UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,452,756 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 1,979 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 991 (68 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 5
Total UK deaths: 127,684
England Cases per 100,000: 15 per 100,000 (daily change: 2 fewer)
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 36,704,672
Total 2nd doses: 20,287,403
Daily 1st doses: 131,318
Daily 2nd doses: 183,745
There have been over 4.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 127,600 people have died. More than 57 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK to 17th May and more than 36.7 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Over 20 million people have had both their first and second jab. The focus has shifted to offer over 50s a second vaccine within 8 weeks rather than 12 and anyone 37 and over are advised to book their vaccine appointment as soon as it is offered. The average number of daily infections in the UK has continued to decline but there are areas with a rising number of new cases. A further 1,979 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government yesterday, Monday.
The R value and growth rate in England
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19). The R range for England is 0.8 to 1.1 Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Find out what you can and cannot do
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
Ministers are urging people to book a Covid vaccination as soon as they are offered one, amid increasing concern about the risks posed by the Indian variant.
The health secretary said anyone who was unsure should look at Bolton, where most people in hospital with Covid were eligible for a jab but had not had one. Matt Hancock said 86 local councils had five or more cases of the variant. Meanwhile, millions of people have been enjoying new freedoms – such as indoor pints, hugs with loved ones and foreign holidays – for the first time in months under Monday’s easing of restrictions across the three nations. But amid concern over rising numbers of India variant cases, the government has warned its next review of social distancing rules may be delayed. Mr Hancock told the House of Commons on Monday that 86 local authorities now have five or more cases of the Indian variant, with 2,323 confirmed cases across the UK.
Vodafone “strongly positioned” with return to growth in H2 FY21
Telecoms giant Vodafone has announced a return to growth in the second half of the financial year. Following a drop in performance in FY20 during the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm saw profits of €536m return in FY21.
The group’s next strategic phase is underway, aiming to become a ‘new generation’ connectivity and digital services provider in Europe and Africa. Nick Read, Vodafone’s group chief executive, commented: “I am pleased that we achieved full year results in line with our guidance and we exited the year with accelerating service revenue growth across the business, with a particularly good performance in our largest market, Germany.UK job vacancies at highest for a year
UK job vacancies have hit their highest level since the start of the pandemic as the easing of lockdown measures has led employers to start recruiting. In the February-to-April period there were 657,000 vacancies, up about 48,400 on the previous quarter. The unemployment rate fell slightly to 4.8% in the three months to March, down from 4.9% in February, the Office for National Statistics said.
Step 3 COVID-19 restrictions posters: 17 May 2021
A poster displaying information about COVID-19 restrictions in England from 17 May.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 21,205 to 17th May
Cases in the latest week: 97 (16 more cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 720 to April 30th
Cases per 100,000: 33 per 100,000 week 7th to 13th May
R number in North West: 0.8 – 1.1
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 161,222 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 9th May
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Fire Safety Officers help hospitality welcome back customers safely
Dedicated teams visited bars and pubs across the 10 boroughs in Greater Manchester during the week 10th to 14th May, offering fire safety advice as venues prepared to welcome back customers this week. The local fire service is reminding businesses to ensure their fire risk assessments are up to date with any changes brought about by implementing Covid-safe practices. GMFRS’ officers have highlighted that businesses ensure fire safety equipment remains properly maintained and regularly tested, especially after an extended closure. There may also be changes in risk levels due to the pandemic, such as increased waste, storage or stock levels that need to be considered in an updated risk assessment.
Stockport lawyers host webinar to help businesses reopen safely
Employment lawyers and HR specialists from Stockport firm, SAS Daniels LLP, will discuss the return to the workplace post-lockdown in a free webinar for local businesses. The free 30-minute discussion takes place on Tuesday 25th May at 10am. It will provide guidance for North West employers, business owners and the self-employed, senior management and HR professionals as employees begin to return to the workplace as lockdown restrictions ease. The session will cover workplace testing, how to handle objections to returning to the office or following safety protocols, what to consider from a COVID-19 perspective and new ways of working, such as remote and flexible working options.
Surge testing for new coronavirus (COVID-19) variants
How ‘surge testing’ and genomic sequencing are being used in locations in England where coronavirus (COVID-19) variants have been identified – updated to include Hackney Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council in the locations using surge testing.
