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Businesses are invited to take part in a short 10-15 minute online survey to share their views on doing business in Stockport as part of the preparation for developing the borough’s Economic Plan. The survey will ask a few questions relating to best understand the nature of the different businesses operating in the borough. All responses will be treated as confidential and in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. Access the survey here.
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
Stockport Council launches new Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses facing continued challenges from impact of coronavirus
Stockport Council has opened applications for its Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, allowing businesses that remain negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic to access further financial support. The Additional Restrictions Grant supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. You can apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant if your trading levels continue to be negatively impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19). The ARG scheme will be regularly reviewed. The Council reserves the right to amend and/or extend the eligibility criteria, at any point to reflect the available funding remaining and / or further government restrictions being imposed. Any revisions will be incorporated into updated guidance held on the Council website.
Locality Boost Grant
The Council is also offering a further opportunity for businesses in local areas to access a Locality Boost Grant for their area if they did not do so in the first round of these grants. The Locality Boost Grant is for district centre trading associations or their equivalent. District centre trading associations can bid for your local area to run events to drive footfall that will support local businesses that are reopening. If the local area does not have a trading association that can lead the bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that area. They will then lead as the single point of contact for their area. Only one application for each local area will be accepted. Further information on the Locality Boost Grant and how to apply is available at this link Locality Boost Grant – Stockport Council”
UK STATISTICS
There have now been 9.7 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 143,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 50.5 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, nearly 88% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. About 80% have had their second and 24% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 9,721,916 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 46,807 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,174, 260 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 199
Total UK deaths: 143,559
England Cases per 100,000: 410
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,679,073 – 88% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 80%
Daily 1st doses: 33,092
Daily 2nd doses: 22,120
Daily Booster doses: 384,421
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 49,144 to 17 November
Cases in the latest week: 943, 40 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 776 to November 5th
Cases per 100,000: 321 per 100,000 week ending 13 November
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 84% of over 12s to 17 November
2nd dose: 77%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.8 to 1.0 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 12 November 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Key questions – mandatory Covid-19 vaccination, legal pitfalls and employee rights
The Government has announced mandatory Covid-19 vaccinations for frontline NHS staff in England, with a deadline of April 1 for both doses. Care home workers in England have already been told they must be fully vaccinated by the deadline of November 11. It would mean only those who are fully vaccinated, unless medically exempt, could be deployed to deliver health and care services. And those that don’t could be forced to take desk jobs instead. The Government has previously said all staff in registered care homes in England must be vaccinated against Covid-19 from November 11, unless medically exempt. Latest figures from NHS England show that almost a quarter (23.3%) of staff working in younger adult care homes and domiciliary care providers have not been reported as having had both jabs as of October 31. This is a total of 116,871 staff.
Covid case rates in England are now highest among children aged five to nine, latest weekly surveillance figures reveal.
The data, up to 14 November, shows this younger age group has overtaken older, secondary school aged children for the first time. In recent months, the 10 to 19 age group maintained the highest rate of infections per 100,000 tested. It is too soon to say what is behind the change and if it will continue. In recent weeks, children aged 12 and over have started being offered Covid jabs. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) report shows 723 cases recorded per 100,000 among children aged five to nine. That’s up week-on-week from 484.5 per 100,000. The rate for 10 to 19-year-olds is 694.2, up from 571.7.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
City-region announced as Making Cities Resilient 2030 Hub
Greater Manchester has been recognised as a ‘Resilience Hub’, along with Barcelona, Milan and Helsingborg in Sweden, for its policy and advocacy on climate and disaster risks. The cities were selected to serve three-year terms as part of the Making Cities Resilient 2030 initiative to inspire places around the world to become more resilient to disasters and enhance collaboration between cities around the world. The Resilience Hubs have been chosen as examples that have successfully developed local solutions to face potential disasters and support shared learning.
Stockport’s NK Theatre awarded £34,000 from third round of Culture Recovery Fund
More than £100 million has been awarded to hundreds of cultural organisations across the country including Stockport performing arts charity, NK Theatre Arts, in the latest round of support from the Culture RecoveryFund. NK is an all-inclusive Charity offering music, dance and drama training to children, young people and adults of various abilities and disabilities and from any status or culture. The third round of funding will support organisations from all corners of the sector as they deal with ongoing reopening challenges, ensuring they can thrive in better times ahead.
Vaccine clinics for 12–15-year-olds
New vaccination clinics allowing appointments to be booked for eligible 12-15 year olds in four Stockport sites have been announced by Stockport Council and Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). From Monday, 22 November, clinics will take place at four different locations with varying times:
- Monday, 22 November, at Stockport Citadel, Cheadle Heath, SK3 0JE from 4pm-8pm.
- Saturday, 27 November, at Westmorland Primary School, Brinnington, SK5 8HH from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
- Thursday, 9 December, at St Peters Church, Hazel Grove, SK7 4EA from 4pm to 8pm.
- Monday, 13 December, at Life Leisure Houldsworth, Reddish, SK5 7AT from 4pm to 8pm.
A walk-in vaccination centre in the One Stockport Hub in Merseyway also continues to vaccinate eligible 12-15 year olds from 10am to 3pm every Saturday until 18 December.
