UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 3,395,959 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 38,598 new cases, down on past 7 days
Number in UK hospital: 37,475
New deaths across UK: 671
Total UK deaths: 89,261
England Cases per 100,000: 476
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.3
The R number and growth rate in the UK
1 to 1.3 with a daily infection growth rate of 0% to +6% as of 8 January
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 3,857,266 to 13 January
Daily 1st doses: 298,087
Total 2nd doses: 437,977
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 15,425
Current cases: 1,177 (71 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 507 to January 1st
Cases per 100,000: 401 per 100,000
R number in North West: 1.2 – 1.5
Across the UK, the number of daily cases has been at record levels recently, driven by a new variant of the virus thought to be much more easily transmissible than other strains. A further 38,598 confirmed cases across the UK were announced by the government on Sunday. There are some early signs that the number of infections may be coming down, but on Thursday Professor Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London, said it was “much too early” to be sure.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
New rules for passengers arriving into UK
International passengers must now test negative for coronavirus if they wish to travel to England, Wales and Scotland. Travel corridors – which exempted passengers arriving from some countries from quarantine – will also be suspended.
Similar rules will apply to Northern Ireland from Thursday.
What are the new rules on testing?
People travelling to the UK have to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test before setting off. This may be taken up to three days before their journey begins.
The government says it will accept tests with at least 97% specificity and 80% sensitivity. In practice this could include PCR tests – which are sent to a lab – or lateral flow and Lamp tests, which can give results in an hour.
Those who don’t comply will face a fine of £500, with Border Force officials carrying out spot checks.
COVID-19 vaccines rolled out to people aged 70 years and over from today
People aged 70 and over and the clinically extremely vulnerable to begin receiving invitations for vaccinations from today. The move allows the NHS to further accelerate vaccinations of people most at risk although the priority remains to vaccinate top 2 cohorts first, while over 3.8 million people have received their first vaccine dose in the UK. Millions of people aged 70 and over and those clinically extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 will be invited to get their vaccinations from today (Monday 18 January) as the NHS begins roll out of the vaccines to the next 2 priority groups. The NHS has so far been working to vaccinate the first 2 priority cohorts recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which are care home residents and staff, and those aged 80 and over and frontline health and care staff. Vaccinating the first 2 groups will remain the priority, but vaccination sites which have enough supply and capacity for vaccinating further people are allowed to offer vaccinations to the next 2 cohorts – those aged 70 and over and clinically extremely vulnerable people. This will allow areas that have already vaccinated the majority of care home residents, frontline health and care staff and people aged 80 and over to keep up the momentum and start vaccinating further at-risk people, helping the NHS to reach the Prime Minister’s commitment of offering vaccinations to the first 4 priority groups by the middle of February.
MPs to debate stamp duty as Chancellor considers an extension
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is considering an extension to the current stamp duty holiday according to media reports today – and the House of Commons has confirmed there will be a debate on the issue. Sunday Times political editor Tim Shipman – regarded as one of the best informed political journalists with multiple contacts in government – writes: “Contrary to some reports [Sunak] is considering an extension to stamp duty cuts.” However, this may be tempered by the possibility of other property taxes emerging in the future. Shipman says the upcoming Budget on March 3 is unlikely to produce permanent changes to property taxation but he warns that the Treasury is considering long-term radical options.
Billions of pounds of support helps businesses up and down the country
Businesses in all regions and nations of the UK have benefitted from billions of pounds in government-backed loans, according to new figures released today, 18 January. More than 1.4 billion loans have supported businesses and protected jobs across all sectors. The figures show that the retail and construction sectors have benefitted the most, demonstrating how government support is helping those impacted hardest by the pandemic. Support has been spread across the country, with regions receiving loans proportionately to the amount of businesses located there. This shows that government support is helping those who need it. These loans are in addition to furlough, the self-employment income support scheme and business grants, as part of the government’s unprecedented £280 billion support package to protect jobs during the pandemic. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said: “Throughout this crisis, we have provided more than £280billion of support to protect jobs and livelihoods up and down the country. We are committed to continuing to ensure jobs are protected and opportunity is created.”
