As Stockport’s business community prepares for recovery post-coronavirus, a group of business leaders from the town have collaborated with Stockport Council to launch a new website – www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.
Latest data:
Total tests: 4,285,738 UK tests have been carried out (+ 115,725)
Positive tests: 274,762have tested positive – (+ 1,936 on previous day)
In hospital: 7,639 people are in hospital in the UK: (-15%)
Loss of life: 38,489 across all settings, (+ 113 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,048 (up from 1,044)
Latest Government news and briefing:
Friday 29th May – Rishi Sunak:
- Changes to the furlough scheme including asking for employer contributions from 1st August
- September – government will reduce its contribution to 70%
- October – government reduces contribution to 60% and closure by end October
- 1st July – flexibility introduced to the furlough scheme enabling staff to return on a part-time basis
- The old scheme will close on 30th June; new employees entering furlough must do so by 10th June in order to qualify
- 2.3m self-employed – extension to the scheme with 2nd application opening in August for a final grant payment – 70% of 3 month’s average pay to a total of £6,570
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 29 May 2020
Saturday 30th May – Oliver Dowden – Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary:
- Competitive sport to return behind closed doors from Monday 1st June if safe to do so
- Football, tennis, horse racing, Formula One, cricket, golf, rugby and snooker will return to TV screens from next week
- Screening process for coronavirus symptoms at all venues, one-way system, minimal use of changing facilities
- A third of football matches to finish the season will be free to air with live premier league football on the BBC
- Financial benefits should be shared with lower clubs
- From 1st June, up to 6 people from different households can meet for exercise but they must remain 2 metres apart
Read Oliver Dowden’s full statement
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 30 May 2020
Sunday 31st May – Robert Jenrick -Communities Secretary
- From Monday 1st June, guidelines for shielded eased in England & Wales
- Next review will be on 15th June and shielded may be lifted further from end June
- Rough sleeping: Since the lockdown was introduced, accommodation hyas been provided for over 90% of rough sleepers
- Aim to keep as many from returning to sleeping rough
- £433m to be invested in new accommodation including 6,000 new supported homes
- 3,300 will be provided over the next 12 months plus support staff – £160m
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 31 May 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Dr Jenny Harries
Dame Louise Casey’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 31 May 2020
Statement from Dame Louise Casey, the Prime Minister’s advisor on rough sleeping, on the efforts to support rough sleepers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK.
UK HEADLINES:
Many changes are being introduced today, 1st June including:
- Easing of lockdown for households including for the shielded
- Some non-essential retailers are allowed to re-open, including outdoor markets and car showrooms
- Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils are allowed to return to their primary school
- Extension of the mortgage holiday by 3 months
- Introduction of a new Flexible Furlough Scheme will be introduced with the present scheme ending on 30th June, registrations by June 10th
- Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme is now live
- Self Employed Income Support Scheme extended for 3 months
- Some competitive sports will begin this week, including horse racing and football, behind closed doors and following strict guidelines
Lockdown measures eased across England for everyone from today – 1st June
From today, groups of up to six people from outside one household can meet in private gardens for chats and barbecues provided those from different households stay two metres apart. But they would not be allowed to stay overnight, or go indoors other than to gain access to a garden, the PM said. Until now, families and friendship groups have only been able to meet with one other person outside their household, in public spaces such as parks, while obeying the two-metre rule.
Lockdown restrictions eased for shielded
2 million shielded may leave their home from 1st June accompanied by one other person from their household or if they live alone with one other person Vulnerable people in England who have been asked to remain at home since the coronavirus lockdown began will be able to go outdoors again from today. Those with families will be able to go out once a day with members of their household. People living alone can meet one other person from another household while maintaining social distancing.
Chancellor announces flexible furloughing and key dates
From 1?? July 2020, employers will have the flexibility to bring previously furloughed employees back to work part-time – with the government continuing to pay 80% of wages for any of their normal hours they do not work up until the end of August.
Employer contributions
From August, the government grant provided through the job retention scheme will be slowly tapered.
