UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,589,841 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 9,055 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 1,177 (40 more than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 9
Total UK deaths: 127,926
England Cases per 100,000: 40 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.2 to 1.4
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 42,021,089
Total 2nd doses: 30,440,373
Daily 1st doses: 190,033
Daily 2nd doses: 230,666
There have been over 4.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 128,000 people have died. 9 new Covid-related death were announced in the UK yesterday, Wednesday. Over 71.7 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK and over 42 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine – 76.5% of all adults.
Over 30 million people have had both their first and second jab, 55.5% of all adults.
People aged 21 and over are being invited to have a first jab and the focus has shifted to offer a second vaccine within 8 weeks. The average number of daily infections in the UK is rising in some areas, fuelled by the Delta variant, with over 9,000 new cases announced by the government yesterday, Wednesday.
The R value and growth rate in England
The R range for England is 1.2 to 1.4 and the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 11 June 2021. Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
Everyone working in care homes to be fully vaccinated under new law to protect residents
People working in CQC-registered care homes will need to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated with both doses.
Covid: epidemic growing across England but signs it is beginning to slow
The Covid epidemic in England is growing – with much of the growth being driven by younger age groups not yet immunised, a study suggests.
The analysis, from the React-1 study, looked at the period 20 May to 7 June.
But tentative signs in the latest daily data suggest growth may be beginning to slow.
The rollout of jabs to younger people is key to reducing further spread, researchers from Imperial College London say.
Since last year, scientists tracking the epidemic have been inviting a representative sample of the population to take Covid swab tests. They found:
- of the 108,911 people tested, 135 were positive – a rise from 0.1% to 0.15%
- most cases were among five- to 12-year-olds and 18- to 24-year-olds
- the reproduction (R) number, of people the average infected person would infect, was an estimated 1.44
More than 40 million people vaccinated with second dose
More than 30 million people in the UK have received a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the latest figures published today (15 June) show, as the vaccination programme continues at unprecedented pace and scale – updated with latest figures in line with data in the Public Health England dashboard: 41,831,056 people across the UK have now been vaccinated with a first dose (79.4%), while 30,209,707 people have had both doses (57.4%).
How the number of vaccinated could increase over the 4 weeks to 9th July
Percentage of adults with one dose from 79% to 89%
Percentage of adults with two doses from 57% to 76%
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 22,888 to 16 June
Cases in the latest week: 634 (4 to 12 June), +33 more cases than previous 7 days
Total deaths: 723 to May 21st
Cases per 100,000: 216 per 100,000 week ending 12 June
R number in North West: 1.3 – 1.5
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 78% of adults to 15 June
2nd dose: 57%
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Manchester Airports Group and Ryanair launch legal challenge to government
Manchester Airports Group, the owner of Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports, and Ryanair are to launch a legal challenge against the government over the travel traffic light system. They call for more transparency
about how the government decides which countries qualify for the green list of safe places to visit amid the pandemic. Ministers say the system “cautiously manages the risk of new variants”. The traffic light system rates countries green, amber or red based on their Covid risk. Travellers to countries rated green will not need to isolate on their return, but they will need to take a Covid test before and after their trip.
Arrivals from amber countries will need to quarantine, while red-list countries have the strictest rules, with only UK or Irish nationals, or UK residents, allowed to return – and they must pay for a 10-day stay in a government quarantine hotel.
- Where can you go on holiday abroad?
- What’s happening with foreign travel?
- Travel industry anger as Germans flock to Majorca
In a separate development, the bosses of Jet2 and EasyJet Holidays have told the BBC they do not understand why low infection destinations like Mallorca were left off the green list in the last review and questioned how government decisions are made.
No appointment required for Stockport Pop up vaccination clinic
New pop-up vaccination clinics have opened in Heaton Mersey and in Brinnington for anyone aged 21+ with both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines available.
Vaccinations are also available to eligible Stockport residents over 18. If you think you are eligible go along and speak to our vaccination team at the pop-up clinic.
The pop-up vaccination clinics are offering both first and second dose vaccinations. Thursday, 17 June, 10am – 4pm
Heaton Mersey Mosque, Battersea Road, Stockport SK4 3QR.
