UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,380,976 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,672 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 2,393 (88 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 30
Total UK deaths: 127,191
England Cases per 100,000: 20 per 100,000 (daily change: +1)
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 32,444,439 – latest daily figure
Total 2nd doses: 8,513,864
Daily 1st doses: 117,835
There have been almost 4.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 127,000 people have died. More than 32 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Data shows almost 8 million people have had their second jab. The average number of daily infections in the UK has continued to decline but is flattening. A further 2,481 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government yesterday, Thursday.
The R value and growth rate in England
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in England – the R range for England is 0.8 to 1.0 and the growth rate range for England is -4% to 0% per day as of 9 April 2021.
Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to include a summary of rule changes from 12th April
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
Covid-19 rates decline across all regions in England
Covid-19 case rates have fallen in all regions of England, according to the latest weekly surveillance report from Public Health England. The highest rate is among 10 to 19-year-olds, with 42.8 cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to April 11, down week-on-week from 53.8. Among 30 to 39-year-olds the rate has dropped from 48.0 to 39.5, and for 20 to 29-year-olds it is down from 38.3 to 34.6. The North West rate of new cases is 31.6.
Online supermarket invests £10m in development of self-driving vehicles
An online supermarket has announced plans to invest £10m in the development of autonomous vehicles to integrate into its business. Ocado Group reported today (16 April) that it has commercially partnered with artificial intelligence firm Oxbotica to create a series of autonomous vehicles, which it says will reduce operating costs. The self-driving vehicles will be used across Ocado’s business, from inside its customer fulfilment centres to last-mile deliveries and ‘kerb-to-kitchen’ robots. The company said that it expects to see the first prototypes of autonomous vehicles within the next two years. The partnership sees Ocado invest £10m in Oxbotica as part of Oxbotica’s latest Series B equity funding round.
Deliveroo remains “prudent” as lockdown eases despite 114% order increase
A UK food delivery company has announced that it saw orders and transaction values more than double over the last quarter. Deliveroo reported this morning (15 April) that its group orders increased 114 per cent year-on-year in the quarter to the end of March, reaching 71 million. The company also said that gross transaction value (GTV) was up 130 per cent in the period, jumping to £1.65bn. However, it added that it is “being prudent” due to the change in lockdown restrictions, and it expects its rate of growth to decelerate as lockdowns ease.
BBC: Vaccines alone won’t stop Covid spreading – here’s why
Many of us are hoping vaccines against coronavirus will be our route out of lockdown, enabling us to reclaim our old lives. But scientists say jabs alone will not currently be enough and other measures are still needed. Find out more using the ‘Swiss Cheese Model’
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 20,843 to 15th April
Cases in the latest week: 116 (14 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 711 to April 2nd
Cases per 100,000: 40 per 100,000 (England area avg: 20)
R number in North West: 0.8 – 1.0
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 147,359 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 11th April
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
musicMagpie confirms planned IPO and admission to AIM
Stockport-based re-commerce business musicMagpie has announced its proposed admission to trading on AIM with the commencement of dealings expected to take place on 22nd April. The confirmation from musicMagpie comes following an announcement from one of its investors, Northern 2 VCT, earlier this month. Based on the placing price of 193 pence per Ordinary Share, the market capitalisation of the Company will be approximately £208 million on Admission. The stock market flotation is expected to raise gross proceeds of £15 million for musicMagpie, and raise a further £95 million for selling shareholders. The net proceeds raised for the company will be used to repay existing debt facilities and fund the Group’s working capital requirements, in particular the expansion of its smartphone rental proposition.
More jobs at risk at Manchester Airport as staff vote on pay cuts
More than 130 Manchester Airport jobs have been put at risk with union members set to vote on possible proposals to save the roles through staff pay cuts.
Around 138 jobs are at risk at the hub, adding to the 465 members of staff who were already made redundant last year due to the impact of Covid-19 on the aviation sector. According to the Manchester Evening News, Unite members will now ballot on a proposal which could save the roles through the workforce taking a reduction in pay instead, suspending the need for further job losses. The proposal, hammered out by the union and hub bosses, would see staff move to a 20% reduction in line with the Government’s furlough scheme if they are not needed to work, with the freedom to also seek work elsewhere. Meanwhile, those who continue to work would receive 90% of their wages, regardless of how much they work. This would increase to full pay for those working 85% or above of their normal hours.