- in June and July, the government will pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 as well as employer National Insurance (ER NICs) and pension contributions for the hours the employee doesn’t work – employers will have to pay employees for the hours they work
- in August, the government will continue to pay 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500 but employers will pay ER NICs and pension contributions – for the average claim, this represents 5% of the gross employment costs that they would have incurred if the employee had not been furloughed
- in September, the government will pay 70% of wages up to a cap of £2,187.50 for the hours the employee does not work – employers will pay ER NICs, pension contributions and 10% of wages to make up 80% of the total up to a cap of £2,500
- in October, the government will pay 60% of wages up to a cap of £1,875 for the hours the employee does not work – employers will pay ER NICs, pension contributions and 20% of wages to make up 80% of the total up to a cap of £2,500
- the cap on the furlough grant will be proportional to the hours not worked.
Important dates
It’s important to note that the scheme will close to new entrants from 30?? June. From this point onwards, you will only be able to furlough employees that you have furloughed for a full three-week period prior to 30?? June.
This means that the final date that you can furlough an employee for the first time will be 10?? June for the current three-week furlough period to be completed by 30?? June. Employers will have until 31?? July to make any claims in respect of the period to 30?? June.
The Department for Health & Social Care has announced a £5m fund towards mental health projects
Voluntary organisations from across the country – such as local Mind organisations, Ambitious about Autism, Support After Rape and Sexual Violence, LGBT Foundation and Campaign Against Living Miserably – will receive a financial boost to expand their existing support services. This fund is administered by Mind as part of the Mental Health Consortia, made up of Mind, the Association of Mental Health Providers, Centre for Mental Health, Mental Health Foundation, the National Survivor User Network and Rethink Mental Illness.
A working group has been established by the government with the commercial rental sector to develop a code which encourages fair and transparent discussions between landlords and tenants over rental payments during the coronavirus pandemic and guidance on rent arrear payments and treatment of sub-letter and suppliers. This will enable collaboration and cooperation within the sector and help ensure no one part of the chain shoulders the full burden of payment.
Action taken to halt sales of finger-prick coronavirus (COVID-19) antibody testing kits
The MHRA is asking providers of laboratory-based COVID-19 antibody testing services using capillary blood collected by a finger-prick, to temporarily stop providing this service until home collection of this sample type has been properly assessed and validated for use with these laboratory tests. This does not affect rapid, point of care tests or laboratory tests performed using blood taken from the vein.
That will only be the case in England and Northern Ireland however, since the lockdown hasn’t been eased to the same level in Wales and Scotland. The new booking system for these venues will be put in place on the 29 May to help people organise their visits.
Coronavirus Act report: May 2020
The first two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Could opportunities open up for Northern businesses in wake of Covid-19?
Northern businesses are in position to take advantage of a number of potential opportunities post Covid-19, according to law firm Fieldfisher. They suggested that a relocation of business and talent away from London and the South East could take place, as largely office-bound working practices cease to be practical or desirable for employers and staff. Northern town centres and high streets could be reinvigorated with new types of business, as lockdown accelerates the shift from “bricks to clicks” in the retail and services sectors. Increased investment in digital connectivity, including fibre to the premises as part of the nationwide roll-out of 5G, would support the further modernisation of the northern economy.
A new Mayor for Stockport for 2020/21
At Stockport Council’s first ‘virtual’ Annual Council Meeting held on 26 May 2020, the Council elected Councillor Dean Fitzpatrick as the Mayor of Stockport for 2020/21. Miss Joanne Fitzpatrick will be the Mayoress. Reverend Will Rubie, congregation minister at St. Martin’s Church, Heaton Norris, will act as the Mayor’s Chaplain and the Mayor’s charity for the year will be Beacon Counselling in Stockport. Councillor Chris Gordon was appointed the Deputy Mayor and Dr. Margaret Gordon will be the Deputy Mayoress.
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. Read the latest update and link to FAQs HERE In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the scheme or the process, please email SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk
The application window will close on Wednesday 3rd June at 5pm. Process of payments will begin on Friday 5th June.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Stockport Council have administered a further 9 grants since Friday bringing the total amount paid to £56,970,000 across 4,953 qualifying businesses and bringing the total now to over 90% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020.
If your business qualifies for a grant, please complete the online application form. Total grant allocation is £66.574m. If you have any queries please email business.rates@stockport.gov.uk
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’?
Many businesses have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and are currently unable to trade due to Government restrictions but Stockport is still open for business. Are you still providing legal / financial services? Perhaps you have an online business? Or you have a food store. Are you offering a delivery service? Or perhaps you have a restaurant and are now offering take-aways? Whatever your business, we want to support you. And it’s free! Follow the link, fill in the form and we will add you to our directory:
AGRICULTURE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
Update to Latest News with farm visits and inspections starting week commencing 1 June.
