Help Stockport Council to improve the support they give to employers
Stockport Council is working with researchers at the Behavioural Insights Team to better understand the needs of employers to support youth employment. We will use your feedback to improve our services. Please click the button below to take part in the survey. The survey takes no more than 5 minutes. Take the survey here
Stockport saw a surge in unemployment figures for young people 16-25 years old in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Stockport Council is already working with young people to get them ‘work ready.’ This research explores ways to increase the number of paid work placements for young people in Stockport. We will use your feedback to improve the support we give to employers.
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).
ARG Grant data as at 26/11/2021:
Applications received: 221
Applications allocated: 24%
Value of Grants issued: £174,500
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”
Locality Boost Grant data as at 26/11/2021:
Applications received: 17
Applications processed / in process: 100%
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been more than 10 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly nearly 145,000 people have died, government figures show. Nearly 51 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 89% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 81% have had their second and 31% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 10,228,772 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 39,716 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,631, 221 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 159
Total UK deaths: 144,969
England Cases per 100,000: 447
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,963,718 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 81%
Daily 1st doses: 22,391
Daily 2nd doses: 26,092
Daily Booster doses: 318,671
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 51,032 to 30 November
Cases in the latest week: 1,119, 117 more than previous week
Total deaths: 791 to November 19th
Cases per 100,000: 388 per 100,000 week ending 30 November
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 84% of over 12s to 28 November
2nd dose: 77%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 26 November 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
TSB closing 70 branches affecting 150 jobs
TSB has confirmed plans to close 70 branches across the UK next year in a move which will affect 150 jobs. It said the closures are in response to falling branch use and an increase in customers using digital services. They will take place between April and June 2022. Affected staff are to be offered alternative roles at the company. The bank closed 164branches last year
UK Inflation: Rising costs could push family spending up £1,700 per year
A typical UK family will spend £1,700 more per year on household costs in 2022, according to a forecast for BBC Panorama. The analysis, conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), projected the inflation rate would rise to 4.6% by Christmas. This rise is mainly due to higher fuel and energy prices.
Analysts say the full extent of rising costs is not yet being passed on to customers by supermarkets. They say supermarkets are trying to keep prices constant over the festive period, even if this means absorbing some of the costs, because they don’t want to risk losing customers at their busiest time of the year. Compared with December 2020, the typical UK family of two adults and two children is predicted to spend £33.60 more per week, due to inflation, adding up to £1,700 per year.
All adults to be offered COVID-19 boosters by end of January
Almost 7 million extra over 40s now eligible for booster programme in England as gap between doses is halved
PM urges best defence against omicron is vaccination and boosters
“Right now, our single best defence against Omicron, is to get vaccinated and get boosted.” In addition to offering a second dose to all 12 to 15 year olds, boosters will be offered to everyone over 18; the minimum gap between a second dose and a booster has been halved from six months to three months – over 14 million more adults will be offered a booster in England by the end of January. The NHS will contact people in turn, moving down the cohorts with more than 1,500 community pharmacy sites vaccinating people. At least 400 military personnel will assist the efforts of our NHS alongside volunteers.
Health and Social Care Secretary statement 30 November
The government held a COVID-19 press conference, during which the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care delivered a statement on booster rollout.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Growth Hub launches service to help businesses with new Clean Air Zone
The GC Business Growth Hub, part of the Growth Company, has launched a new support service to help businesses and self-employed people understand their options for complying with Clean Air Zone rules that will come into effect from 30 May 2022. The hub has set up a dedicated enquiry team to help businesses, sole traders and self-employed people in Greater Manchester understand the new rules. Advisors will provide details of vehicle compliance, and share guidance as to how organisations and individuals can adapt their services to minimise any financial impact from the Clean Air Zone.
GMCA urge businesses to offer T Level placements after thumbs up from students
Young people in Greater Manchester have praised their experience of new T Level qualifications for how they have helped them gain relevant work experience while they learn. T Levels were first introduced in 2020 as two-year technical education courses for 16-19 year olds as an alternative to pursuing more academic A Levels after GCSEs. The programmes have been developed closely with employers to ensure that students’ learning is good preparation for the workplace.
Complete the Small Business Survey for a chance to win £250 of chocolate!
Small businesses in Stockport are being invited to share their experiences of trading in 202 and contribute to a report detailing how smaller firms have come through the pandemic and started to rebuild. The Small Business Britain Recovery Survey 2021 is being run by Small Business Saturday, a movement to support small, independent organisations across the country, and will help reveal the real role of SMEs in our communities and the economy. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and everyone who contributes will be in with the chance to win £250 of chocolate from artisan chocolatier The Chocolate Cellar on the Wirral, just in time for Christmas.
Small Business Saturday takes place on 4th December – Find out all the ways you can get involved on Small Business Saturday website. This year HubSpot are supporting Small Business Saturday – to aid in helping as many businesses as possible to achieve their dreams and accelerate businesses growth. To do this, they have created a one-stop shop for everything small businesses to get your business online. In Essential Resources to Digitalise your Business, you can access 15+ resources to aid in growing your marketing, sales and customer service efforts, all for free.
Are you a big business and interested in supporting Small Business Saturday? If so, please do get in touch.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS & ECONOMY:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace – shops, branches, and close contact services – Information added on new measures introduced in response to the Omicron variant. See ‘What’s changed’ for details.
Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Return to your claim for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
You can no longer update your bank details in the online service.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: booster dose resources
Information on the booster dose for eligible individuals – added COVID-19 vaccination: a guide to booster vaccination for individuals aged 18 years and over.
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic – information box added on new measures (face coverings, self-isolation and testing after international travel) because of the Omicron variant. Face coverings are legally required indoors in shops, personal care services and public transport in England, from 4am Tuesday 30 November. Further information on these measures will be added shortly.
Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home – updated to reflect new rules in response to Omicron variant.
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 – updated the general list of providers.
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make one
This page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) workforce fund for colleges
Funding to support colleges and special post-16 institutions with the costs of staff absences from 22 November to 31 December 2021 – updated guidance following the reintroduction of the COVID-19 workforce fund for colleges.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) workforce fund for schools
Funding to support schools facing significant staff absences and financial pressures with the costs of staff cover for the period from 22 November to 31 December 2021 – updated guidance following the re-introduction of the coronavirus (COVID-19) workforce fund.
Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice
Mandatory guidance on the criteria that organisations must meet to provide initial teacher training (ITT) until 31 August 2024.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 variants identified in the UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK.
COVID-19: guidance for ambulance services
This guidance is for ambulance sector settings to use in preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other seasonal respiratory infections during winter 2021 to 2022 – title updated to reflect IPC advice for seasonal respiratory infections including COVID-19.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19 – updated guidance for people identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Includes updated advice on PCR testing.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19 business grant funding schemes: guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authorities on paying grants to support businesses during national lockdown periods and periods of local restrictions – published guidance on assurance and debt recovery, returning reclaimed grants and referring outstanding debts to the government.
MANUFACTURING:
Unclear outlook for Hornby as Christmas looms
Model railway company Hornby believes it is “as well placed as we can be” but admits that it is “hard to tell” what the outcome will be for its full-year results.
The company was looking ahead on the back of reporting its half-year results, with revenue for the six months to 30 September 2021 up from £21.1m to £21.8m. However, it slipped from a statutory pre-tax profit of £17,000 to a loss of £700,000. Hornby noted that it had been a challenging time, with Covid-19’s economic fallout impacting its supply chain costs. It also experienced delays and difficulties in shipments to the EU during Q1. While it stabilised as systems and processes improved, the model railway specialist is anticipating challenges ahead, albeit “nothing like we experienced in the first months of this year”.
PROPERTY:
Understanding the possession action process: guidance for landlords and tenants
Guidance for landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors to explain the possession action process in the county courts in England and Wales – updated to reflect changes to the court process for possession introduced by the judiciary relating to COVID-19 case marking, review appointments and priority cases.
RETAIL:
Downing Street hosts Christmas Market to boost F&D sectors
The UK Prime Minister has hosted a festive food and drink market at Downing Street today to showcase British businesses. He was joined by Cabinet Ministers including, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, Food and Agriculture Secretary George Eustice, Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan as well as Minister for Exports Mike Freer to support businesses who are seizing opportunities for growth by exporting their goods internationally. Twelve businesses held market stalls in Downing Street to showcase their products including Snowdonia Cheese, a Welsh cheese company; Tayto, a Northern Irish snack company; Loch Fyne Oysters, a Scottish seafood company; and Montezuma’s, an English chocolate company. Those invited to the event also include the co-founder of Fever-Tree Drinks, the soft drinks company established in 2004. The firm now exports to over 80 countries worldwide and selling more than 500 million bottles in 2020.
SPORT & LEISURE:
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for elite sport
This guidance sets out information for elite sport organisations on how to reduce the risk from COVID-19. This includes guidance on domestic and cross-border competitions – information box added on new measures (face coverings, self-isolation and testing after international travel) because of the Omicron variant. Face coverings are legally required indoors in shops, personal care services and public transport in England, from 4am Tuesday 30 November. Further information on these measures will be added shortly.
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for grassroots sport participants, providers and facility operators
This guidance sets out information for the public and sport providers on how to organise and participate in grassroots sport and physical activity as safely as possible.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
TRAVEL:
Omicron: What are the new Covid rules for travelling to the UK?
New rules around international travel follows concerns about the newly identified Omicron variant of Covid, which has also led to quarantine being reintroduced for travellers from some African countries.
- Every traveller entering the UK now needs to take a PCR test within 48 hours of arrival
- If you are entering the UK from a foreign country (apart from Ireland), you have two days to take a PCR test – a lateral flow test will no longer be accepted
- The PCR test must be booked before you travel and bought privately from a government-approved list of providers. Free NHS tests are not valid for this purpose
- While you are waiting for a result, you must self-isolate – whether or not you have been vaccinated. You can stop self-isolating if your test is negative.
- Ten southern African countries have been added to the UK’s travel red list, because of fears about Omicron
- These are South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini Angola, Namibia, Mozambique and Zambia.
- The only people allowed to enter the UK from these countries are UK or Irish nations, or UK residents.
- All contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be required to self-isolate for 10 days, regardless of a person’s vaccination status
- They will have to pay for and self-isolate in a pre-booked government-approved hotel for 10 days
- Rates are:
- 10 days (11-nights) for one adult – £2,285
- Additional adult (or child over 11) – £1,430
- Children aged five to 11 – £325
Covid-19 Webinars:
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
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.
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