100 new jobs for region’s online car supermarket
Online car marketplace Cinch will create more than 100 new tech jobs in Manchester after sales soared throughout the pandemic. The firm – describing itself as the UK’s fastest-growing online used car marketplace – has announced a new recruitment partnership with Talent Works, and now wants to expand its city tech hub and support its continued growth.
Transport for Greater Manchester Transport update
Towns, city centres and key retail centres have seen a big increase in visitors and all transport modes have seen an increase in activity.
On Tuesday 13 April, 6.2m trips were made on Greater Manchester’s roads and across public transport services, an increase of 8% compared to the same day in the previous week (5.7m) and up by over 119% on the same time last year (2.8m). Across transport modes there was a significant uplift in passenger numbers compared to the previous Tuesday. For example, commercial bus trips rose to 260,000, up 41%, and Metrolink journeys increased to 48,000, up by 59%.
On the whole, the situation has been manageable across the network and within the social distancing constraints we have around capacity at present. However, as anticipated, we are experiencing some challenges in respect of social distancing at specific locations and at specific times – particularly on services inbound to the Regional Centre?. As we head into the first weekend following the easing of restrictions, and with hundreds of thousands of young people set to return to education as the Easter holidays end, public transport use across the city-region is expected to be far busier than in recent weeks.
We are continuing to work with operators to keep passengers safe when travelling, including running as many services as possible. This includes Metrolink operating all available trams, and bus and train operators providing more services across the city-region. Given the fact more people will be heading out to enjoy the leisure and hospitality options available to them we do expect there to be extra demand and use of taxis and private hire vehicles, as such we are also keen to promote safe travel behaviours for anyone choosing to share a lift.
Business/employer communications pack – latest update and feedback
We have updated the pack this week to include bespoke taxi and private hire messaging. If you found the pack useful, please share as appropriate on your own channels and share with your networks for them to use. You can also find all this information and more on tfgm.com/employers
Hut Group’s The Moulding Foundation, donates £5m to Seashell Trust
The charity of Hut Group founder Matt Moulding and his family, has donated £5 million to Cheadle Hulme based charity, Seashell Trust, towards its new school. Seashell’s Project Transformation, costing over £50 million, will take over five years to complete and will build a new school, redevelop the existing college, build a new four-court sports hall, gym and pavilion, new training facilities, community engagement and administration facilities and a new assessment and early years centre.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Super Deduction new capital allowance – how it impacts your business
The ‘super deduction’ allows companies to cut their tax bill by up to 25p for every £1 they invest. Experts are on hand to answer your business’s questions at a special webinar on 22 April. Register now for an online event that will help SMEs understand the latest wave of Government support. Announced at the 2021 Budget, ‘super deduction’ gives companies a strong incentive to make additional investments, and to bring planned investments forward.
Run by GC Business Growth Hub, ‘Super Deduction – How it impacts your business’ will help business owners cut through the jargon and benefit from this new capital allowance offer. The event takes place at 10am on 22 April, with registrations open now at here
From April 2021 to March 2023, businesses will be able to claim both a 130% super-deduction capital allowance on qualifying plant and machinery investments, as well as a 50% first-year allowance for qualifying special rate assets.
For SMEs, this means businesses paying tax at the current rate of 19% can cut their tax bill with such investments by nearly 25p per £1 invested. Many business owners are finding this new tax relief difficult to understand, despite knowing it may well affect both their investments and economic futures.
Specialists and industry experts will assist businesses in understanding the differences in funding methods for capital items included under this new super-deduction tax. Guest speakers include:
- Caroline Monk, Executive Partner at Beever and Struthers
- Julie Hernon, Senior Tax Manager at Beever and Struthers
- Richard Jones, Business Tax Manager at ICAEW
- Peter Gaunt, Relationship Manager at GC Business Growth Hub
Register here
Treasury Direction made under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020
Treasury Direction in relation to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Job Retention Bonus – uploaded: ‘Further Treasury Direction made on 15 April 2021 under Section 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020’
COMMUNITY:
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 – updated to add information on transparent face coverings.
