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UK NEWS UPDATES:
BBC: Bank of England raises interest rates 0.25%
The Bank of England has raised interest rates for the first time in more than three years, in response to calls to tackle surging inflation. The Monetary Policy Committee voted 8-1 in favour of the increase to 0.25%. Rates were cut to a record low of 0.1% in March last year in response to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The increase came despite fears that the Omicron variant of Covid could slow the UK economy by causing people to spend less. The Bank said global asset prices had initially fallen in response to news of the new variant but had since largely recovered.
Firms plea for help as customers cancel bookings
Business groups are increasing pressure on the government to assist firms suffering from the rise in Covid cases. The CBI urged ministers to provide support “in lockstep with future restrictions”, while UK Hospitality called for business rates to be deferred and VAT discounts extended. The spread of the Omicron variant has hit consumer confidence and seen hospitality bookings cancelled. Labour urged further support for firms, but the government has so far declined.
New record high of cases reported
The UK has reported its highest number of daily infections since the pandemic began, and England’s chief medical officer has warned that more Covid records will be broken. Speaking at a Downing Street news briefing, Prof Chris Whitty said the Omicron variant was moving at a phenomenal pace and that case numbers would continue to hit new highs over the coming weeks. In that case, infections will reach a level that will exceed testing capacity. So why is it happening and what does it mean for the NHS? Three takeaways from a record day:
- Omicron is spreading rapidly, Delta is not disappearing – two variants together.
- Omicron cases are rising rapidly, probably now doubling every two days
- Modelling from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has suggested that in a best-case-scenario hospital admissions in England could peak at just over 2,000. But in a worst-case scenario they could exceed 6,000.
France applies new restrictions on UK travellers as daily cases hit new high
From 23.00 GMT tomorrow, Friday 17th, people travelling to France from the UK will be required to have a negative Covid test of less than 24 hours. Once in France, they will have to self-isolate for a week, but that period of quarantine can be ended after 48 hours if they have a second negative test once in France. Compelling reasons will be needed for entry, which includes visiting family – but not tourism or non-urgent work reasons. The new measures apply to everyone regardless of whether they have been vaccinated.
People urged to socialise carefully over Christmas
Be cautious if you plan to socialise over Christmas. That’s the message from the prime minister and England’s chief medical officer as coronavirus infections reached record numbers.
PM announces Chair of forthcoming enquiry into the pandemic
The Prime Minister has appointed the Rt Hon Baroness Heather Hallett DBE as Chair of the forthcoming public inquiry into the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Inquiry, set to begin its work in spring 2022, will be established under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers, including the power to compel the production of documents and to summon witnesses to give evidence on oath. Additional panel members will be appointed in the new year to make sure the Inquiry has access to the full range of expertise needed to complete its important work.
UKHSA ramps up testing availability following record week for distribution
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Royal Mail have today announced that delivery capacity for COVID-19 testing kits will double in response to unprecedented demand.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
New Stockport Council Chief Executive recommended to replace outgoing CE
Following a rigorous selection process, Caroline Simpson has been recommended to replace the outgoing Chief Executive, Pam Smith. The Council’s Appointments Committee will be making its recommendation to the Extraordinary Council Meeting next Monday, 20 December. Caroline is currently one of the Deputy Chief Executives at Stockport Council and has previously worked at Cheshire East Council. Councillor Elise Wilson, Leader of the Council, said: “On behalf of the appointments committee, I am delighted to recommend Caroline as our preferred candidate for Stockport’s new chief executive. She has extensive experience at a senior level both in Stockport and beyond. She established herself as the outstanding and credible candidate in an incredibly strong field. She showed huge ambition and passion for the people of Stockport. I look forward with working with Caroline on our ambitious plans we have for the borough.” Caroline Simpson said: “I can’t wait to get started in my new role in Stockport. It’s a fantastic borough with ambitious plans for the future and I am looking forward to working with councillors, partners, businesses, communities and colleagues to deliver for our residents.”
