UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 6,355,887 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 33,904 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 6,321, 0 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 111
Total UK deaths: 131,260
England Cases per 100,000: 296
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 47,413,242 – 89.6% of UK adults
Total 2nd doses: 40,703,581 / 77.5% of UK adults
Daily 1st doses: 43,824
Daily 2nd doses: 145,875
There have been more than 6.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 131,000 people have died, government figures show.
However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. Almost 90% of adults in the UK have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and more than 77% have had their second
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 32,383 to 16 August
Cases in the latest week: 949, down 26 on previous week
Total deaths: 740 to July 30th
Cases per 100,000: 323 per 100,000 week ending 14 August
R number in North West: 0.7 – 1.0
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of adults to 15 August
2nd dose: 76%
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Updated with slides to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Visit the COVID-19 Travel Regulations interactive map here
UK NEWS UPDATES
Covid vaccines still effective against Delta variant
Having two doses of Covid vaccine remains the best way to protect against the Delta variant, first identified in India and now dominant in the UK.
Scientists at the University of Oxford found levels of the virus could be just as high in people who get COVID despite having both jabs as in those who haven’t been vaccinated.
Newquay has highest Covid rates in England
Two of the three neighbourhoods with the highest Covid rates in England are in the same Cornish town
Mentally stimulating jobs could lower the risk of dementia, research says
Scientists looked at more than 100,000 participants in the UK, US, and Europe, examining the links between work-related factors and chronic disease, disability, and mortality.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
First phase of consultation shows strong support for Stockroom project
The first phase of public consultation on plans to deliver a ‘Learning and Discovery’ store, provisionally dubbed Stockroom, in the Merseyway shopping precinct have seen proposals secure strong public backing as a means to revitalise the town centre
The life sciences sector across Greater Manchester and Cheshire is to be given High Potential Opportunity (HPO) status by the Department for International Trade (DIT) following a successful bid by the region’s leaders
How will the city cope with the influx of residents set to arrive over the coming years?
The number of cranes scattered across Manchester’s skyline is a hotly-discussed topic, as is the ever-growing number of developments appearing that loom over the city.
Stockport restaurants and retailers make shortlist for Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards 2021
In the town centre, restaurant Where The Light Gets In, has been shortlisted for the Best Restaurant award, with chef-patron Sam Buckley also in the running for the Chef of the Year gong.
If you’re a SME in Greater Manchester, you may be eligible for a Department of Transport grant to support active travel for employees at your business. Grants can be used for interventions such as cycle parking, pool bikes and changing or storage solutions.
Stockport Tech-for-good developer partners partnered with the NHS.
The online platform, created by the Stockport-based developer, is designed to give staff improved opportunities for reporting experiences of discrimination, bullying, harassment and victimisation in the workplace.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
SUPPLY CHAIN & MANUFACTURING
Rocketing container costs threaten Christmas toy prices
A shortage of containers has resulted in container costs increasing ten-fold throughout the pandemic, with prices rising from $1,500 for a 40-ft container to $14,000-£18,000 per container, according to The Entertainer founder Gary Grant.
UK warehouse investment doubles as online sales cause surge in demand
Around 3.4 million square metres of warehousing space will be built in the UK in 2021 as companies struggle to fulfil an explosion in online orders.
New car registrations slow as shortages suppress growth
UK car buyers are turning to the used car market as the ongoing semiconductor shortage and ‘pingdemic’ hit automotive manufacturers.
60 manufacturing leaders have now received Made Smarter Leadership training
The fifth cohort of manufacturing business leaders and directors has completed a leadership training programme via the Made Smarter initiative to drive new technology uptake and productivity improvements in the North-west’s SME manufacturers.
BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE INSIGHTS
COVID-19: Implications for business – view from McKinsey
Latest perspectives on the coronavirus outbreak, the twin threats to lives and livelihoods, and how organisations can prepare for the next normal.