Making a childcare bubble with another household
How you can get informal childcare for anyone under 14 from friends and family you do not live with – updated to reflect that indoor and outdoor supervised activities are now open to all children, as previously announced in the government’s ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021’ roadmap.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 16 April 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 7 April to 11 April 2021 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
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
CONSTRUCTION:
Self-employed wages back to pre-Covid levels
Demand for skilled labour has seen self-employed trades enjoy their best month of earnings since the start of the pandemic. According to the industry’s biggest payer of subcontractors, Hudson Contract, average weekly pay rose by 3.7% to £920 during March, the highest figure since February 2020. Weekly earnings reached all-time highs in the East of England (£1,016) and the East Midlands (£968). While all regions except Wales had month-on-month earnings growth. The North West weekly rates rose by 5% to £901.
EDUCATION:
Awarding organisation coronavirus (COVID-19) information pages
A list of links to coronavirus (COVID-19) information provided by Ofqual-recognised awarding organisations – updated Gatehouse Awards link to reflect new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic advice and support.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
Guidance about the Events Research Programme (ERP), paving the way for larger audiences to attend sport, theatre and gigs safely this summer
Information for attendees and those hosting the ERP Pilot Events
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information’ and the ‘quick read’ version to reflect that your data may be used to enable entry to a live event, and for subsequent research regarding the COVID-19 infection status of those who participated in the live event.
Weekly national flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines – updated to include new data up to 5 April 2021.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in UK.
COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Sustained community transmission is occurring across the UK – removed IPC highlight quick reference guide.
COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers
Genomically confirmed case numbers for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation.
Regulatory approval of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca – updated the Information for Healthcare Professionals and Information for UK Recipients on COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca with new information about extremely rare, unlikely to occur blood clots.
Excess mortality in England: weekly reports
Weekly excess mortality in England broken down by age, sex, geographical areas, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses – added week 15 report, graphs and data table.
COVID-19 surge testing outcomes reports: management information
Sequencing of confirmed COVID-19 cases via test sites and home testing of postcodes included in surge testing operations.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – added easy read, large print, British Sign Language, audio and translated versions. Added links to guidance from devolved administrations.
JUDICIARY:
HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 statistics monthly
Monthly statistics providing data of COVID-19 in HM Prison and Probation Service in England and Wales – the link to the March 2021 figures have been added to this collection page, these were published on 16 April 2021.
PROPERTY:
Agents should warn vendors of risk of missing stamp duty deadline
An analysis of the average time taken for properties from 10 leading estate agency brands to complete shows a significant increase over the past year. As a result agents are being advised to be upfront with warnings to vendors and buyers that they may miss the next stamp duty deadline. Data from TwentyCi shows that it now takes six per cent longer to complete than in April 2020. Iain McKenzie, chief executive of The Guild of Property Professionals, says that while the time taken for a new instruction to move to Sold Subject to Contract has actually decreased by three per cent, the increase is driven by the longer time taken to move from SSTC to completion.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 15/04/21
- Received: 2,439
- Processed: 2,303 (94%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £6,917,214
Stockport Council release details of Government’s Restart Grant
The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors with a one-off grant, to reopen safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
The Restart Grant will be split into two strands:
– Strand one will be for non-essential retail businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £6,000.
– Strand two will be for hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000.
Eligible businesses:
Non-essential retail
These are businesses that are open to the public and used for retail sale or hire of goods or services. This includes businesses that:
- were required to close during national restrictions from January 2021
- sell directly to consumer
Hospitality
These are businesses that provide a venue for the sale of food and drink. This includes businesses that:
- offer in-person food and drink services to the general public
- provide food and/or drink to be consumed on the premises, including outdoors
Leisure
These are businesses that provide opportunities, experiences and facilities, in particular for culture, recreation, entertainment, celebratory events, days and nights out, betting and gaming. This includes businesses that:
- provide in-person experiences in addition to goods
- rely on seasonal labour
- operate with irregular hours during the day, night and weekends
Accommodation
These are businesses that provide lodging for holiday, travel and other purposes.