Friday, 18 June, 10am – 4pm
Life Leisure Brinnington Park Complex, Northumberland Road, Stockport SK5 8LS. A car park is on site and please head directly to the sports hall.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG), Restart Grant, Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG): guidance for local authorities
This is guidance for local authorities on paying grants to support businesses during national lockdown periods and periods of local restrictions – additional Restrictions Grant guidance updated: as Step 4 of the roadmap out of restrictions has been delayed for up to 4 weeks, we have updated the guidance to account for this and extended the spending allocation deadline to 30 July 2021.
Financial support schemes as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs
This includes:
- the 21?? ?June deadline for joining the online VAT deferral new payment scheme
- a reminder of the 14?? ?July deadline for submitting your June Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) claims
- details of changes to the CJRS from July.
To find out what other financial support may be available for you and your business during this time, search ‘find coronavirus financial support’ on GOV??.UK.
- VAT deferral – final chance to join online
- Submit your CJRS claims for June
- Changes to the CJRS from July
- Use our updated CJRS templates to make claiming for multiple employees easier
- Where can I get further support?
- A word about scams
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Guidance to provide advice on how places of worship can open, for limited permitted activities, in a manner that is safe and in line with national lockdown restrictions – updates to Step 3 regulations announced by the Prime Minister on 14 June.
Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer – updated the general list of providers.
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
EDUCATION:
Arrangements for non-exam assessment for qualifications in 2022
Ofqual consultation on arrangements for non-exam assessment and fieldwork requirements for students entering GCSEs, AS and A level qualifications in 2022 – decisions and analysis documents added to explain outcome of consultation.
Summer schools programme
Details of the summer schools programme for secondary schools including funding, requirements for running a summer school and best practice evidence – added specific conditions for new free schools to annex B.
Coronavirus and higher education students: England, 24 May to 2 June 2021
Experimental statistics from the Student COVID-19 Insights Survey (SCIS) in England. Includes information on the behaviours, plans, opinions and well-being of higher education students in the context of guidance on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
PE and sport premium for primary schools
How much PE and sport premium funding schools receive and advice on how it should be spent – updated to confirm continuation of the PE and sport premium for the 2021 to 2022 academic year. Also updated to reflect the announcement that schools can carry forward unspent PE and sport premium funding into the 2021 to 2022 academic year.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: June 2021 final results
Results of real-time assessment of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) during June 2021.
Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on health.
Findings from COVID-19 round 12 REACT-1 study published
Findings from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI show infections have increased by 50% since the last REACT-1 study in May, with 1 in 670 people infected.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents – added notice that the release of today’s stats is delayed.
PROPERTY:
Pandemic eviction protection extended to March 2022
Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has announced that businesses that have been unable to open due to pandemic restrictions and been unable to pay rent on commercial property will have protection from eviction until March 2022. The announcement comes following the Prime Minister’s confirmation on Monday that coronavirus restrictions would continue until July 19th; however, during that media briefing, Boris Johnson denied that business support measures would be extended also.
Eviction protection extended for businesses most in need
Sorting out commercial rent debts will be key to enabling businesses to plan ahead with certainty and build back better from the pandemic.
RETAIL:
Aldi exploring Stockport as part of expansion strategy
German supermarket chain, Aldi, has revealed it is exploring sites in Stockport as part of ongoing expansion plans in the region. The chain, which has 900 stores in the UK, is planning to continue its expansion with an additional 50 stores across the North-west. The brand is looking to open new stores in freehold town-centre or edge-of-centre sites across the region. In Stockport, Aldi is interested in new sites in in Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme, Heald Green, Handforth and Hazel Grove on top of the towns four existing branches of the supermarket.
TRANSPORT:
Trainline on track for post-pandemic recovery with 324% ticket sales increase
Train ticket booking firm Trainline has announced its highest net ticket sales since the pandemic began. In a trading update for Q1 FY2022, the firm saw a year-on-year increase of group net ticket sales of 324 per cent. UK Consumer net ticket sales were up 269 per cent year-on-year and improving week over week throughout the period. Jody Ford, CEO of Trainline, commented:
“It’s very encouraging to see people returning to train travel as lockdowns and restrictions gradually ease. By the end of May we were selling more tickets than we were in the same period two years ago.”
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Applications for the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant closed 31st May
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 27/05/2021
- Received: 2,845
- Processed: 2,786 (98%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £9,716,939
Stockport Council 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.
Applications close on 30 June 2021
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.
Strand 1 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 2 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
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
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 to June 21st
- 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.
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