about the content. We’re unable to answer questions specific to the items you import or export on the webinars: |
Importing – steps you need to take before making your supplementary declaration – get advice on how to make a supplementary declaration and how intermediaries can help
Customs Import Declarations: an overview – of the whole declarations process
Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving – covering zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary – your responsibilities if using an intermediary to complete import or export declarations
Importing food and drink, and animal products from the EU to Great Britain – DEFRA webinars about upcoming changes and how to register and use the import system IPAFFS (Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System).
You can also find webinars and videos from other government departments about trading with the EU.
BUSINESS:
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services.
CARE:
COVID-19: provision of night shelters
Operating principles for commissioners and providers of night shelters for people experiencing rough sleeping.
COMMUNITY:
Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home – updated to reflect Plan B COVID-19 response measures.
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic. 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.
COVID-19: arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event
Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
For contacts of a person with a positive test result for COVID-19 who do not live with that person – updated with advice for contacts who are not legally required to self-isolate to take 7 LFD tests. Removed legal requirements relating to contacts of someone infected with the Omicron variant
EDUCATION:
Awarding of functional skills in 2021
Details, by awarding organisation, of the different assessment options available for functional skills in 2021 – updated the table, under ‘The options available’, that shows what assessment options each awarding organisation offers.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March 2020 and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance for higher education providers – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus pandemic
Find out what you’ll need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to maintain provision – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Protective measures for providers of community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings offering provision to children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
EMPLOYMENT:
Coming to England for seasonal agricultural work, poultry work or pork processing
Advice for seasonal agricultural workers, seasonal poultry workers and pork butchers coming to England to work on farms or processing sites or at slaughterhouses, and their employers.
EVENTS:
Carrying out mandatory COVID-19 status checks at your venue or event
Guidance for organisations setting out which venues and events must use the NHS COVID Pass, or equivalent proof of vaccination or testing, as a condition of entry, and how to operate the scheme.
Prove your coronavirus (COVID-19) status to work at venues or events operating COVID-19 status checks
Guidance on proving your coronavirus (COVID-19) status if you work at venues or events, and where this is advised.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: stepdown of infection control precautions and discharging patients to home settings
Advice on appropriate infection prevention and control precautions for stepdown in hospital or discharge to home or residential settings for COVID-19 patients.
COVID-19 variants identified in the UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK.
COVID-19 test validation approved products
Find out which COVID-19 test products have been approved – updated “COVID-19 test validation approved products.”
Access Consortium statement on COVID-19 medicines
The medicines regulators from Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (Access Consortium) have discussed the continued need for COVID-19 medicines that are safe, effective and of high quality
Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 3 December 2021
Provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales, in the latest weeks for which data are available.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace: Hotels and guest accommodation – Minor amendment to information box, to update information on COVID status checks and add a link to the guidance for organisations.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace: Restaurants, pubs, bars, nightclubs and takeaway services – From 15 December, certain venues and events will be required by law to check the COVID status of customers.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
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.
SPORT:
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for grassroots sport participants, providers and facility operators
This guidance sets out information for the public and sport providers on how to organise and participate in grassroots sport and physical activity as safely as possible.
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for elite sport This guidance sets out information for elite sport organisations on how to reduce the risk from COVID-19. This includes guidance on domestic and cross-border competitions.
TRAVEL:
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 – added guidance on new mandatory certification rules on visiting certain venues and events coming into force on Wednesday 15 December if approved by Parliament.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before you travel to England
You need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad. People who arrive in England from Ethiopia after 4am Thursday 16 December will need proof of a negative COVID-19 test.
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