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UK NEWS UPDATES:
Government and faith leaders join forces to support booster drive
As numbers of the new variant continue to rise at an alarming rate, the government today joined forces with faith leaders to help spread the message that booster vaccines are critical in our fight against the virus. Faith leaders – who are the pillars of many communities across the country – have played a vital role throughout the pandemic, from backing the vaccine drive, to making sure people practice their faith safely, and even adapting places of worship into pop-up soup kitchens and food banks. Vaccines have saved countless lives and continue to be our best way to protect against COVID-19 – and have helped over the last few months to bring communities back together. The UK has one of the highest uptake rates in the world, with more than 85% of adults double jabbed so far. However, data shows that people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are currently less likely to take up the vaccine, and we need everyone from every background to do their bit.
Scotland & Wales introduce new restrictions:
Nightclubs will close in Wales after Boxing Day
Nightclubs in Wales will be staying shut over new year – while businesses will be required to enforce restrictions, such as social distancing in shops and workplaces, from 27 December. First Minister Mark Drakeford is calling on people to avoid meeting “wider circles of friends” in a bid to hinder the spread of the Omicron variant, which helped drive the number of coronavirus cases to a record 88,376 on Thursday.
Scotland’s new rules come into force
Restrictions requiring shops and hospitality outlets to reduce crowding and queueing, erect screens and barriers, and enforce the wearing of face masks have taken effect in Scotland. Holyrood ministers have offered £100m of support to firms and are calling on the UK government to provide additional funds.
COVID-19: Omicron daily overview
An overview and summary of case data for Omicron focusing on confirmed and SGTF cases in the UK – added daily data update.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
The One Stockport Hub on Mersey Square in the town centre is to become a vaccine centre only to ensure as many as possible can get the booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine by the end of the year.
The hub, which has been regularly used for pop-up clinics, will temporarily be used full time for administering the jabs and allow hundreds more Stopfordians to access the vaccine in the fight against the Omicron variant. 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. Opening times for walk-in vaccination centres in Stockport this December are available here. It’s estimated that 1,800 people will have been boosted at the One Stockport Hub centre this week alone, proving its amazing popularity among Stockport residents.
TfGM launch second round grants to promote sustainable travel
The Business Support Grant for Active Travel Facilities provides grants of up to £10,000 to GM businesses with fewer than 250 staff and ca be used to support interventions that promote staff to use active modes of travel (walking, running and cycling) for their commute. Further information is available on the TfGM business portal. The Cycle Parking Grant is available for NHS and education organisations, Housing Associations and small businesses with under 20 workers that are in areas TfGM has determined have most potential for walking and cycling improvements (show by the coloured areas on this map). Grants of up to £10,000 (capped at £2,000 for small businesses) can be accessed to install publicly accessible cycle parking on or outside premises. Further information on the scheme can be found here. Applications must be submitted by 31st January 2022.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been more than 11 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 147,000 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 44% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 11,097,851 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 88,376 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,579 (108 less than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 146
Total UK deaths: 146,937
England Cases per 100,000: 552
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,360,987 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 82%
Daily 1st doses: 28,067
Daily 2nd doses: 38,794
Daily Booster doses: 745,183
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.
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 54,375 to 16 December
Cases in the latest week: 1,544, 228 more than previous week
Total deaths: 799 to December 3rd
Cases per 100,000: 525 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: 46%
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: 341
Applications allocated: 45%
Value of Grants issued: £450,500
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: 22
Applications processed / in process: 95%
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Reminder: Latest Omicron covid rules
Face coverings:
They must be worn in shops and other settings such as banks, post offices and hairdressers, as well as on public transport unless exempt from doing so.
They are not compulsory in pubs and restaurants but are recommended in England’s schools, particularly for staff and pupils in Year 7 and above.
Testing:
Guidance has recently changed from at home lateral flow testing twice a week to testing before going into crowded spaces or spending time with those at greater risk from Covid 19. All passengers arriving in the UK are required to take a PCR test by the end of their second day from entry and isolate until they receive a negative test, regardless of vaccination status. All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be required to self-isolate for 10 days, if they are unvaccinated, test positive or develop symptoms. For people who are at least double vaccinated, daily lateral flow testing will replace self-isolation rules. Self-isolation will only apply if a test is positive.
Travel:
There are currently no countries on the government’s red list for travel.
It means that all arrivals will no longer have to quarantine for 10 days but must have a negative pre-arrival test and then another PCR test on arrival, in line with all other travellers to the UK.
Working from home:
People are being advised to work from home. Latest government guidance states that anyone who cannot work from home should continue to go into work and they should consider taking lateral flow tests regularly to manage their own risk and the risk to others. Employers should consider whether home working is appropriate for workers facing mental or physical health difficulties, or those with a particularly challenging home working environment. Employers also have an obligation to keep workers safe by considering social distancing, minimising visitors, good ventilation, one-way systems and additional cleaning measures. There are no legal limits on contact between people from different households including in the workplace. There is no government requirement or recommendation for employers to limit capacity in the workplace.
