UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,487,339 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 3,383 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 870 (21 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 1
Total UK deaths: 127,782
England Cases per 100,000: 13 per 100,000 (daily change: +1)
R number in UK: 1.0 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 39,379,411
Total 2nd doses: 25,537,133
Daily 1st doses: 120,243
Daily 2nd doses: 204,282
There have been almost 4.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 127,700 people have died. More than 63 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK to 31st May and more than 39.3 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine – 73% of all adults. Over 25.5 million people have had both their first and second jab. People aged 30 and over are being invited to have a first jab and the focus has shifted to offer over 50s a second vaccine within 8 weeks rather than 12. The average number of daily infections in the UK is rising in some areas, fuelled by the Indian variant, with 3,383 new cases announced by the government yesterday, Monday.
The R value and growth rate in England
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19):
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is 0% to +3% per day as of 28 May 2021. Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
The ban on bailiff-enforced evictions ends today and there is a change to the notice period for private tenants.
The government introduced the ban back at the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and it has remained, in varying forms, until yesterday, with bailiffs asked not to carry out an eviction. From today, eviction notice periods – previously extended to six months during much of the pandemic – will reduce to four months, and if the roadmap out of lockdown continues as planned, notice periods will return to just two months from October 1.
Heathrow to open dedicated Red List terminal
Passengers arriving from countries with a high prevalence of Covid are being channelled through a dedicated at Heathrow Airport. Of 43 countries currently on the UK’s red list, direct flights are permitted from just a few – including India – and restricted to British and Irish nationals or UK residents. Red-list passengers had previously waited in the same arrivals hall as those from lower-risk countries, sometimes for hours at a time, before heading to hotels for quarantine. They will now go through Terminal Three.
Eddie Gray appointed chair of Antivirals Taskforce
Eddie will be responsible for leading the work of the Taskforce and achieving its objective of having antiviral treatments ready for deployment by autumn 2021.
Life-saving vaccination programme to hit more major milestones as new vaccine added to armoury
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock will acknowledge the success of the UK’s biggest vaccine drive in history at a G7 meeting of Health Ministers this week.
One-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine approved by the MHRA
The vaccine has been approved after meeting the required safety, quality and effectiveness standards.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 21,375 to 28th May
Cases in the latest week: 82 (18-24 May), 8 more cases than previous week
Total deaths: 723 to May 14th
Cases per 100,000: 28 per 100,000 week 17th to 23rd May
R number in North West: 1.0 – 1.2
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 71% of adults to 27th May
2nd dose: 50%
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Additional Covid-19 vaccination sites in Stockport
Three new Covid-19 vaccination sites are now live in Stockport: Boots Chemist at Merseyway, Boots Chemist in Handforth Dean and Medichem Pharmacy at Woodley Precinct. The three sites are now open, offering vaccination appointments to anyone aged 30 and over, health and care workers, unpaid carers and those with underlying health conditions. They will be joined by a fourth site, operated by Well Pharmacy, at Hazel Grove Civic Hall, on Tuesday, 2 June, 2021. The new sites join Scorah Chemist, whose site at Brookdale Club and Theatre went live last week, as the national vaccine programme, the biggest and fastest in NHS history, continues at pace.
Danish retailer reveals opening date for new Stockport store
Danish homewares retailer, JYSK (pronounced yoosk), has confirmed its Stockport store will open on July 8th at the Manchester Road Retail Park.
JYSK, which has its UK head office in Hazel Grove, revealed plans earlier this year to open two new stores in Greater Manchester, along with three other branches around the UK in 2021. A new branch in Bury will open on June 10th. Both the Bury and Stockport sites will be within one hour of the existing Oldham store, allowing for sites to share resources and open more sustainably.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
HMRC: If you move goods between the UK and countries in the EU, you need to follow new customs and tax rules.
Your business will be affected by the new rules if you:
- buy goods from an EU seller and bring them into the UK
- send goods you’ve sold to a buyer in an EU country
- haven’t exchanged money but need to move equipment that you use for your business, between the UK and the EU.
HMRC understand this means a lot of changes are needed and recognise that the trading environment is particularly challenging for many businesses at the moment. That is why HMRC is offering to help you in different ways. You can now apply for the SME Brexit Support Fund. Smaller businesses can get up to £2,000 to pay for practical support, including training or professional advice to adjust to new customs, rules of origin and VAT rules when trading with the EU. Applications must be received before 3??0?? Ju??ne.
HMRC: Are you re-opening your business, or planning to do so shortly?
If you’re bringing back your employees part time, you can claim furlough flexibly for them under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. Claims for periods in April are now closed, but if you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough you can do this until?? ?11??.59pm tonight, Fri??day???? ?28???? ?May. Claims for periods in May and June are both open.
For the latest information, join our live webinar. You can ask questions throughout using the on-screen text box, although we can’t discuss personal circumstances.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar – Register here – we’ll look at:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to calculate what you can claim
- how to apply.
