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UK NEWS UPDATES:
NEW – Covid pass required to enter nightclubs and large events
Adults in England must now show a Covid pass to enter nightclubs, big sports matches and other large events. The new rules – which kick in today – require proof of double-vaccination, or a recent negative test, to enter certain venues.
MPs approved the measure in Tuesday’s vote on England’s new Covid rules.
The Commons also backed the continuation of mandatory mask-wearing in most indoor settings, and compulsory vaccination for NHS workers in England.
The scrapping of self-isolation for fully vaccinated Covid contacts – in favour of daily lateral flow tests – passed unanimously without a vote.
From today: Booster jab for over 18s
In line with the government’s aim to offer all adults booster jabs before the end of the year, those aged 18 and over can now book their third dose of the Covid vaccine. People are eligible for a booster three months after a second jab, but they can book after two months. So far, more than 24 million booster doses have been administered across the UK, with 513,722 booster and third doses given on Monday.
On Tuesday, the UK recorded 59,610 new Covid cases, the highest number since January, along with 150 deaths within 28 days of a positive Covid test.
The UK Health Security Agency said 633 further UK Omicron cases were reported on Tuesday, taking the total number of confirmed cases of the variant to 5,346.
Suspension of the 15-minute wait for vaccination with mRNA vaccine for COVID-19: UK CMOs’ opinion
UK Chief Medical Officers’ and lead Deputy Chief Medical Officers for vaccines’ opinion on the 15-minute wait after vaccination with mRNA vaccine for COVID-19.
Health and Social Care Secretary Oral statement on COVID-19
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid, Oral statement to Parliament on COVID-19
All 11 countries on UK red list removed from today
South Africa, and the 10 other southern African countries currently on the UK’s red list, were removed from 4am today, Wednesday (15 December), health secretary Sajid Javid has confirmed.
Chief Medical Officer launches advertising campaign to promote boosters
Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty is calling on the public to get a booster vaccination, in a nationwide advertising campaign launched to further galvanise the booster programme. This comes as a total of 24 million boosters and third doses have now been administered in the UK. 75% of over 50 year-olds across the UK have had their booster or third dose and over 1 million people have booked a booster vaccination appointment since the National Booking Service opened on Monday to people aged over 30 in England. The booking service expanded to all adults in England today.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Fall in sales and challenges in recruitment hurting Greater Manchester’s recovery
According to the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, economic growth in the region is being impacted by a fall in domestic sales, recruitment difficulties and a shortage of labour. Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s latest economic survey has revealed though that international trade activity picked up during the latest quarter. A total of 337 businesses were surveyed while the Greater Manchester Index, a composite of several key results from the survey, now stands at 32.5, an increase of 0.6 points from the previous quarter’s results.
MAG calls on Government to deliver on pledge to remove double-testing requirements, as latest figures show impact on demand for travel
“The Government must act to kickstart the recovery of the aviation sector by following through on its commitment to remove remaining travel testing requirements once the Omicron variant becomes dominant in the UK.”
That was the message delivered by Manchester Airports Group (MAG) after the Health Secretary announced that all 11 countries will be removed from the red list from 4am today on the grounds it is not effective in slowing the arrival of the variant. MAG is calling on the Government to extend this proportionate and positive approach to lift the requirement for all international arriving passengers to take both a pre-departure test and a Day 2 PCR test.
Extra Covid clinics at One Stockport Hub this week
Extra COVID-19 vaccinations clinics are taking place in the One Stockport Hub in Mersey Square today, 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.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been nearly 11 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 42% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 10,932,545 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 59,610 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,672, 213 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 150
Total UK deaths: 146,627
England Cases per 100,000: 537
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,298,838 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 81%
Daily 1st doses: 19,617
Daily 2nd doses: 29,407
Daily Booster doses: 513,722
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 53,940 to 14 December
Cases in the latest week: 1,458, 193 more than previous week
Total deaths: 795 to November 26th
Cases per 100,000: 496 per 100,000 week ending 10 December
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 12s to 9 December
2nd dose: 78%
3rd / booster dose: 43%
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.
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%
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Inflation hits 10-year high
The cost of living surged by 5.1% in the 12 months to November, up from 4.2% the month before, and its highest level since September 2011. The jump in inflation, twice the Bank of England’s 2% target rate, will intensify debate over whether interest rates should rise. Rising transport and energy costs drove the rise, which was above forecasts of a 4.7% increase, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) – a rise in fuel, energy, clothing and second- hand cars were big factors. And the cost of raw materials also rose significantly. Figures showed petrol prices jumped to the highest ever recorded – 145.8p a litre last month – while the cost of used cars also raced higher due to shortages of new vehicles as supply chain issues continue to hit the economy.