Read more HERE
AI at the forefront of efforts to treat coronavirus patients
Patients with COVID-19 are set to benefit from faster treatment, improved outcomes and shorter hospital stays thanks to the use of the latest artificial intelligence.
Social care to receive £269 million to boost staff levels and testing
Funding to protect and support staff and residents in care homes and those receiving help in their own homes
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated in line with latest government guidance.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport Council gives go-ahead to18-storey town centre scheme
Despite the havoc wreaked by Covid, Stockport is attracting investment the latest being a landmark development in the town centre. Stockport Council’s Planning Committee has approved a planning application for an18 storey apartment scheme. The Tower, set to be Stockport’s tallest residential building, will repurpose the site of Piccadilly car park, near St Peter’s Square, creating 98 new homes and 450 sq metres of retail units, as well as public real improvements on Piccadilly and Fletcher Street. The building will comprise 43 one-bedroom apartments, 40 two-bedroom, and eight three-bedroom dwellings, as well as eight three-bedroom duplex properties with separate entrances onto Fletcher Street. The 18-storey tower will rise out of a six-storey base, with three apartments per floor on the upper levels. The Council’s planning officers recommended the scheme for approval by councillors, following amendments to original plans which added increased affordable housing provision (5% of properties in line with local guidelines) and improved fire safety arrangements. 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 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
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Dates and Trigger Points of Additional Restrictions Grant, Local Restrictions Support Grants and Christmas Support Payments for wet-led pubs
Download the Grant Matrix
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
It is anticipated that there will be a high volume of applications and contacts to be processed so it will not be possible for members of the team to respond to individual enquiries at this time.
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
BREXIT:
“You must not delay” – Gov urges firms to act following UK exit of single market
The government has issued new advice for businesses that have not yet prepared for the UK’s exit of the EU single market. Firms across the country have been urged to ensure they have ticked off a checklist of six ‘key’ actions in order to minimise disruption. For companies that import or export goods to the EU, there are a range of new measures that must be undertaken following the UK’s trade deal with the EU in relation to goods, services, staffing, business travel, data and accounting and reporting. Business Minister Paul Scully commented: “The UK is finally out of the EU single market and customs union, and business is changing. Many businesses have made great strides to get ready for the UK’s new start, but we know some are further behind. “To avoid any potential disruption to your business, you must not delay – make your final preparations now. The government will be here to help businesses navigate this change.” Read more at Bdaily
Webinars to register for now:
Importing: What you need to know about Staged Controls: Today, 18th at 11.45am
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.
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: Monday 18th January 3.45pm
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 – 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: Tues 19th January at 11.45am 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?: Wednesday 20th January 11.45am
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.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter to all postmasters, January 2021
Letter from the Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Corporate Responsibility, Paul Scully, to all postmasters, their staff and Post Office employees.
Supported living services during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for providers of supported living settings – updated to reflect that if you have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19, you must self-isolate for 10 days. For people in supported living arrangements, this 10-day period should increase to 14 days based on a risk assessment if the setting is considered high risk.
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 – a link to a YouTube video about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension has been added.
Businesses to receive Business Interruption insurance pay-out
Tens of thousands of small businesses will receive insurance pay-outs covering losses from the first national lockdown, following a court ruling.
The Supreme Court found largely in favour of small firms receiving payments from business interruption insurance policies. For some businesses it could provide a lifeline, allowing them to trade beyond the coronavirus crisis. The ruling could cost the insurance sector hundreds of millions of pounds. The City watchdog, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), brought the test case, with eight insurers agreeing to take part in proceedings. One of the insurers set to make significant pay-outs is Hiscox, which was challenged by thousands of its policyholders as part of the case.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
CONSTRUCTION:
Earnings up 95 for North West self-employed
Earnings for self-employed trades workers continued to grow last month as December reverted to type as the busiest and best period for subcontractors.
The industry’s biggest payer of subcontractors Hudson Contract said average weekly pay rose by 1.1% during December to £911, the highest level since February and the fourth consecutive month of earnings growth for self-employed subcontractors.
The best-performing regions were the North West (up 9.1 %), the South East (up 4.1%) and the North East (up 2.6%).
EDUCATION:
Vocational, technical and other general qualifications in 2021
Publications relating to the awarding of vocational, technical and other general qualifications in the academic year 2020 to 2021.
