UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 3,817,176 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 21,088 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 34,783 – 622 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 587
Total UK deaths: 106,158
England Cases per 100,000: 270
R number in UK: 0.7 – 1.1
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R range for the UK is 0.7 to 1.1 and the growth rate range is -5% to 0% per day as of 29 January 2021.
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 8,977,329 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 598,389
There have been more than 3.8 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 106,000 people have died, government figures show. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. Nearly nine million people – 8,977,329 – have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 17,396 to 31st January
Current cases: 752 (182 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 546 to January 15th
Cases per 100,000: 256 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.8 – 1.1
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to clarify the guidance on campaigning for electoral events.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
Every care home resident in England offered vaccine
Every eligible care home resident in England has had or been offered the coronavirus vaccine, the NHS has announced. Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as a “crucial milestone”. The UK target is to vaccinate all care home residents and carers, people over 70, and frontline care workers, by 15 February. On Saturday a record 598,389 first jabs were given across the UK. It means nearly nine million people have received the first dose, with about 490,000 having both.
Arcadia brands saved by ASOS
Online retailer ASOS has agreed to buy the Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge brands from Philip Green’s Arcadia group in a deal worth £295m. The deal does not include the bricks & mortar where £265m has been agreed for the brands and £30m for the remaining stock and puts around 2,500 jobs at risk. Fellow online fashion retailer Boohoo is believed to be in discussions for the Wallis and Dorothy Perkins brands.
Government to debate stamp duty holiday this afternoon
Today’s the day when Parliament debates a possible extension to the stamp duty holiday beyond its March 31 cliff edge deadline – but there’s a hardening of views amongst property experts that MPs will reject industry calls. The debate lasts 90 minutes beginning at 4.30pm and will focus on an online petition – now with well over 135,000 signatures – requesting a six month extension. There will be no vote but a government minister responds to the petition, indicating any policy change – or not.
Government’s multimillion-pound support scheme for airports
The Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme is now open to commercial airports and ground handlers who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
UK government secures additional 40 million doses of Valneva vaccine
Deal takes total number of Valneva vaccines to 100 million, to be manufactured in the UK in Scotland
Captain Sir Tom Moore admitted to hospital with Covid-19
NHS hero Captain Sir Tom Moore has been admitted to hospital to assist his breathing following pneumonia and testing positive for coronavirus. Sir Tom’s daughter Hannah said her 100-year-old father, who raised almost £33m for the NHS, was taken to Bedford Hospital after requiring help with his breathing
UK to support rest of the world to find COVID-19 virus variants
The UK will offer its world-leading genomics expertise to identify new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 to countries who do not have the resources to do so.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
An important message to businesses from Stockport’s Director for Public Health
Business owners and employers are working hard to keep their employees, staff and teams safe, helping to stop the spread of coronavirus in Stockport.
Jen Connolly, Director of Public Health for Stockport, is grateful for all the hard work being carried out but is reminding businesses of the importance in not letting standards slip:
“Rates of coronavirus are reducing, but slowly, and this is against the background of the presence of a new highly-transmissible virus variant. This means that the virus can spread more easily within settings where people still meet and work together. The vast majority of work settings have good rules and procedures in place for keeping everyone safe, but what matters is that people adhere to them at all times – now more than ever. It only takes a small transgression for the virus to spread. This is a matter of safety for our workforce and communities, as well as business continuity. Please:
1) revisit your safe working processes
2) reiterate their importance in the current situation with your teams
3) make sure you know how to respond if any staff or clients in your setting test positive.” Stockport Council has included advice on for businesses on best practice to minimise the risk of the spread of coronavirus in the workplace on its website.
Stockport NHS research supports effective new vaccine
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has welcomed news that the new Novavax vaccine has been found to be 89.3% effective at preventing Covid-19; the trust was the second largest contributor to trials in the UK, recruiting 762 participants. Dr David Baxter, Principal Investigator for the trial at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We in the Stockport vaccine team were delighted to read these results and see just how safe and effective this vaccine is in providing protection against COVID-19, including the UK variant. Staff from every speciality in the trust have stepped forward and delivered an excellent service on this. We have, in partnership with NHS colleagues from across Greater Manchester, put a great deal of time and effort into carrying the study and should feel very proud of the roles they have played in this significant development. As should the participants who have selflessly volunteered to be part of the study. Without their participation, none of this would have been possible.”