Plasma Clean aid gym’s post-Covid recovery
An infection prevention firm has supported MSA Stockport Muay Thai’s post-pandemic recovery, increasing the gym’s capacity and revenue by 200 per cent. During the lockdown restrictions, the Thai boxing provider saw class occupancy drop by 75 per cent on pre-pandemic levels, resulting in a significant loss in revenue. However via a government grant to support the implementation of infection control measures, Oldham-based Plasma Clean was approached by the business. It wanted Plasma Clean to implement solutions that would keep its members and staff safe, whilst increasing capacity in the gym. Products included Upper Room UV, which has a proven 99 per cent+ disinfection rate, including protection against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Making Tax Digital for VAT |
This webinar provides an overview of Making Tax Digital, including digital record keeping, compatible software, how to sign up and submitting VAT returns directly from the business. |
Register here |
You can also view short videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel including: |
• How to sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT? • Making Tax Digital for VAT – what is compatible software? • Keeping VAT records digitally |
Nationwide Building Society net income up to £17billion
Nationwide Building Society (NBS) has unveiled its half year report. According to NBS, underlying profit increased to £850m (H1 2020: £305m) and statutory profit increased to £853m (H1 2020: £361m). This was fueled by a growth in net interest income to £1,7bn (H1 2020: £1,448m), with higher margins on mortgages as NBS continued to lend in the early stages of the pandemic. The building society also lent over £5bn to first time buyers, supported by the new Helping Hand mortgage and return to 95 per cent loan to value lending. The finance provider also stated a net release of £34m of credit provisions (H1 2020: charge of £139m) as the economic outlook improved, while retaining provisions to reflect current uncertainty.
Begbies Traynor warn of rise in insolvencies
Begbies Traynor Group is anticipating an increase in businesses entering insolvency during the second half of its financial year. The Manchester-headquartered the business recovery, financial advisory and property services consultancy, made the statement as it revealed its performance during the six months to the end of October 2021. The listed company has reported a group revenue of c.£52m for the period, up from £37.5m, while its pre-tax profits increased from £5m to c.£8m.
How the Kickstart Scheme works
Find out how the Kickstart Scheme works and check if your organisation is eligible to apply.
Kickstart Scheme for gateways
Kickstart gateways are organisations that help employers get funding to create jobs for 16- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit – added deadlines for completing Kickstart Scheme tasks.
Manage your Kickstart Scheme funding
How employers will get the Kickstart Scheme funding and changes you need to tell us about – added deadlines for completing Kickstart Scheme tasks.
COMMUNITY:
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 19 November 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction materials cost increases to 40-year high
Industry analysts at the RICS owned organisation said that between January and September 2021 the greatest increases were seen for steel and timber with rises set to continue well into next year. James Fiske, Director of BCIS, said: “The cost of materials in constructing a 3-bedroom semi-detached hous has increased by 14% or approximately £7,300 between January and September 2021. It is expected to grow by further 1% or £600 by the end of this year.” Joe Martin, BCIS Lead Consultant added: “The pressure on materials prices and availability is expected to continue at least until the end of 2022. Labour shortages are expected to evolve as the significant driver for overall construction cost increases next year and the construction sector would need to compete for it with other sectors”.
For full details of the BCIS analysis click here.
EDUCATION:
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for schools and parents
COVID-19 vaccination guidance and resources for schools and parents – updated guidance for schools and guidance for parents.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: 19 November 2021
Estimates for?England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.?This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency and?Wellcome?Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse laboratory to collect and test samples.
NHS COVID Pass
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at events and venues in England.
From 19 November, you can see details of your COVID-19 booster vaccination in your NHS COVID Pass.
REACT-1 studies: monthly results
Monthly results for the REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission – added final results for October 2021.
COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers
Genomically confirmed case numbers for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing surveillance: Spotlights
Spotlight reports are part of the COVID-19: mental health and wellbeing surveillance report. They describe variation among the population.
Excess mortality in English regions
Excess mortality by English region – broken down by age, sex, upper tier local authority, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death.
RETAIL:
Early Christmas sales give retailers a boost
Early Christmas shopping helped to push up shop sales in October as people spent more on clothing and on toys. Sales rose by 0.8% in October, following no growth in September, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Clothing sales reached their highest level since the start of the pandemic, said the ONS.
It also said second-hand stores, like charity shops and auction houses, had seen sales rise. Sales in clothing stores were only 0.5% below pre-pandemic levels, “with some retailers suggesting that early Christmas trading had boosted sales,” the ONS said. Items that people were buying or pre-ordering earlier than usual for Christmas this year included toys and clothes, shoes and accessories.
TRANSPORT:
Transport social research and evaluation
Social research and evaluation reports, guidance and toolkits which help shape policy and operational delivery across the Department for Transport – research on the use of mobile phones while driving added.
TRAVEL:
Booster vaccinations to be added to NHS Covid Pass for travel
Travellers who have had a booster dose of a Covid jab in England will be able to prove their vaccination status using the NHS Covid Pass from midday.
It will enable quarantine-free travel to countries such as Israel, Croatia and Austria, which have a time limit for vaccination status to be valid. Third doses will not be added to the domestic pass as they are not currently needed to qualify as fully vaccinated. Last week booster jabs were extended to all over-40s in the UK.
Booster doses were initially offered to over-50s, front-line health and social care staff and people with health conditions that put them at greater risk from the virus.
More than 13 million booster jabs have been administered in the UK so far.
Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check what COVID-19 tests you need to take and the quarantine rules for travel to England – clarification about unclear or inconclusive test results.
Approved COVID-19 vaccines and countries and territories with approved proof of vaccination
Approved vaccines and list of countries and territories with approved COVID-19 proof of vaccination for travel to England – Belarus, Bolivia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, the Faroe Islands, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mozambique, Samoa, Senegal, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe will be added to the list of countries and territories with approved proof of vaccination for travel to England from 22 November.
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:
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.