Patients hail Stockport’s ‘life saving’ COVID recovery programme
Stockport patients recovering from COVID 19 have hailed a ‘life-saving’ programme run by Life Leisure and Stockport Council. Life Leisure, which saw the return of its indoor fitness classes yesterday (Monday, May 17), has been aiding residents’ recovery with a special rehabilitation programme designed to build up their strength after a battle with the virus. The programme is supported by the Stockport Moving Together campaign, funded by Stockport Council and Sport England. It includes weekly exercise sessions on zoom and a physical activity pack containing equipment such as resistance bands and pedal exerciser, as well as ongoing support from experts at Life Leisure. Mary Smith, 66, lives in North Reddish and was shielding when she contracted COVID last October. She says the programme has gone above and beyond helping her tackle the long-lasting effects of the killer virus.
Mary, who runs a therapeutic art group on the stroke rehab ward at Stepping Hill Hospital as a volunteer, said: “The support from Life Leisure has been absolutely fantastic. It has boosted my mood and made me more physically capable – it’s been a life saver.” Read more
!! Grant funding for local organisations and associations to host events!!
As Many areas of Stockport have been unusually quiet with reduced visitor numbers and many events cancelled due to the impact of the coronavirus and subsequent lockdowns. As the situation around lockdown eases, local organisations and community groups are being encouraged to apply for grant funding that will help them to host events and attract visitors in an attempt to support businesses and boost the local economy. Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BREXIT:
If you move goods between the UK and countries in the EU, you need to follow new customs and tax rules.
Your business will be affected by the new rules if you:
- buy goods from an EU seller and bring them into the UK
- send goods you’ve sold to a buyer in an EU country
- haven’t exchanged money but need to move equipment that you use for your business, between the UK and the EU.
You can now apply for the SME Brexit Support Fund. Smaller businesses can get up to £2,000 to pay for practical support, including training or professional advice to adjust to new customs, rules of origin and VAT rules when trading with the EU.
You can attend HMRC webinars to help adjust to the new rules and keep your business moving:
Importing – preparing to make your supplementary declaration:
Please register to take part if you’ve imported goods since 1 January 2021 and not yet completed a customs declaration for them.
Customs Import Declarations: an overview:
If you’re planning to import and want to understand the full declarations process please register
Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving:
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. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary:
This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary to complete import or export declarations for your business. These are complex and an intermediary can save you a lot of time. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
Rules of Origin:
If you buy goods from the EU or send or sell goods to the EU for your business, this webinar will help you understand rules of origin and what’s required to meet the rules. The recorded webinar can be paused or rewound to allow you to work through the information at your own pace. Watch our recorded webinar:
Call HMRC’s Customs & International Trade helpline on 0300?? ?322?? ?9434, for more help with importing, exporting or customs reliefs. The helpline is open?? ?from 8am?? ?to?? ?10pm?? ?Monday?? ?to?? ?Friday and?? ?from 8am?? ?to?? ?4pm at?? ?week??ends. You can also send us your questions or webchat.
BUSINESS:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Vehicles – Updated to reflect the move to Step 3 of the roadmap.
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Designated venues in certain sectors must have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus – updated to add a call-out about the new COVID-19 variant of concern.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is contacted by NHS Test and Trace, including self-isolation, sick pay and financial support – updated to add a call-out about the new COVID-19 variant of concern.
We Offer Testing to our Staff (WOTTOS): endorsement scheme
Guidance about a simple and free voluntary promotional scheme for firms who are participating in the government’s free coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace testing programme
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings – updated to reflect Step 3 of the Roadmap.
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This guidance applies to people moving into homes in England, whether as owner-occupiers, private or social renters – updated to incorporate the adjustments set out in step 3 of the roadmap to reopening.
COVID-19 vaccination status: what your confirmation letter tells you
Translated versions of the non-personal information in the letter confirming that someone has had the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination
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 list of general testing providers and replaced the list of Test to Release providers with a link to a new service to find a Test to Release provider.COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: women of childbearing age, currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Information for all women of childbearing age, those currently pregnant or breastfeeding on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination
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: Construction industry recovery gaining momentum
The recovery in construction activity is gaining momentum. While project-starts are still below pre-pandemic levels, the last few months have seen a strong and encouraging rise. Plus, the development pipeline is ahead of 2019 levels, pointing to a sustained recovery in project-starts over the coming months. The value of projects starting on site averaged £5,212 million per month during the three months to April; an 18% increase against the preceding three months and 37% higher than a year ago.
EDUCATION:
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March 2020 and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak.
COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19 – updated to clarify when to change face masks, difference between source control and PPE and updated section on waste including PPE.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): health and wellbeing of the adult social care workforce
Advice for those working in adult social care on managing your mental health and how employers can take care of the wellbeing of their staff during the coronavirus outbreak – information about the Money Advice Service has been added
National protocol for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant])
This protocol is for the administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) to individuals in accordance with the national COVID-19 vaccination programme.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – added link to guidance regarding new COVID-19 variant.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes
How to protect care home residents and staff during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to add a call-out about the new COVID-19 variant of concern.