COMMUNITY:
Groups of up to six from different households can exercise outside under new rules
People will be able to exercise outside with up to five others from different households from today, June 1st, provided that strict social distancing guidelines are followed.
Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Funding updates made to news of the government’s pledge of £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts.
£5 million funding given to mental health community projects
Community projects supporting people with their mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will benefit from their share of £5 million of additional funding.
Policing, protest and changes to COVID-19 control measures in the UK, 4 May 2020
Paper by the Security and Policing sub-group of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) / Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B).
SPI-B: The use of facemasks in a community setting, 20 April 2020
Return by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) on the use of facemasks in a community setting.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Updated frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak to include new guidance.
Coronavirus – guidance on accessing green spaces safely
Updated the guidance on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others to reflect that in England you can leave your home to exercise and spend time outdoors for recreation with your household or in groups of up to six people from outside your household.
CONSTRUCTION:
Industry leaders draw up roadmap to recovery
The Construction Leadership Council argues that within two years construction could bounce back from the Covid-19 lockdown as a more professional, productive and profitable industry. But chiefs also warn the Government that failure to stimulate demand risks construction sliding into a perilous longer-term recession that further erodes the skills base leaving the industry smaller and weaker.
EDUCATION:
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Updated guidance for further education (FE) providers on maintaining education and skills training, changes to funding arrangements, data collections and assessment – further information to plan for wider opening, including clarification on the total proportion of learners from eligible cohorts that should be in education settings at any one time.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tier 4 sponsors, migrants and short-term students
Guidance for Tier 4 sponsors, migrants and short-term students on temporary concessions in response to the outbreak of coronavirus –
added information on the extension of concessions from 31 May 2020 to 31 July 2020, updated list of NHS professions in which Tier 4 students can work full-time, as well as other extensions and concessions.
New guidance issued for further education and skills providers on return of students
On 24 May the Prime Minister announced that secondary schools could provide some contact for Year 10 and Year 12 students to help them prepare for exams next year, with a quarter of these students in at any point. For further education (FE) settings (including general further education colleges, sixth form colleges, and other providers) the equivalent approach applies and FE settings should plan on the basis that from the week commencing 15 June, they can broaden the number of 16 to 19 learners (equivalent to Y10/Y12 in schools and sixth forms) attending on site delivery. Remote education should remain the predominant mode of learning during this time. To help reduce the coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission risk, the number of learners attending at any one time will be limited to a quarter of those on the first year of a two-year 16 to 19 study programme.
Protection of the public’s health and the most vulnerable must be an ‘absolute priority’ as lockdown eases, says BMA
“The protection of the public’s health must be the absolute priority in easing lockdown with a health-driven strategy that does not result in the spread of infection or risk a spike in cases. “Given what we now know about who is the most susceptible to Covid-19, it is crucial that this strategy adequately protects the most vulnerable and at-risk in society and that the public adheres to the new social distancing measures. “The new test and trace system is central to the easing of lockdown and as such, the Government must ensure that it has the capacity to meet demand. Additionally, local authorities and PHE units, many of whom are already overwhelmed, must have the resources and ability to respond to Covid-19 outbreaks at a local level in an agile and effective way.”
Modification notice: education health and care plans legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a second notice to modify the duty relating to education, health and care (EHC) plans during the coronavirus outbreak.
School attendance: guidance for schools
Updated guidance to 30 June 2020 on using pupil registers and attendance codes, as well as setting school hours and term dates.
Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020
Next steps for the phased wider opening of educational and childcare settings updated to reflect the announcement by the Prime Minister that the government’s 5 tests have been met and the decision, based on all the evidence, to move forward with wider opening of education and childcare settings.
Critical workers who can access schools or educational settings
List of critical workers (key workers) who can send their children to school or other educational settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – guidance updated to reflect the announcement by the Prime Minister that the government’s 5 tests have been met and the decision, based on all the evidence, to move forward with the wider opening of education and childcare settings.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to your employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
How to use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
The LGA has called for a package of measures to be put in place to address funding pressures and provide the certainty councils need to keep responding fully to the COVID-19 emergency.
The Government has provided £3.2 billion of vital non-ringfenced emergency COVID-19 funding for councils to spend on local pressures and priorities. The Local Government Association says this has met cost pressures and lost income in the past three months but it says councils now need clarity about when they will receive further funding to help communities through this crisis and beyond.