£4m training programme to improve diversity in city-region’s digital sector
A new training programme aimed at tackling workforce skills challenges and hard-to-fill vacancies in the digital industry is being rolled out across Greater Manchester. Serco has recently launched its ‘Digital Careers Upskill Programme’ after being awarded a £4m contract by Greater Manchester Combined Authority as part of its three-year Skills for Growth programme, which aims to plug skills gaps identified by employers in the city-region and is funded through the European Social Fund. Delivered across two strands, the programme will focus on reskilling people working across a range of sectors to get into new digital roles as well as upskilling those already working in the digital, creative and tech industry so they can progress further.
Northern leaders condemn managed decline of the railways
A new railway timetable scheduled to come into force from next December should not be accepted without a clear plan for improving the North’s railway infrastructure. Leaders and transport representatives spoke out during Transport for the North (TfN) – Rail North Committee, chaired by Councillor Liam Robinson.
Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, said: “In 2014 we were promised an expanded timetable for the North, but at the moment we’re looking at a managed decline of railways in the North with no end in sight.”
Mark Powles, commercial & customer director at Northern Rail, said:
“We had a really strong summer and felt we were in a good position. Two weeks ago, our revenues were 95% of pre-Covid levels. It has been a leisure-led recovery, and we did some extensive marketing to stimulate that market. We were looking forward to that strong trajectory continuing until the year end, but then came the storms and Omicron. But yesterday we were still seeing demand at 70% of pre-Covid levels, which shows the northern leisure travel market is robust and resilient. But the ‘returning to work’ market has been sluggish.” Read more
Extra Covid clinics at One Stockport Hub this week
Additional vaccination clinics and longer opening hours mean that more people can now get fully vaccinated this Christmas in Stockport. Extra sessions have been added at both the One Stockport Hub in Mersey Square, Stockport Town Centre, SK1 1RA, and Trinity Methodist Church, 351 Bramhall Lane, Bramhall, SK3 8TP. There’s no need to book an appointment, just walk in and get boosted.
The One Stockport Hub will now be open 10am to 3pm every day until New Years Eve, except for Sundays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Trinity Methodist Church is now open 8am to 8pm, seven days per week, with both walk in and bookable appointments available. The site will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Anyone aged 18+ who has had their second jab at least three months ago is now eligible for a booster. It is also not too late for those who haven’t yet had a vaccination to get their first or second jabs.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been more than 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. 82% have had their second and 43% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 11,010,286 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 78,610 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,673, 14 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 165
Total UK deaths: 146,791
England Cases per 100,000: 547
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,332,920 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 82%
Daily 1st doses: 34,082
Daily 2nd doses: 37,888
Daily Booster doses: 656,711
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 54,375 to 14 December
Cases in the latest week: 1,496, 205 more than previous week
Total deaths: 799 to December 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 509 per 100,000 week ending 11 December
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 12s to 9 December
2nd dose: 78%
3rd / booster dose: 45%
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:
COVID-19: workplace testing terms and conditions
The latest terms and conditions plus standard operating procedure for coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace testing – updated LFD testing agreement for England, Northern Ireland and Wales; added LFD testing agreement for Scotland and standard operating practice for England, Northern Ireland and Wales.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support – 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from quarantine, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – larification of rules for diplomatic missions and international organisations granted privileges and immunities in the UK.
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme – added links to 2 Official Statistics publications ‘Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: 16 December 2021’ and ‘Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: December 2021’. Removed links to Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Official Statistics publications for 29 July, 9 September, 7 October and 4 November 2021.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: 16 December 2021
Time series and statistics as of 30 September 2021 on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with analysis by scheme size, sector, geography, age, gender, estimated annual pay and flexible furlough – first published
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: December 2021
The number of individuals that claimed the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grants by age, gender, industry sector and geography – first published
Background Quality Report: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Statistics
A report helping users to understand the strengths and limitations of the published statistics – included information on new tables introduced in Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: 16 December 2021 release
CARE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated to reflect that daily testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people in England with animals
Advice for pet owners, livestock and animal keepers on looking after the welfare of animals and people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This advice applies to England only – updated with guidance on wearing a 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service.