Adult social care in England, monthly statistics: May 2021
Experimental statistics on a range of topics including infection control measures, coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations and testing for COVID-19 in adult social care settings – uploaded a new version of ‘COVID-19 vaccination statistics, May 2021: data tables’ with an amendment to table 2 ‘Total number of all staff eligible for a vaccine’. Figures previously showed numbers for ‘Total number of all staff’ in error.
Supported living services during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for providers of supported living settings – updated to add a call-out about the new COVID-19 variant of concern.
Designated settings for people discharged to a care home
Guidance on the designated settings scheme for people discharged from hospital to a care home with a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for adult social care settings
Outlines the COVID-19 testing available for testing staff, residents and visitors for all adult social care settings.
Making vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes
We are seeking your views on a proposal to make COVID-19 vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes.
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Self-declare as a private COVID-19 testing provider
How to declare that you meet the minimum standards for private-provided testing and be listed as a private sector coronavirus (COVID-19) testing provider.
JUDICIARY:
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the outbreak – 17 May Roadmap changes
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating – 17 May roadmap changes
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm.
PROPERTY:
Agents have just 4 weeks to meet HMRC’s deadline
A compliance specialist is reminding the industry that the deadline by which letting agents must register with HMRC if they are to remain anti-money laundering compliant is fast approaching. By June 10, any letting agent – residential or commercial – who lets out properties at or above 10,000 Euros per month, or its equivalent currency, will be impacted. By today’s exchange rates, that is currently £8,600 per month. Jerry Walters, managing director of FCS Compliance, warns agents that registration goes far beyond simply letting HMRC know of a company’s existence.
SPORT & LEISURE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Performing arts – updated to include information about Step 3 of the roadmap.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): domestic cruise ship travel
Guidance on domestic cruise travel during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to reflect roadmap out of lockdown.
Passenger COVID-19 charter
Passenger rights, responsibilities and reasonable expectations for travel while coronavirus (COVID-19) measures remain in place – first published.
COVID-19 Charter for holidaymakers launched
Charter provides clear information for passengers outlining their rights and responsibilities when travelling this summer – first published.
Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status when travelling abroad
How to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status to show that you’ve had the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine and access this status when travelling abroad – updated to add a link to a video about the post-vaccination confirmation letter in BSL.
Day 2 and day 8 testing for international arrivals: minimum standards for providers
Sets out the minimum standards that private sector providers must meet for the COVID-19 tests for people arriving in England.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
!! Please note – the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant application deadline has been extended to 31/05/21
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 13/05/2021
- Received: 2,745
- Processed: 2,670 (97%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £9,449,415
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.
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
Discretionary Grant Scheme – Additional Restrictions Grant
The Council launched an Economic Recovery Fund on 26/03/21, which provides 5 new business grants through the Additional Restrictions Grant funding.
Applications for the current Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, and the Micro-Business grant scheme are now closed.
The new Economic Recovery Fund ARG schemes are:
The Stockport Economic Recovery Boost Grant
This grant will be provided to businesses that have been successful in applying for the original ARG scheme for closed businesses that have separate commercial premises with ongoing costs. Businesses do not need to apply for this scheme as their details are already held and will be used to identify eligible businesses which will be contacted during April 2021 about their further grant payment under this scheme.
The Stockport Economic Recovery Market Place & Underbanks Independent Retailer Boost Grant
This grant is to support smaller, independent retail operators with premises in the Market Place and Underbanks area only, to reopen and restart their businesses.
This is a one-off fixed grant of £3,000 for each business that successfully applies.
Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Market Place & Underbanks Independent Retailer Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
The Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant
This grant is for supporting the reopening and restart of hospitality sector businesses with their own premises in Stockport.
This is a one-off fixed grant of £5,000 for each business that successfully applies. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
The Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant
This grant is for businesses to apply for to make changes to premises and/or to buy additional kit to support reopening and operating in a covid secure way.
Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
The Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant
This grant is for district centre trading associations, or their equivalent, to bid in to for their local areas to run stimulus events to drive local footfall and customers into local areas to use local businesses that are reopening.
Where localities do not have training associations that can lead a bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that locality to lead as the single point of contact for their area.
There will only be one application accepted and one grant, if successful, provided per locality. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant.
!! Please note – the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant application deadline has been extended to 31/05/21
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
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 from 29 March
- 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