18th February: Coronavirus News Updates

UK NEWS & HEADLINES:   

Study reveals strong decline in coronavirus across England in January
Imperial College London’s React study found infections have dropped by two-thirds across England since lockdown began, with an 80% fall in London.

But virus levels are still high, with one in 200 testing positive between 4 and 13 February.  This is similar to levels seen in late September 2020.

Although these are interim findings, based on more than 85,000 swab tests from randomly selected people, they suggest social distancing and restrictions are having an impact.  Prof Paul Elliott, director of the programme at Imperial, said the drop in infection rates was “really encouraging”. It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepares to receive new data on the effect of vaccines on the spread of coronavirus, ahead of Monday’s publication of a roadmap for easing the lockdown in England.

February interim findings from COVID-19 REACT-1 study published
Report findings show infections in England have fallen significantly since the last report in January.

First human coronavirus trial gets the go-ahead
A group of volunteers in the UK are going to be deliberately infected with coronavirus in what’s known as a “challenge trial”. It will be the first such trial in Covid anywhere in the world.  The study has been given ethical approval and will begin with around 90 people being infected. The volunteers come into hospital and will spend the whole time in a single room, and come into contact only with people running the trial.

On the third day, a small syringe filled with live virus will be squirted up their nose.

They will be monitored in hospital – including regular blood samples – for at least the next two weeks, after which they can go home if they are free of the virus.

The volunteers will continue to be followed up for a year.  

Online card retailer a winner in lockdown
An online greeting card platform Moonpig has today announced that it is on track to double its revenue for this year. Moonpig Group, headquartered in London, has predicted that its revenue for the financial year ending 30 April will be approximately £346m, double 2020’s £173m. The company reported a “significant” increase in demand across the first three quarters of the year, and saw its “strongest ever” trading week this month ahead of Valentine’s Day. It said that consumer habits have changed, with more frequent purchases and higher average order costs as customers add gifts to their greeting card orders. Throughout the year, the group has invested in increased marketing spend as well as higher temporary staffing levels to meet demand. Moonpig commented: “The significant increase in demand seen in the first half of the year continued through the third quarter, and last week we saw the strongest ever trading week in the group’s history ahead of Valentine’s Day.

England’s Covid rules and key dates including next review
How long will lockdown last? Next announcement on Monday 22^nd February
When are children going back to school? It is hoped from 8^th March

What are the lockdown rules?

• Stay at home unless you have a ‘reasonable excuse’ – more here
• Outside of your home, only support bubbles may meet socially
• You may exercise once a day with one other person from another household in a public space
• No travel either around the UK or internationally unless ‘essential’
• Clinically vulnerable should not attend work
• Schools closed except for vulnerable pupils or those of key workers
• Universities teaching online
• Non-essential shops, leisure and entertainment venues must remain closed
• Pubs and restaurants closed except for takeaway food

People breaking these rules can face fines, including an £800 penalty for those attending house parties of more than 15 people – and a £10,000 fine for the organisers.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:   

GM Mayor – weekly press conference 17^th February Key points & video

• Cases of coronavirus falling across Greater Manchester but at a slower rate of decline than some other parts of the UK probably due to high number who work out of home and type of housing
• Call for Government to firm up workplace safety raising HSE classification of Covid in the workplace ‘serious risk’
• Call for Government to increase support for self-isolation including guarantee jobs
• Improving picture across all age ranges
• 292 cases in care homes across GM – will be monitored
• 83% hospital bed occupancy across GM / 17% Covid patients

North West MP leads All Party Parliamentary Group call for more hospitality support
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Night-time Economy, led by Chair, Manchester Withington MP, Jeff Smith, has revealed the impacts of Covid-19 on the sector, and set out a number of recommendations for government in a new report. The group of 40 MPs sought to document the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sector in order to make recommendations to government of future support. Prior to the pandemic, the night-time economy generated £66 billion a year for the UK economy, employing 1.3 million workers including many freelancers. However, social distancing and lockdown regulations have prevented much of the sector from opening fully, if at all, since March 2020. Through surveys of businesses and individuals working in the sector, as well as its suppliers, the report described the industry as being ‘on its knees’ as a result of shutdowns and a shortfall in government support. 78% of employees in the industry have been furloughed at some point during the pandemic; only 36% of freelancers and self-employed workers in the industry have been eligible for self-employment income support programmes from government.