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Support Scheme for Stockport’s large strategic employers
26th January: Grants of up to £150,000 per business are available, with applications required by 28th February 2021. Businesses will be considered if they are based in Stockport with over 50 employees and have a strategic impact on the local economy (businesses with less than 50 employees will be considered in exceptional circumstances where there is exceptional contribution demonstrated to the economic vibrancy locally). Please consider the application guidance and check the eligibility criteria on the following web page: www.stockport.gov.uk/support-scheme-for-large-strategic-employers
Stockport Council expands eligibility for Discretionary Grant Schemes27th January: Stockport Council has announced it is expanding its discretionary grant schemes to support a greater range of businesses affected by the pandemic.
The support will see businesses outside of the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors become eligible for both the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme and the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses, affecting organisations that were impacted during the lockdown from 5th November to 2nd December, and subsequent periods of lockdown. Support will be backdated to the first date of eligibility. The discretionary schemes allow councils to support businesses that have missed out on other support as they do not have a business rates liability. Stockport Council is adding a number of sectors to those already eligible for the schemes. Details here To be eligible for the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme bus also meet specific criteria – details here Businesses will need to be able to demonstrate that they have fixed property costs and demonstrate a loss in income as a result of the pandemic. Some businesses have not been eligible to receive a grant, and this continues to be the case – find out more here
Please note: The Council has not yet received funding for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme for the period following the end of the lockdown on 2nd December 2020. Once confirmation of funding from central government has been received, Stockport Council will resume accepting applications and making payments. The Council is also working on ways to make repeat payments for eligible businesses to eliminate the need to reapply. If your business has already successfully applied and received payment for either of the discretionary grant schemes, please do not reapply for additional periods of restrictions as this may delay future identification and processing of repeat payments.
Further information on the schemes will be updated on the Stockport Council website.
Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown
There are a number of business grant schemes available that cover different periods of time and different situations, such as being under national lockdown.
Updated with info for businesses to check on eligibility etc. to the new grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-restrictions
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
It is anticipated that there will be a high volume of applications and contacts to be processed so it will not be possible for members of the team to respond to individual enquiries at this time.
BREXIT:
HMRC: Moving goods between the UK and EU
If you or your business move goods between Great Britain and countries in the EU, you’ll need to follow new customs and tax rules. We know this means change for many businesses, and HMRC is here to help you in several ways. You can:
- watch our videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel to familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU
- attend our webinars to find out what you need to do now to adjust to new rules and keep your business moving
- the trader checklist is also still available on GOV??????.UK to make sure you’re familiar with the new rules that affect you – use our updated guides to understand the new customs and VAT requirements when moving goods between Great Britain and EU countries.
- there’s also a series of webinars and videos from other government departments to support you
- you can also sign up to our weekly update ‘News and information about importing and exporting with the EU‘, that provide hints and tips for businesses like yours getting used to the new rules for importing and exporting.
Webinars to register for now:
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. Key processes include – zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register for 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 for import or export.
What are customs import declarations?:
If you import goods, you need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June?? ?2021. Our webinar helps you to understand more about them, including what’s needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, and delayed import declarations Please register for import.
Importing: What you need to know about Staged Controls:
This webinar takes 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.
Contact HMRC: If you’ve watched HMRC videos, or attended our webinars and feel you’d like more help with importing, exporting or customs reliefs use one of our contact options on GOV???.UK.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
How your trading conditions affect your eligibility for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Find out what we mean by reduced activity, capacity or demand or temporary closure and read examples of how this could affect your eligibility. Claims for the third grant have now closed. The last date for making a claim for the third grant was 29 January 2021. Details about the fourth grant will be announced on 3 March 2021.
Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant.
Claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) you may be eligible to claim the grant – claims for the third grant have now closed. The last date for making a claim for the third grant was 29 January 2021. Details about the fourth grant will be announced on 3 March 2021.
COMMUNITY:
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
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) asymptomatic testing for staff in primary schools and nurseries
Information on rapid asymptomatic coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for staff in primary schools, school-based nurseries and maintained nursery schools – added updated information about reporting delivery and test issues using the form, and contacting the helpline for the link which has been shared with primary schools, school-based nurseries, and maintained nursery schools, to access guidance and support materials.