Lenders approve almost 1.5 million payment holidays on credit cards and personal loans
As of 21 May, 877,800 customer accounts had been given a payment freeze on their credit card. This is an increase of over a quarter (26 per cent) since the start of the month, as lenders continue to provide support to those customers with temporary financial pressures due to Covid-19. UK Finance members have also provided almost 608,000 payment holidays on personal loans – up by 30 per cent since the start of the month – giving financial relief to those customers affected by the pandemic.
BSI publishes UK safe Working guidelines
The guidelines are intended to become a consensus of good practice and BSI encourages the business community and members of the public to have their say and share their learnings and insight on safe working to help protect public health.
Version 1 of the guidelines is available for immediate use. It provides a framework for business owners, senior leaders, managers and workers to protect people at work from the ongoing risks related to the coronavirus.
Comments are invited on Version 1 until 12 June by following two simple steps
SAGE minutes: Coronavirus (COVID-19) response, 3 February 2020
Record of the discussion that took place at SAGE’s third meeting
EXPORT:
Exporting personal protective equipment during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out about the changes if you are exporting personal protective equipment (PPE) during the coronavirus pandemic.
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
UK reaches 200,000 coronavirus testing capacity target a day early
Following the rapid expansion of coronavirus testing, the UK reached the 200,000 capacity target on Saturday 30 May, including capacity for 40,000 antibody tests a day
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers. In the ‘For industry and manufacturers’ section: added new content on performance evaluation process for test kits, re-worded the description of the TTP and re-worded the list of information to send for a device exemption application.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): looking after people who lack mental capacity
Guidance for health and social care staff who are caring for, or treating, a person who lacks the relevant mental capacity. Updates have been made to the main guidance attachment, in particular to the ‘Emergency public health powers’ section. The format of the attachment has also been changed to ensure it’s accessible. 3 new attachments have been added to the page: additional guidance, annex A and an easy read.
Exemptions from Devices regulations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How to get fast-track approval of medical devices during COVID-19 – updated the list of information we require for an exemption application
COVID-19: laboratory evaluations of serological assays
PHE has undertaken a number of rapid evaluations of commercial serological assays for their suitability for detecting the production of COVID-19 antibodies – added Evaluation of the Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Vitros Immunodiagnostic document.
COVID-19: guidance for sampling and for diagnostic laboratories
Updated ‘COVID-19: sampling and packaging poster’ to information for clinical diagnostic laboratories regarding safety, sampling and packaging specimens associated with COVID-19.
Action taken to halt sales of fingerprick coronavirus (COVID-19) antibody testing kits
Anyone supplying these types of tests should temporarily stop this service.
SPI-B: Symptom-based contact tracing in comparison to test-based approaches – note, 29 April 2020
Briefing note prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Behaviours (SPI-B) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
Added link to ‘COVID-19: information on stopping drinking for people dependent on alcohol’ to COVID-19 guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol
Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
The national and global response to the spread of COVID-19 continues to develop quickly and our collective knowledge of the virus is growing by the second. We have updated the list of evidence with SAGE meeting minutes and a further 16 supporting papers.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Updated information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
Chief Scientific Adviser’s Sunday Telegraph article: 31 May 2020
Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance explains the scientific advice being given to the government and the lessons learned.
Public Health England response to Sunday Telegraph coverage
Public Health England’s (PHE’s) response to coverage and a leader column in the Sunday Telegraph on 31 May 2020.
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 in light of the test and trace guidance and added guidance for risk assessment of staff in the event of PPE breaches.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – updated guidance in line with changes to the regulations which come into force on 1 June 2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested. Two documents have been replaced with updated versions to reflect the new courier collection process for care homes: ‘guidance pack for care home managers on non-Randox test kits (e.g. Kingfisher)’ and ‘guidance pack for care home managers on Randox kits’.
HEALTH & SAFETY:
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives – updated to reflect new guidance.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Link added to NHS testing and tracing for coronavirus to frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak.
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
Addition of link to NHS Testing and Tracing added to the most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.
Staying safe outside your home
Link added to NHS Test and Trace for coronavirus to the principles you should follow to ensure that time spent outside your home is as safe as possible.
No parent should worry about a child getting an avoidable disease
The following opinion piece was written by Melanie Robinson, UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe and published in the local private-owned Sunday newspaper – The Standard.
JUDICIARY:
Video enabled criminal hearings: guidance for defence practitioners
Guidance for defence practitioners when participating in video enabled criminal hearings.