Ask HMRC not to publish your Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme claim details
Find out what to do if you are an employer and publishing your claim details could leave individuals at risk of violence or intimidation – HMRC will not publish any new claims data after 16 December 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for pregnant employees
Advice for pregnant employees on risk assessments in the workplace and occupational health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
CARE:
Visiting arrangements in care homes
Sets out how care homes can support families and visitors to visit residents – updated to add new restrictions on care home visiting due to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19: reducing the number of visitors each care home resident can receive to 3 (not including essential care givers or preschool age children), requiring testing or self-isolation following visits out of the care home, and changing testing arrangements for staff and essential caregivers.
COVID-19: guidance for providers of accommodation for asylum seekers
Guidance aimed at all staff involved in the support of asylum seekers in all accommodation settings – updated in line with Plan B rule changes on the use of face coverings in indoor settings and changes to advice on self-isolation for contacts.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19 – self-isolation requirements removed for contacts of a case infected with the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.
COMMUNITY:
Testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) before hospital
Sets out how and when to use a PCR home test kit to test for COVID-19 before a hospital procedure – added information on checking test kit contents and finding a priority postbox in Text only easy read version.
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.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus – updated with new guidance on daily testing for contacts of positive cases, and removal of out of date information on self-isolation for contacts of Omicron cases.
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 – updated information on rapid testing, tracing close contacts and isolation.
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 – update to include new guidance on self-isolation exemptions.
CONSTRUCTION:
Glenigan: UK top sectors and regions to target in 2022
The outlook for the construction industry may be mixed as the economy rebounds fully from the pandemic, but as Glenigan’s newly released UK Construction Industry Forecast for 2022-23 shows, various key sub-sectors and regions continue to stand out as offering good opportunities for new construction work and contracts. New construction work is set to grow significantly next year in the industrial building sector, particularly warehousing and logistics and in hotel & leisure, helped by recovery in the travel business. Meanwhile, construction workloads in the north of England and the Midlands will benefit from the government’s focus on ‘levelling-up’ whilst the work pipeline for civils contractors will be bolstered by public sector investment in major infrastructure projects.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the COVID-19 pandemic – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
Managing coronavirus (COVID-19) in education and childcare settings
Updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
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 the section on Tracing close contacts and isolation to reflect the changes to isolation rules in ‘Public health guidance to support exams for 2021 to 2022’.
Special schools and other specialist settings: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination information for public health professionals – updates on 15-minute wait after mRNA vaccines and advice on heterologous primary courses.
COVID-19 vaccine: estimated coverage for people aged 18 and over
Daily number and percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose or third or booster dose to date.
PROPERTY:
Mortgage borrowing set to slow after record year
Lenders’ umbrella group UK Finance has given its housing and mortgage market forecasts for 2022 and 2023 together, plus a year-end report for 2021. It estimates that total house purchase transactions – including cash purchases as well as mortgaged purchases – will reach 1.5m this year which is 47 per cent higher than 2020 and the largest total since 2007. Buying homes rather than remortgaging will be the key driver in this surge, it says – house purchases will account for £200 billion of borrowing against £62 billion for remortgaging.
TRANSPORT:
Transport to schools and colleges during the COVID-19 pandemic
What those responsible for transport to schools and colleges will need to do during the COVID-19 pandemic – updated to reflect that daily rapid testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): General Aviation
Guidance on General Aviation (GA) flying during the coronavirus outbreak – updated with Plan B information.
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode – latest data table added for transport use during the coronavirus pandemic.
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
TRAVEL:
Change to rules for travelling abroad and coming to the UK
The Covid testing rules for entering the UK have been changed – affecting anyone planning a trip abroad. Because of worries about the Omicron variant, all travellers coming to the UK now need to take a test before they set off – and another when they arrive.
Before departure:
All travellers to the UK aged 12 and over must show proof of a negative test, even if they are fully vaccinated. This can be a PCR or a lateral flow test and must be taken in the two days before departure for the UK. You’ll need to find a private test provider for this – free NHS lateral flow kits are not allowed. The test can be taken either in the country where you start your journey, or in another country en route to the UK (for instance if you’re travelling overland). If you test positive, you should follow local rules in place in the country you’re in and must not travel to the UK.
Arriving in the UK:
You have two days to take another test – which must be a PCR. This must be booked before you travel and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers. While you are waiting for a result, you must self-isolate – whether or not you have been vaccinated. You can stop self-isolating if your test is negative.
Everyone aged five and over (11 and over in Scotland) must take these tests.
In addition, all travellers coming to the UK must complete an online passenger locator form no more than 48 hours before arriving – even if they are just passing through the UK.
The testing rules do not apply to travellers from Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man (unless they have been in another country in the 10 days before departure for the UK).
Will I need to quarantine in a hotel on arrival in the UK?
No – you would only have to do this if you were travelling from a country on the UK’s travel red list. However, the government has now removed all countries from this list.Coronavirus (COVID-19): cruise ship travel
Guidance on cruise travel during the coronavirus outbreak – clarified information on passenger locator form and COVID-19 testing.
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