Businesses are invited to take part in a short 10-15 minute online survey to share their views on doing business in Stockport as part of the preparation for developing the borough’s Economic Plan. The survey will ask a few questions relating to best understand the nature of the different businesses operating in the borough. All responses will be treated as confidential and in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. Access the survey here.
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). The ARG scheme will be regularly reviewed. The Council reserves the right to amend and/or extend the eligibility criteria, at any point to reflect the available funding remaining and / or further government restrictions being imposed. Any revisions will be incorporated into updated guidance held on the Council website.
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”
UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 9.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly nearly 143,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 50 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, nearly 88% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. About 80% have had their second and almost 22% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 9,561,099 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 36,517 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,652, 155 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 63
Total UK deaths: 142,898
England Cases per 100,000: 346
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,557,065 – 88% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 80%
Daily 1st doses: 31,806
Daily 2nd doses: 23,668
Daily Booster doses: 448,670
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 48,360 to 11 November
Cases in the latest week: 943, 347 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 770 to October 29th
Cases per 100,000: 321 per 100,000 week ending 8 November
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 83% of over 12s to 11 November
2nd dose: 77%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.8 to 1.0 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 12 November 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Pay rise for thousands under Real Living Wage
Wages are rising for more than 300,000 people from today. There will be a pay rise of 40p to £9.90 per hour for anyone who’s employed by a firm that voluntarily signed up to the Real Living Wage. There are almost 9,000 employers signed up to the policy – 3,000 of which joined during the pandemic. They range from housebuilders Taylor Wimpey and Persimmon Homes to Everton Football Club and insurer Aviva. The rate – which sees those under the scheme in London receive a 20p rise to £11.05 an hour – aims to ensure all staff earn a wage that meets the real cost of living and covers everyday needs. It will “provide hundreds of thousands of workers and their families with greater security and stability”, says the Living Wage Foundation’s director Katherine Chapman. However, she acknowledges there are “still millions trapped in working poverty”, which is highlighted in its report. Real Living Wage is separate to the government’s National Living Wage, which is compulsory.
COP26 ends with international business CO2 pledges and an end to coal financing Nearly 200 countries agreed the “Glasgow Climate Pact” to keep 1.5C alive, but it will only be delivered with a huge global effort. Agreements made at COP26 include 130 countries across the globe, including Pakistan, committing to end and reverse deforestation, along with cutting methane emissions by 30 per cent by the year 2030. Around 30 big Pakistani businesses signed up to the UK in Pakistan’s 26for26 campaign pledging to halve their carbon emissions by 2030 and to achieve net zero by 2050. Last week, the UK announced more than £55m to help Pakistan build its resilience to the impacts of climate change, manage water more sustainably and unlock climate investment.
UK hits 12 million top-ups in record breaking week
12 million people in the UK have received a COVID-19 booster or third jab.
Rugby figures urge fans to get vaccinated and ventilate indoor spaces
Rugby Football Union and referee Wayne Barnes back COVID-19 vaccination and actions to reduce risk of spreading virus
Boosters give over 90% protection against symptomatic COVID-19 in adults over 50
Results from first UK real-world study by UKHSA show significantly increased protection against symptomatic disease from Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine booster dose in those aged 50 and above.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Huge orders boost for North-West aircraft manufacturer
Aeroplane manufacturer, Airbus, has revealed orders from four airlines totalling 255 aircraft. It revealed Wizz Air (Hungary), Frontier (United States), Volaris (Mexico) and JetSMART (Chile, Argentina), Indigo Partners portfolio airlines, have announced an order for the A321neo (new engine option) family aircraft under a joint Indigo Partners agreement. The firm order was signed at the Dubai Airshow.
GM Mayor Andy Burnham’s address at COP26
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, has addressed world leaders and other delegates at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, which came to a close on 13th November. Andy Burnham formed part of a delegation from the city-region, that also included GMCA Economy Lead and Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Elise Wilson, Transport Commissioner Chris Boardman and GMCA Green City Region portfolio-holder and Leader of Rochdale Council, Neil Emmott.
The delegation took part in panel events and met with foreign leaders and counterparts to highlight efforts being made in Greater Manchester to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Andy Burnham also took to the main stage of the conference to urge national leaders to do more to support local government in taking action. During his COP26 address, Andy Burnham urged national leaders to ‘pass the baton’ to local counterparts, and called for action on the climate emergency to start from the bottom. He also outlined how action on climate change could help to reduce inequalities in cities and regions around the world, making reference to Greater Manchester’s ambitions for its public transport network.
Living wage foundation recognises Greater Manchester ambitions on low pay
Ambitions for all Greater Manchester employers to pay a living wage by 2030 have received official recognition from the Living Wage Foundation.
Progress made so far in Greater Manchester has secured the backing of the Living Wage Foundation, the independent body which sets and champions the Real Living Wage, based on cost of living. Through collaboration with the foundation, a new taskforce has been established that aims to see 650 accredited Living Wage Employers across the city-region in three years.
Why reducing your carbon footprint saves you money and saves the planet
Renewable energy specialists, KAST Energy, explain the benefits to reducing your carbon footprint and highlight four areas where you can make an impact on your emissions.Want to save the planet? Great, I’ll tell you how to reduce your carbon footprint and save money. Today, I’m going to break down the benefits of reducing your carbon footprint. Our lifestyle choices contribute to greenhouse gases that ultimately impact the planet. We all have a big decision to make. Alter our choices and preserve the planet or continue and destroy it. We have a moral responsibility to our future generations to make the right decision.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
COMMUNITY:
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.
CONSTRUCTION:
Major steelwork firm warns project delays will hit profits
Structural steelwork specialist Billington has warned forecast profit for this year will fall below expectations due to the impact of materials and labour supply constraints on project completions.
EDUCATION:
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) notifications by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination information for public health professionals – updated to include second doses for 16-17 year olds and booster doses for 40 to 49 year olds; further clarification on booster timing flexibility; guidance on deferral after COVID-19 infection in under 18s and other minor edits for clarification.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.
COVID-19 vaccination in children and young people aged 16 to 17 years: JCVI statement, November 2021
Advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on COVID-19 vaccination in children and young people aged 16 to 17 years.
COVID-19: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients – added links to new translated guidance on booster doses and lateral flow tests, translated letters from the government to patients on the end of the shielding programme, and a vaccine confidence toolkit.
PROPERTY:
Asking prices fall but Rightmove expects Boxing Day fest
The average asking price of homes coming to the market has dropped by over £2,000 in the past month – the largest monthly fall since the very start of the year in January. Rightmove says this 0.6 per cent drop in four weeks allows agents to say that there are Christmas bargains to be had for those buyers still looking in the build up to the festive season. There is also some evidence of people beginning the selling process by requesting a valuation from an agent – enquiries via the Rightmove website were 14 per cent higher in October than the same period last year.
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.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
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