Gym and sports
These are businesses where physical exercise, training, group sporting and athletic activities takes place. This may be on an individual or group basis, using exercise equipment or open floor space. This includes businesses that:
- offer in-person exercise and sport activities to the general public
- are open to members of the public paying an entry or membership fee
- offer exercise classes or activities
Personal care
These are businesses that provide a service, treatment or activity for the purposes of personal beauty, hair, grooming, body care and aesthetics, and wellbeing. This includes businesses that:
- deliver in-person holistic, beauty and hair treatments
- provide services such as tattoos and piercings
Businesses are not eligible if they:
- do not have a business property and do not pay business rates
- are in liquidation, dissolved, struck off or subject to a striking off notice
There are also businesses in strand two that are not eligible, these include:
- takeaway premises
- coach tour operators and tour operators
- dental services, opticians, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical/health services
How much will businesses will receive?
Strand one
The Restart Grant will support non-essential retail premises with one-off grants of up to £6,000.
Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000
- of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000
Strand two
The Restart Grant will also support hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym business premises with one-off grants of up to £18,000.
Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £8,000
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £12,000
- of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £18,000
Discretionary Grant Scheme – Additional Restrictions Grant
The Council launched an Economic Recovery Fund on 26/03/21, which provides 5 new business grants through the Additional Restrictions Grant funding.
Applications for the current Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, and the Micro-Business grant scheme will close on 30/04/21 and no further applications will be accepted for these original ARG schemes after that date.
The new Economic Recovery Fund ARG schemes are:
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Boost Grant
This grant will be provided to businesses that have been successful in applying for the original ARG scheme for closed businesses that have separate commercial premises with ongoing costs. Businesses do not need to apply for this scheme as their details are already held and will be used to identify eligible businesses which will be contacted during April 2021 about their further grant payment under this scheme.
This grant is to support smaller, independent retail operators with premises in the market place and Underbanks area only, to reopen and restart their businesses.
This is a one-off fixed grant of £3,000 for each business that successfully applies.
Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Market Place & Underbanks Independent Retailer Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant
This grant is for supporting the reopening and restart of hospitality sector businesses with their own premises in Stockport.
This is a one-off fixed grant of £5,000 for each business that successfully applies. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant
This grant is for businesses to apply for to make changes to premises and/or to buy additional kit to support reopening and operating in a covid secure way.
Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant
This grant is for district centre trading associations, or their equivalent, to bid in to for their local areas to run stimulus events to drive local footfall and customers into local areas to use local businesses that are reopening.
Where localities do not have training associations that can lead a bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that locality to lead as the single point of contact for their area.
There will only be one application accepted and one grant, if successful, provided per locality. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant.
Applications for this grant scheme will close on 17/05/2021 (please note this is earlier than for the other schemes).
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
Covid-19 Webinars:
Transition to Teach host webinar to aid HR with redeployment
Transition to Teach are delivering a free online presentation on Wednesday, 21st April at 12.00, aimed specifically at HR staff with redeployment responsibilities. Places can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transition-to-teach-outplacement-support-tickets-145448523449?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
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:
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:
Useful Government links for easing out of lockdown:
- Roadmap – Spring 2021: including the easing of restrictions from 29 March
- Covid-19 Vaccine
- Workplace Testing
- Back To School translations
- Stay Home translations
Coronavirus Roadmap out of lockdown – what and when?
From 29 March:
- People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
- The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
- Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts, and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
- Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances
Stage two (no earlier than 12 April):
- All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons (including in people’s homes)
- Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation
- Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
Stage three (no earlier than 17 May):
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors
- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
- Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- International leisure travel may resume
- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart
Stage four (no earlier than 21 June):
- All legal limits on social contact will be removed
- No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
- Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV???.UK.
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:
- Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
- Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
- Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
Check if you’re eligible for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
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
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.
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 SchemeFrom 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.