There are useful handouts for you to download and we’ll also send you a link to a recording after the live webinar.
If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with under 250 employees, you may also be eligible for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme.
View our recorded webinar about the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme on HMRC’s YouTube channel, for further guidance on the scheme, including who you can claim for, how to claim and what you may be entitled to.
We’ll continue to review our webinars to give the most up-to-date information, and welcome your feedback at the end of the session too.
COMMUNITY:
Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer – updated the general list of providers.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 11 June 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering two weeks from the period 26 to 30 May 2021 and 2 to 6 June 2021 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
Domestic abuse: how to get help
Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse – guidance restructured and reordered to improve layout. Some information moved to a new page about sources of support for specific situations.
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
CONSTRUCTION:
Glenigan: Civil Engineering project starts up by 113%
Civil Engineering construction project-starts achieved the greatest growth of any sector during the three months to May, with the number of starts rising 113% against the previous year and 23% compared to the preceding three months, and even more encouragingly, 58% up on two years ago.
EDUCATION:
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) notifications by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week – added data for weeks beginning 3 and 10 May.
Summer schools programme
Details of the summer schools programme for secondary schools including funding, requirements for running a summer school and best practice evidence – added clarification that schools may include pupils from any of their year groups (response to queries from schools) and that schools can pay their staff an agreed flat rate rather than payment at salary, expectations for the June confirmation form for schools, how and when schools can bid for additional places and links to more resources. We have added new content to reflect changes to SEND/AP funding and new funding for upper schools and new schools. We have also added the conditions of funding for schools and local authorities.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Sustained community transmission is occurring across the UK – updated to add requirements on local risk assessments and information around use of respiratory protective equipment and valved respirators. Clarified glove use in amber pathway.
Surge testing for new coronavirus (COVID-19) variants
How ‘surge testing’ and genomic sequencing are being used in locations in England where coronavirus (COVID-19) variants have been identified – updated the locations using surge testing as follows: amended Bedford Borough Council and Hillingdon Council; added Hampshire County Council (targeted areas across the Hart District, Rushmoor Borough and the Surrey border), Kirklees Council, Lancashire County Council, London Borough of Hounslow, and North Tyneside Council; removed Hackney Council, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and Worcestershire County Council.
JUDICIARY:
Courts and tribunals additional capacity
A list of additional facilities open to support the courts and tribunals estate.
PROPERTY:
Stamp Duty – Government to set out response after calling for change
The government is to answer a call made in an online petition for stamp duty to apply when contracts are exchanged, rather than at the point of completion. Well over 12,600 people have a signed a formal petition on the government website seeking the tax – and therefore, in the current circumstances, the stamp duty holiday as well – to apply when contracts are exchanged. Surveyor Christopher Holland, who initiated the petition in the early spring, says some buyers are being trapped because of rapidly rising prices, forcing them to miss out on the tax break when their purchases suddenly break the £500,000 holiday threshold. The issue is now coming to a head because the stamp duty holiday’s main phase ends on June 30, only four weeks from now.
RETAIL:
Wickes reveals sales growth of more than 45% as profit predictions build
A UK home improvement retailer has announced that its sales have grown by more than 45 per cent since the beginning of the year. Wickes Group, which has approximately 230 stores across the country, saw like for like sales growth of 45.7 per cent in the 21 weeks to 22 May compared to the same period last year. It said that trading was “notably strong” through April, being driven by sales volumes in local trade and DIY as stores reopened, alongside continued digital demand. Following the boost in April, it added that trading in May settled back in line with expectations.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – ‘If you intend to stay in the UK’ section – updated guidance on being able to exceptionally make an application in the UK under Covid-19 concessions.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Applications for the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant closed 31st May
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 27/05/2021
- Received: 2,845
- Processed: 2,786 (98%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £9,716,939
Stockport Council details of Government’s Restart Grant
The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors with a one-off grant, to reopen safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Applications close on 30 June 2021
The Restart Grant will be split into two strands:
– Strand one will be for non-essential retail businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £6,000.
– Strand two will be for hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000.
Strand 1 Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000
- of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000
Strand 2 Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £8,000
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £12,000
- of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £18,000
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:
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:
Useful Government links for easing out of lockdown:
- Roadmap – Spring 2021: including the easing of restrictions from 29 March
- Covid-19 Vaccine
- Workplace Testing
- Back To School translations
- Stay Home translations
Coronavirus Roadmap out of lockdown – what and when?
From 29 March:
- People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
- The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
- Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts, and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
- Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances
Stage two (no earlier than 12 April):
- All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons (including in people’s homes)
- Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation
- Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
Stage three (no earlier than 17 May):
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors
- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
- Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- International leisure travel may resume
- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart
Stage four (no earlier than 21 June):
- All legal limits on social contact will be removed
- No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
- Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV???.UK.
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:
- Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
- Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
- Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
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
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.
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 SchemeFrom 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