GM Chamber call for input to Q1 2021 economic survey
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) is calling for business owners in Stockport to contribute to its first Quarterly Economic Survey of 2021 to hear how Brexit and the current Covid-19 lockdown are affecting the borough. The fieldwork for the survey is now open and businesses have until the 11^th March to submit their contributions.

CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:

Support Scheme for Stockport’s large strategic employers
Grants of up to £150,000 per business are available, with applications required by 28^th February 2021. Businesses will be considered if they are based in Stockport with over 50 employees and have a strategic impact on the local economy (businesses with less than 50 employees will be considered in exceptional circumstances where there is exceptional contribution demonstrated to the economic vibrancy locally).  Please consider the application guidance and check the eligibility criteria on the following web page:  www.stockport.gov.uk/support-scheme-for-large-strategic-employers 

Stockport Council expands eligibility for Discretionary Grant SchemesStockport Council has announced it is expanding its discretionary grant schemes to support a greater range of businesses affected by the pandemic.

The new Micro-business support scheme will see businesses outside of the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors become eligible for both the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme and the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses, affecting organisations that were impacted during the lockdown from 5th November to 2nd December, and subsequent periods of lockdown. Support will be backdated to the first date of eligibility. The discretionary schemes allow councils to support businesses that have missed out on other support as they do not have a business rates liability. Stockport Council is adding a number of sectors to those already eligible for the schemes. Details here  To be eligible for the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme bus also meet specific criteria – details here  Businesses will need to be able to demonstrate that they have fixed property costs and demonstrate a loss in income as a result of the pandemic. 

Applications for the above scheme are now open and may be accessed here
Micro-business support grant – Stockport Council

Some businesses have not been eligible to receive a grant, and this continues to be the case – find out more here

Please note: The Council has now received funding for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme for the period following the end of the lockdown on 2nd December 2020.

A system to make automated repeat payments for qualifying businesses based on their initial applications is being used and so there is no need for businesses to reapply after their first application for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme. Funds will be paid to businesses and an email will be sent to each business stating that in accepting the funding they are confirming that they meet the qualifying conditions and statements set out in the email.

If you have not yet applied for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme, you will need to make an initial application before you can be considered to be eligible to receive any automatic payments for further qualifying periods. Further information on the schemes will be updated on the Stockport Council website.

Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown

There are a number of business grant schemes available that cover different periods of time and different situations, such as being under national lockdown.
Updated with info for businesses to check on eligibility etc. to the new grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-restrictions

Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council

ARMED FORCES:  

Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces
Summary statistics on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 – addition of: number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces as of 18 February 2021.

BUSINESS:

Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme – updated brand guidelines. They now include a section on brand representation and usage.

COMMUNITY:    

Coronavirus: How to help safely
Across the UK people are playing their part and providing essential support to their friends and family who are in isolation – added ‘1.2 Helping someone who is shielding ’Moved Covid guidance to mainstream page (https://www.gov.uk/volunteering/coronavirus-volunteering) to reduce duplication – updated information on self-isolation in ‘1. Stay safe as a volunteer’  

How to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)Advice for everyone to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).  

Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).  

Community testing
Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms.  

Nearest testing site now on average under 2 miles away
The median distance travelled for a PCR test is just 1.9 miles, a record for the service, while 86.9% of cases, and 93.6% of their contacts, are reached this reporting week.

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:

Glenigan release video report on status of UK construction
The latest Glenigan Construction Review video reports that planning approvals are up 7% on this time last year, which will come as very welcome news for the industry’s development pipeline at this time. Watch the video now to learn how the sectors and regions you’re working in are performing. See the detail behind the numbers, download the free Glenigan Construction Review now.