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 – updated to reflect changes in guidance on face coverings and the introduction of the NHS COVID Pass.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Wedding and civil partnership ceremonies, receptions and celebrations
Guidance for couples planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England, and venues hosting these events – information added about Plan B measures.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) workforce fund for colleges
Funding to support colleges and special post-16 institutions with the costs of staff absences from 22 November until spring half-term 2022 – updated the guidance to reflect that the COVID-19 workforce fund has been extended.
Priority appeals centre payments
Guidance on priority appeal payments, eligibility and making a claim for schools, colleges and other exam centres – updated the ‘Priority appeals centre payments’ guidance to include that the claims service for DfE 2021 qualifications funding is now open.
Private candidate support grant: information for exam centres
Exam centre guidance on the private support grant, eligibility and making a claim – updated the ‘Private candidate support grant’ guidance to include that the claims service for DfE 2021 qualifications funding is now open.
Managing coronavirus (COVID-19) in education and childcare settings
What measures education and childcare settings should be prepared to introduce to manage coronavirus (COVID-19) – clarified the guidance on daily testing.
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 – updated with guidance on self isolation rules for contacts of someone with COVID-19.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 Health Inequalities Monitoring in England tool (CHIME)
A national tool that brings together data to monitor the direct impacts of COVID-19 on health inequalities – indicator data updated to include latest available data (an update for hospital admission indicators was not possible). Local authorities added to the CHIME tool for the first time, in response to user feedback. Indicators of cumulative rates for confirmed cases of COVID-19 for upper tier local authorities and deprivation quintiles within UTLAs have been added. Converted 2 guidance documents from PDF to HTML to improve accessibility.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19, 16 December 2021
Characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and?Wellcome?Trust.?This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse Laboratory to collect and test samples.
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.
Antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2: key information
Information for healthcare workers on the types of coronavirus (COVID-19) antibody tests available and how to interpret results – updated to reflect formation of UKHSA, changed duration of antibody kinetics and protection due to new evidence and updated use-cases for antibody testing.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals guidance
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be updated when new advice is available – updated with additional advice on coming to court in response to the Omicron variant.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF): local authority guidance
This guidance is intended to support local authorities in administering the COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF).
PROPERTY:
High rise in BTL mortgage activity in 2021
UK Finance, the umbrella group representing major mortgage lenders, says there will have been a massive 83 per cent surge in buy to let lending by the end of 2021. This will take the total borrowed by BTL investors in 2021 to £18 billion. But this is dwarfed by the increase in house purchase mortgage borrowing – a total of £200 billion, up 53 per cent on last year. However, remortgage activity was down slightly on last year, at £62 billion in 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Planning Inspectorate guidance – updated 09 December 2021
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and guidance from government, the Planning Inspectorate has published guidance on site visits, hearings, inquiries and events – Planning Appeals, Rights of Way and Commons Act 2006 – site visits, hearings and inquiries guidance updated
RETAIL:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace – shops, branches, and close contact services – updated with new guidance on daily testing for contacts of positive cases, and to remove out of date information on self-isolation for contacts of Omicron cases.
TRAVEL:
TTG: French ban on UK travellers devastating for Ski market
Ski operators are having to contact thousands of clients due to travel to France over the festive season after the French government’s “devastating” decision to ban UK tourists due to the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19. From Saturday (18 December), UK visitors to France will need a “compelling reason” to visit the country, which does not include tourism or non-urgent business trips, although visiting family is still allowed by the new French entry regime.
Data informing international travel risk assessments
Summaries to date of the key data used by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to inform international travel risk assessments – added latest risk assessments.
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