GCSE, AS and A level qualifications in 2021
Publications relating to the awarding of GCSE, AS and A level qualifications in the academic year 2020 to 2021.
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – updated the ‘first aid certificate’ section for childcare providers: if you cannot renew your paediatric first aid qualification because of coronavirus restrictions, certificates will be valid until 31 March 2021.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
COVID-19 regulatory position statements
Environment Agency regulatory response to coronavirus (COVID-19). We have added ‘Water and sewerage company OSM and UWWTR sampling affected by COVID-19: RPS C24’ under Water industry. This RPS replaces Water and sewerage company OSM and UWWTR sampling affected by COVID-19: C3. Water and sewerage company OSM and UWWTR sampling affected by COVID-19: RPS C24
This COVID-19 (coronavirus) RPS relates to sampling discharges from water and sewerage company waste water treatment works and water treatment works.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Types and uses of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
Guidance on the different types of coronavirus test available – updated guidance on types and use of coronavirus tests including asymptomatic testing.
British public urged to play their part in historic vaccine roll out
The public has a vital part to play in the rollout of the UK COVID-19 vaccines delivery plan.
COVID-19 vaccination: why you are being asked to wait
Information about COVID-19 eligibility and vaccine supplies for all women of childbearing age, those currently pregnant or breastfeeding on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for healthcare workers
Information for frontline healthcare workers on COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for older adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination.
PROPERTY:
Record number of ‘buy-to-let’ companies set up in 2020
Research by Countrywide agency Hamptons shows that during 2020 some 41,700 new buy to let limited companies were formed. That’s a record for a single year and an increase of 23 per cent on 2019. Over a longer term, Hamptons says more companies were set up to hold buy to let properties between early 2016 – when the three per cent stamp duty surcharge on buy to let properties was introduced – and the end of 2020, than in the preceding 50 years combined. And this means that at the end of 2020 there were a total of 228,743 buy to let companies up and running, again an all-time record.
Covid curbs on agents provide bonus for video viewings
Government guidance on how agents can continue working during the lockdown has given a new importance to virtual viewings, says an industry supplier. The latest guidelines from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government say virtual tours should be used as a first resort whenever possible, to avoid the risk of spreading Covid. Now Holofy Spaces – which markets an app to help agents film vertical tours on smartphones – says the concept will remain crucial for some time to come, as lockdown extends throughout winter.
RETAIL:
Next in race to complete Arcadia retail group
Fashion chain Next is reported to be the frontrunner to buy Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia retail empire out of administration as a deadline for bids comes due on Monday.
The Sunday Times said a consortium including the chain and US hedge fund Davidson Kempner has overtaken Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group among others to buy the company, which owns Topshop.
Some 13,000 jobs were put at risk when Arcadia went bust in November.
Next declined to comment on the claims.
The retailer, which has 550 UK stores, has weathered the pandemic well, with its Christmas sales matching last year’s figures despite temporary store closures.
By contrast, sales at Acadia, which also owns Burton and Dorothy Perkins, slumped during the crisis triggering its collapse.
TRANSPORT:
Carry out international road haulage
What UK goods vehicle operators need to do to carry out international road haulage.
Added a new section called ‘Make sure you’re ready to import and export’.
Transport measures to protect England from coronavirus
Travel bans, coronavirus testing and self-isolating on arrival in England.
Requirement for a coronavirus test introduced and travel corridors suspended.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – Requirement for coronavirus testing to travel to England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): testing for people travelling to England
You must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): cruise ship travel
Guidance for British people about cruise ship holidays during the coronavirus pandemic – updated with details of new requirements coming into effect from 4am on 18 January.
Foreign travel insurance
Wherever you’re travelling, it’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go.
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, if they are legally permitted to travel internationally.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – updated exceptional assurance visa expiry dates to 1 January 2021 and 28 February 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test to Release for international travel
Pay for a COVID-19 test to find out if you can reduce your self-isolation period after international travel.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – eight categories of jobs removed from exemptions. Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added information about coronavirus testing before travel to the UK.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
All travel corridors for people arriving in England are suspended.
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:
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 31st 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 24th 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 – 11th 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.
26th February: Coronavirus News Updates