Top Businesswoman Inspiring Companies To ‘Build Back Better’
Award-winning businesswoman Jo Haigh has teamed up with leading education and training company In Professional Development to refocus the direction of organisations that have suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic.
SOCIAL, COMMUNITY & CARE:
Vulnerable children and young people survey
Summary of local authority survey in England to help understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on children’s social care.
Deadline looms for parents to update Child Benefit for 16 year olds
Families with children staying in full-time non-advanced education or approved training post 16 must inform HMRC by 31 August to receive Child Benefit.
Arrangements for visiting out of the care home
Sets out how care homes can support residents on visits outside of the care home.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Letter to the retail sector about taking action to fight climate change
UK Net Zero Business Champion Andrew Griffith MP has written to organisations in the retail sector about steps they can take to fight climate change.
Hydrogen power offers jobs boost, says government
Thousands of new jobs could be created by investing in low-carbon hydrogen fuel to power vehicles and heat homes, the government says.
UK government launches plan for a world-leading hydrogen economy
First-ever vision to kick start world-leading hydrogen economy set to support over 9,000 UK jobs and unlock £4 billion investment by 2030.
Green car technology boost as government grants £91.7m to decarbonisation projects
The government has today announced more than £90m of funding for projects aiming to develop new green automotive technologies. The funding, which comes through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), sees £91.7m contributed by the government and industries to support the development of low carbon technology.
RETAIL
Retail vacancy rates rise despite ease of Covid restrictions
New research has shown that retail vacancy rates rose in the last quarter despite the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
John Lewis launches ISAs to “generate revenue outside retail”
John Lewis has announced it is launching its first investment products to customers as it aims to diversify its revenue sources beyond retail.
Europe’s biggest shoe retailer Deichmann looks to expand in UK
Europe’s biggest shoe retailer Deichmann, with a store in Stockport, is looking to expand its UK footprint and believes it could double its estate of 109 stores as it takes aim to become the market leader in “family footwear”.
Hotter Shoes reports double hike in casual shoe sales
Hotter Shoes, available at Meeks in Stockport Town Centre, has reported that sales of casual shoes have nearly doubled during the pandemic with no signs of the trend slowing.
Adidas agrees 2.1bn Reebok sale
Adidas has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Reebok to Authentic Brands Group for a total consideration of up to €2.1bn (£1.8bn).
PROPERTY & CONSTRUCTION
BAM UK operations enjoy 40% revenue rebound
BAM’s UK construction and civils operations both recorded a 40% rebound in revenue during the first half of this year.
UK House Price Index for June 2021
The UK HPI shows house price changes for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Business rates plans will make appeals more onerous & expensive, experts warn
The government’s latest proposals for business rates reform will create more difficulties for retailers launching appeals than benefits, property consultants have warned.
Construction Materials Shortage Sees Materials Prices Rise 14% in a Year
The construction materials shortage is worsening and home improvers are feeling the pinch as prices soar.
EDUCATION
A level 2021: <1% of teacher grades changed by boards
1 in 5 schools had their teacher-assessed A-level grades reviewed by exam boards but few had to make adjustments as a result
GCSE results 2021: How were grades decided?
Teachers were given the responsibility to award grades after exams were cancelled for the second year in a row, because of the pandemic.
Air purifier and UV light pilot to combat school virus spread
Air purifiers and ultraviolet lights are to be tested in schools in a £1.75m trial aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19 in classrooms.
EVENTS, HOSPITALITY, CATERING
Boost for events industry as CMA to clamp down on illegal ticket resale
The return of live events is set to be supported by new measures to protect consumers from ticket reselling. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has set out several recommended changes to the law and existing system of regulation for the reselling of tickets for live events.
TRAVEL:
Latest travel restrictions
Latest interactive live travel map here
Foreign travel advice
Get advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.
Rail fares set for sharp increase as used car prices soar, new inflation data suggests
Rail fares look set for a sharp increase and second hand car prices are climbing at their steepest rate since 2010, new inflation data suggests.