LOCAL COUNCIL INFORMATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links: Announcement: Government launches NHS test and trace service; and Guidance: How NHS test and trace works
MANUFACTURING:
Task Force vital to retain key talent for future demand
Britain’s manufacturers are calling for the establishment of a National Skills Task Force as companies are bracing themselves to have to make substantial redundancies as the rate of decline in orders accelerates and pessimism about a return to normal trading within the next year has grown according to a survey released today. In response, Make UK is calling for the establishment of a Task Force which would have the objective of retaining key skills within industry by re-deploying employees who have lost their jobs to other companies and enabling them to be re-trained. A smaller such scheme was set up after the Financial Crisis but Make UK believes there is now a case to establish a much bigger scale project on a national basis.
PROPERTY:
Homeowners struggling to pay their mortgage due to Coronavirus will be able to extend their mortgage payment holiday for a further three months
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published new draft guidance today for lenders which will set out the expectations for firms and the options available to their customers. This includes extending the application period for a mortgage holiday until 31 October so customers that have not yet had a payment holiday and are experiencing financial difficulty will be able to request one. The current lender ban on repossessions of homes will be continued to the same date.
Property market back with a bang as Rightmove records busiest ever day
Since being allowed to officially reopen on May 13, the property market has returned with a bang, according to Rightmove. The property portal reports that last Wednesday, May 27, it recorded its busiest day, with over six million visits – up 18% on the same Wednesday in 2019. It says that eager property searchers are starting to act as record levels of buyers phoning and emailing estate agents were also recorded. The busiest day for time spent on Rightmove was Saturday May 23, with over 47 million minutes spent collectively.
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) updated to reflect amended regulations and changes to wider government and public health advice.
RETAIL:
Some IKEA stores to open from today
The Swedish retail giant has announced that it will be reopening 19 of its shops, but strict new rules will be in place to ensure staff and shopper safety.
Small convenience shops are experiencing a dramatic surge in footfall as the Covid-19 lockdown encourages people to shop locally
“Local community and village stores have come into their own over recent weeks because this is what the village store has been doing since it first came into being,” said Jerry Marwood, joint managing director of food and drink distributor AF Blakemore, which provides goods for 677 independently owned SPAR stores.
SPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Added Elite Sport – Return to Domestic Competition to guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation.
Government gives green light to resumption of competitive sport behind closed doors
DCMS publishes ‘stage three’ of its elite and professional sport guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, personal trainers, coaches and provider of an outdoor sport facilities on the phased return of sport and recreation.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus: theory tests
Theory tests are currently suspended past 31 May due to coronavirus, but you can apply for an emergency theory test if you’re a critical worker.
Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules: all sectors carriage of goods by road
Temporary relaxation of the GB drivers’ hours rules for drivers carrying goods by road. EU drivers’ hours relaxation is ended. GB relaxation continues until 14 June.
TRAVEL:
Improving light rail services and cycle facilities at railway stations funding: regional allocations
Allocations of funding to United Kingdom regions for improving cycle facilities at railway stations and light rail services.
Emergency active travel fund: local transport authority allocations
Funding allocations for emergency active travel schemes for local authorities in the region of the United Kingdom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMG: Transmission and Control of SARS-CoV-2 on Public Transport, 18 May 2020
Paper prepared by the Environmental and Modelling group (EMG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Covid-19 Webinars:
2nd June: Digital Futures – join tech experts More info / book here
2nd June: Shall I apply for Universal Credit More info / book here
2nd June: Digital Leaders: making transformation happen More info / book here
11th June: Employment – CV and interview tips More info / book here
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
1st June: Construction and other outdoor work
1st June: Labs and research facilities
2nd June: Offices and contact centres
3rd June: Homes – for people working in, visiting, delivering to homes
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
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.
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/
Join an HR virtual community HRD: A Virtual Experience.
Join 2,500+ senior HR Leaders from across the globe including The Clorox Company, Diageo, DHL, Siemens, Nestle, Vodafone, Tiffany & Co, ING and more.
Date and time: Thursday June 18th from 10am CET/9am BST
Summit theme: The Resilient Organisation
Sign up here – it’s completely free!
Useful Links:
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.
Stockport Council publishes details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
Stockport Council has confirmed its criteria in consideration of awarding the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, announced as the grants Top-up fund by the Government on 1st 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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