EDUCATION:    

Remote education research
Ofsted’s summary of findings on remote learning from several strands of research activity that we carried out in 2020 – added YouGov presentation of findings on remote and digital learning in schools.  

Data on COVID-19 visits: registered early years providers
Data about Ofsted’s visits to registered early years providers during the interim phase of our return to inspection – published transparency data to 31 December 2020.

Data on COVID-19 inspections: non-association independent schoolsData about Ofsted’s inspections of non-association independent schools during the interim phase of our return to routine inspection – published transparency data to 31 December 2020.

Get laptops and tablets for pupils and students who cannot access face-to-face education due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
How schools, 16 to 19 academies, colleges, and other further education institutions, can access digital devices for pupils and students learning remotely – updated to clarify who is eligible for devices. This includes when devices are available for children in reception, year 1 and year 2, and students over the age of 19 with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) who also receive free meals.

HEALTH & WELLBEING:  

NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly reports – updated to remove methodology information on the NHS Test and Trace app and UK testing as these statistics are no longer published as part of the NHS Test and Trace weekly publication.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines – published latest ADR (adverse drug reaction) data, covering the period up to 7 February 2021.

NHS Test and Trace (England) statistics: 4 February to 10 February 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.

February interim findings from COVID-19 REACT-1 study published
Report findings show infections in England have fallen significantly since the last report in January.

EACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: February 2021 final results
Results of real-time assessment of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) during February 2021.

NHS entitlements: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients – updated links to COVID-19 migrant health guidance, dental health, and access to healthcare for migrant and/or undocumented children

COVID-19: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 17 February 2021
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority (LTLA) in England.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – the following sections have had new links added:Housing, public health, local government finance and funding, schools and education, social care. testing, and other.

Get help with laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers received from DfE during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for local authorities, trusts, schools, colleges and other further education institutions on managing DfE devices provided for children and young adults most in need – updated to clarify who is eligible for devices. This includes when devices are available for children in reception, year 1 and year 2, and students over the age of 19 with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) who also receive free meals.

PROPERTY:

Good news for first time buyers as lenders allow smaller deposits
First time buyers with just a 10 per cent deposit – for long almost excluded from the mortgage market – now find many more lenders competing for their business. Independent mortgage market monitor Moneyfacts says the number of mortgages overall available at 90 per cent Loan To Value  has risen by 29 in the first two weeks of February alone. This follows 88 additional products coming on to the market in January.  The current total is 277 and while a long way off the 776 deals available a year ago, it’s well above the low of 44 deals offered in early September when worries about the pandemic caused lenders to tighten their belts.

TRANSPORT:

Coronavirus: driver and rider trainer guidance
How driving instructors and motorcycle trainers should work safely during coronavirus (COVID-19), business support, and restrictions on driving lessons.

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:

Business Growth Hub webinars – click on the links to register your interest:

The Business Growth Hub webinars are designed to help businesses navigate through the new legislation, rules and procedures brought about by Brexit

EU Exit Webinar New rules and procedures for EU Trade (Importing & Exporting)- Focusing on Goods 
Date: 14th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm

EU Exit Webinar Regulation & Compliance 
Date: 20th January 2021, 2:00pm -4:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – Food & Drink Labelling 
Date: 26th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm

EU Exit Webinar – New rules and procedures for EU Trade- focusing on services 
Date: 27th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm

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:

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:

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.

Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)

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.

Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31^st October, would now be extended until December.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.

Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.

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. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.

New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.

Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.

Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.

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: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.

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.

Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.

Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.

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.

Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.

Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law

NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24^th September

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.

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

Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.

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.

New 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

Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures 

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.

Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.

Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.

Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May. 

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

Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11^th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help 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

Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.

Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business

Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus 

Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business

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.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/

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

Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility

Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures

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

UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF

Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus  https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series

Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/

Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/

Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19

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.  

Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.

Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries

Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information

Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0

Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/

Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match 

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.

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.