Mass asymptomatic testing: schools and colleges
Find out how to administer testing which will begin in January 2021 – added updated information about reporting delivery and test issues using the form, and contacting the helpline for the link which has been shared with schools and colleges to access guidance and support materials.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Understanding lateral flow antigen testing for people without symptoms
An explanation of the technology behind asymptomatic testing and the role these tests play in the national COVID-19 testing programme – added a new section on pilots and evaluations.
Mental Capacity (Amendment) Act 2019: Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS)
Legislation and guidance on the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) and the latest information on progress towards their implementation – added link to ‘Summary of LPS National Steering Group meeting: December 2020’.
Instructions for COVID-19 self-test
Follow the instructions to understand how to safely test yourself for coronavirus (COVID-19) and report your result.
Janssen publishes positive safety and efficacy data for single-dose COVID-19 vaccine
Janssen today published positive data from the Phase 3 studies of its single-dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate, showing it to be 66% effective overall in preventing coronavirus in participants.
COVID-19: guidance for ambulance services
This guidance is for suspected cases of COVID-19 where an emergency ambulance response is required.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes
How to protect care home residents and staff during the coronavirus outbreak – updated sections on ‘Testing staff and residents in care homes’ in reference to staff testing and special arrangements for people who work in the NHS, Annex B on the definition of ‘contacts’ and Annex F to reflect the extension of free PPE until the end of June 2021.
Vaccine Deployment Minister and Mayor of London collaborate to share benefits of vaccine uptake
Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi and the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan discuss the importance trustworthy sources of information on the COVID-19 vaccine.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Eat Out to Help Out statistics – geographic breakdown
Eat Out to Help Out scheme statistics generated from HMRC claims data.
These figures show local authority and parliamentary constituency data for the UK, with separate insets showing London and Orkney & Shetland Islands.
JUDICIARY:
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 – update for week commencing Monday 1 February 2021 published.
HMCTS online event, 21 January 2021: Court safety for legal professionals
This event provides information on the arrangements in place at courts and tribunals to meet the Government’s COVID-secure requirements and Public Health guidelines.
Questions and answers published.
How HMRC works out trading profits and non-trading income for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Find out how HMRC will work out your trading profits and non-trading income if you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) – claims for the third grant have now closed. The last date for making a claim for the third grant was 29 January 2021. Details about the fourth grant will be announced on 3 March 2021.
MoD:
COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities.
PROPERTY:
Renters more likely than ever to remain in lettings sector
New research suggests even those renters who want to be owner occupiers are likely to remain in the lettings sector in the foreseeable future. The study by mortgage lender Vida says that two-thirds of Britain’s renting population aspire to own their own home, but a fifth of those find it harder than before to step onto the housing ladder because of Covid-19. The figures include a fifth of key workers that rent, who are now having to reconsider their plans to buy. More than a quarter of renters who have had to push back their hopes to buy say the virus has caused a fall in income which has made buying less likely.
RETAIL:
Arcadia brands saved by ASOS
Online retailer ASOS has agreed to buy the Topshop, Topman and Miss Selfridge brands from Philip Green’s Arcadia group in a deal worth £295m.
TRANSPORT:
Applying for COVID-19 airport and ground operations funding
Information on applying for COVID-19 funding support for commercial airports and ground handlers in England.
TRAVEL:
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
UK government announced new rules on 27 January for outbound and inbound passengers. Under current UK COVID-19 restrictions, you must stay at home. You must not travel, including abroad, unless you have a legally permitted reason to do so. It is illegal to travel abroad for holidays and other leisure purposes.
Ryanair boss forecasts strong return this summer
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair said he was optimistic that European holidays would be back on the agenda this summer, thanks to the vaccination programme. Mr O’Leary also admitted that the company was in the middle of a challenging year: in August 2019 the airline carried 31 million passengers but that figure dropped to just 7 million in August 2020. Ryanair have ordered 25 new aircraft and will expand its schedule to include routes left vacant by airlines no longer trading.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time to view webinar
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Brexit Webinars:
Business Growth Hub webinars – click on the links to register your interest:
The Business Growth Hub webinars are designed to help businesses navigate through the new legislation, rules and procedures brought about by Brexit
EU Exit Webinar New rules and procedures for EU Trade (Importing & Exporting)- Focusing on Goods
Date: 14th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar Regulation & Compliance
Date: 20th January 2021, 2:00pm -4:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – Food & Drink Labelling
Date: 26th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – New rules and procedures for EU Trade- focusing on services
Date: 27th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
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.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert level: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
New opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
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