G7 statement on the Omicron variant
The statement issued by the G7 health ministers on the global threat of the new variant of COVID-19 following their meeting. Deeply concerned by the rise in cases, ministers agreed that these developments should be seen as the biggest current threat to global public health. It is more important than ever to closely cooperate and monitor as well as share data. This will be key to addressing the fast-developing situation.
Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Monthly data on claims made by employers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – added information on Employer data for claim periods from December 2020 to September 2021.
Pay Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back
Find out how to pay all or some of your grant back, make a voluntary repayment or what you need to do if you have not paid your staff enough after claiming the grant.
New information added to ‘If you find an error when filing your tax return’ and ‘Offset an amount you’ve overclaimed’.
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Find out how apprenticeships will continue during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated to reflect an extension to all end-point assessment flexibilities and discretions, and to clarify the guidance on the temporary suspension of the requirement for Level 2 apprentices to attempt Level 2 FSQs.
Kickstart Scheme closure
Information about how the Kickstart Scheme closure will affect employers and Kickstart gateways – updated page to say applications for Kickstart Scheme funding closed at midday on 17 December 2021.
Manage your Kickstart Scheme funding
Applications for Kickstart Scheme funding closed at midday on 17 December 2021 and removed links to the apply guides.
CARE:
Monthly statistics for adult social care (England)
Experimental statistics on a range of topics including infection control measures, COVID-19 vaccinations, flu vaccinations and testing for COVID-19 in adult social care settings – added ‘Adult social care workforce survey: December 2021’ to ‘Latest reports’.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated advice on testing for people who live with someone with COVID-19.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
For contacts of a person with a positive test result for COVID-19 who do not live with that person – updated advice on testing for contacts of a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Pregnant women urged to come forward for COVID-19 vaccination
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is calling on all pregnant women to get vaccinated as soon as possible – first published
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 17 December 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
EDUCATION:
School attendance: guidance for schools
Covers registers and attendance codes (including circumstances due to coronavirus (COVID-19)), school hours and term dates and improving school attendance – updated to reflect that daily testing is now recommended for contacts of COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for schools and parents
COVID-19 vaccination guidance and resources for schools and parents – added version 3 of the guidance for schools and guidance for parents.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
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 – added 16 December spreadsheet.
Excess mortality in English regions
Excess mortality by English region – broken down by age, sex, upper tier local authority, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death – updated with latest available data. In addition, the regional reports have moved into a single interactive dashboard as opposed to being 9 separate HTML reports. The historic regional HTMLs are still available. There is a new breakdown in the data by deprivation and sex.
Excess mortality in England: weekly reports
Weekly excess mortality in England – broken down by age, sex, geographical area, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death – new data in the interactive dashboard, there is a new breakdown in the data by deprivation and sex. Added the user feedback survey link.
Monitoring reports of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination
Data on the real-world efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines – added effectiveness of BNT162b2 (Comirnaty, Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 booster vaccine against COVID-19 related symptoms and hospitalisation in England: test negative case-control study.
COVID-19 vaccine weekly surveillance reports (weeks 39 to 50)
Data on the real-world effectiveness and impact of the COVID-19 vaccines – added COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report: 16 December 2021 (week 50).
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 2 to 8 December 2021
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms – first published.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses – added latest update.
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 add a link to ‘Extended information for medical professionals and researchers on using and interpreting SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests’.
COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers
Genomically confirmed case numbers for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation – added data up to 15 December 2021.
HOUSING:
Letter from Housing Minister on ventilation guidance for landlords and residents to help combat the transmission of COVID-19 during winter
Letter to all local authorities in England to summarise ventilation guidance and encourage behaviours by landlords and residents to help reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in residential settings.
RETAIL:
Trade Union urges PM to tighten safety measures in retail settings
Trade union Usdaw has written a letter to the PM, urging him to strengthen workplace Covid guidance and safety measures for retail workers.
Shopworkers’ trade union leader Paddy Lillis wrote to the Prime Minister calling on the Government to urgently update the workplace coronavirus guidance and reintroduce adequate social distancing and safety measures. Usdaw is calling for the return of social distancing (particularly in shops) a requirement to properly ventilate workplaces and a review of sick pay, so that workers who test positive can afford the necessary time off. The letter – which can be seen in full here – outlined a number of concerns about the highly transmissible Omicron variantand pointed out that “Omicron’s rapid spread leaves our members, who have worked tirelessly on the frontline as key workers throughout the pandemic, at increased risk of infection.
Consumer confidence rocked by Omicron variant
Consumer confidence has dropped in December as shoppers worry about the rising cost of living and the impact of the Omicron variant during the festive season.
The decrease in consumer confidence throughout December reflects consumers’ concerns about both their own personal finances and the wider economy as we move into 2022. The has declined by one point to -15 (two points lower than this time last year), according to the latest data from GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index. Joe Staton, client strategy director at GfK said: “News about the Omicron variant could not have arrived at a worse time for festive celebrations. “While the holiday season has not yet been hijacked, December’s headline score has slipped one point to -15 and the lack of Yuletide cheer is evident.”
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