Quarantine and testing if you’ve been in an amber list country
What to do before and after you arrive in England if you’ve been in an amber list country in the 10 days before you arrive – updated information about arrivals from France. The new rules will come into effect on 8 August.
Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel if you’ve been in a red list country
How to book a quarantine hotel and coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you’ve been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England – update to reflect an increase in quarantine hotel costs from 4am on 12 August.
Red, amber and green list rules for entering England
Countries rated as red, amber or green for coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rules you must follow to enter England. From 4am Sunday 8 August, the fully vaccinated amber rules will apply to France. At the same time, Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia will move to green list. Bahrain, India, Qatar and United Arab Emirates will move to amber list. Georgia, Mayotte, Mexico and Reunion will move to red list.
HAULAGE & TRANSPORT
DVSA to recruit an extra 40 additional vocational driving examiners to help reduce lorry driver shortage
Measures ramped up to maximise testing capacity, including consulting on plans to streamline process for drivers to obtain an HGV licence.
Safer transport guidance for operators and people who work in or from vehicles – Gov Update
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations, and people who work in or from vehicles, including couriers, mobile workers, lorry drivers, on-site transit and work vehicles.
Further drivers’ hours extension won’t fix driver shortage – but a package of short and long-term measures can
RHA Chief Executive, Richard Burnett said, “We reiterate that extending drivers’ hours can be counterproductive by making the job less attractive, especially at a time when firms are struggling to recruit and retain staff.
‘It will take at least 18 months to train100,000 HGV drivers’
RHA chief executive Richard Burnett has told Sky News that it will take at least 18 months to train enough HGV drivers to tackle the current shortage
HEALTHCARE
Digital transformation: Shaping the future of European healthcare
Over the past six months, the need to respond swiftly to the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of digital health technologies, but more remains to be done to ensure the equity and sustainability of healthcare. Download the Deloitte report.
BUSINESS:
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace
These guides cover a range of different types of work. You may need to use more than one of these guides as you think through what you need to do to keep people safe.
Employer Bulletin: August 2021
In this month’s edition of the Employer Bulletin there are important updates and information.
The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact On Employee Engagement
From concerns about burnout and isolation to virtual happy hours and team-building events, the pandemic flipped traditional employee engagement on its head. Listen to this podcast from Forrester research.
Managing staff mental health in a hybrid work environment
New data from LinkedIn found 38% of UK workers would prefer to work remotely full-time in the future, 49% prefer hybrid working, and only 12% want to work full-time in the office.
Help employers with the Kickstart Scheme (Kickstart gateway)
Information for Kickstart gateways on how to help employers with the Kickstart Scheme and how to add jobs or employers to the grant agreement – added callout about advertising vacancies to ‘Getting the young people into the jobs’ section and added a paragraph about the remittance advice gateways receive when they get the funding in the section ‘How you will get the funding’.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant
If you’re an employer looking to create jobs for young people, you can apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme – added callout about advertising vacancies yourself to ‘Getting the young people into the jobs’, added a paragraph about the remittance advice employers receive when they get the funding in the section ‘How you will get the funding’ and updated instructions for adding more jobs to the grant agreement following launch of online route for employers.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support – updated to reflect the introduction of daily contact testing for workplaces.
How is furlough changing and when will it end?
In July 2021 employers were required to pay 10% of salaries – with the government’s contribution falling to 70%. In August and September, the government’s contribution will reduce further: it will pay 60% and employers will pay 20% The monthly limit of £2,500 will stay in place, so workers will not notice the difference.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 29/07/2021
- Received: 2,911
- Processed: 2,911 (100%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £10,843,331
Restart Grants summary:
Grant allocation: £14,652,603
Number of businesses eligible: 1,845
Number received a grant: 1,799
Total value of payments made: £12,823,488
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.
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.
LATEST LINKS:
Stage four (19th July):
- 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
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April