UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,450,392 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,412 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 932 (23 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 7
Total UK deaths: 127,691
England Cases per 100,000: 13 per 100,000 (daily change: 2 fewer)
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 36,985,505
Total 2nd doses: 20,870,453
Daily 1st doses: 174,100
Daily 2nd doses: 324,001
There have been over 4.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 127,600 people have died. More than 57 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK to 19th May and more than 36.9 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Over 20 million people have had both their first and second jab. The focus has shifted to offer over 50s a second vaccine within 8 weeks rather than 12 and anyone 36 and over are advised to book their vaccine appointment as soon as it is offered. The average number of daily infections in the UK has continued to decline but there are areas with a rising number of new cases. A further 2,696 confirmed cases in the UK were 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 0.8 to 1.1 Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Find out what you can and cannot do
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
World-first Covid-19 vaccine study launches in UK
Thousands of volunteers will receive a booster COVID-19 vaccine in a new clinical trial launching today, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced.
The Cov-Boost study, led by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and backed by £19.3 millions of government funding through the Vaccines Taskforce, will trial seven vaccines and will be the first in the world to provide vital data on the impact of a third dose on patients’ immune responses. The study will open for applications from volunteers shortly via the study’s website and will be recruiting participants through the NHS COVID-19 Vaccine Research Registry. Participants will be adults aged 30 years or older as these will have been those immunised early in the vaccination programme – for example, adults aged 75 and over or health and care workers.
7 in 10 UK adults receive first dose of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine
Health services across the UK have now administered 57.8 million vaccines, including 36.9 million people with their first dose and 20.8 million with both doses.
Health Secretary announces surge testing in six new areas
Surge testing and jabs will be expanded to six new areas of concern in England to combat the spread of the Indian Covid variant. Matt Hancock has said the areas were selected via “an incredibly sensitive biosecurity surveillance system”, which spotted cases in earlier variant hotspots Bolton and Blackburn. The areas were identified using new techniques, including analysing wastewater and travel patterns, he told a Downing Street briefing. The government is also supporting Scotland in rolling out more tests and vaccinations in Glasgow and Moray.
Some 2,967 cases of the Indian variant have now been identified in the UK.
This is up from about 2,300 on Monday.
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 19 May 2021
North-West levelling up: Government announces 400 civil service roles in Salford
Almost 3,000 civil service job roles will be opened outside London and the South-East by 2025 – including 420 in Salford by 2025, compared with just 10 currently. The plans form part of a cross-Government move – the Places for Growth scheme – to ensure policy makers reflect the communities they serve, while levelling up by ensuring economic growth and job opportunities are more evenly distributed across the UK. Today’s announcement sees the Home Office, which already has more than 40% of its workforce outside of London and South-East, expanding its regional presence by at least 1,950 roles, as well as BEIS (Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy) overseeing the growth of 865 roles meaning 30% of its workforce will be outside of London by 2025.
Great British Railways set up to run trains and network
The government has announced the biggest shake-up in the UK’s railways since privatisation in the mid-1990s.It will see the creation of a new state-owned body, Great British Railways (GBR), which will set timetables and prices, sell tickets in England and manage rail infrastructure. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the aim was to offer more punctual services and cheaper tickets. But private operators will still be contracted to run most trains. Next month, flexible season tickets will be available for some people who commute two or three times a week.
Step 3 COVID-19 restrictions posters: 17 May 2021
A poster displaying information about COVID-19 restrictions in England from 17 May.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 21,201 to 19th May
Cases in the latest week: 94 (13 more cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 722 to May 2nd
Cases per 100,000: 32 per 100,000 week 9th to 15th May
R number in North West: 0.8 – 1.1
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 161,222 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 9th May
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
2 Stockport Exchange shortlisted for an Insider Property Award
Sponsored by CBRE, 2 Stockport Exchange has been shortlisted for the Commercial Development of the Year Award. Jointly developed by GMI Construction Group, Muse Developments and Stockport Council, Stockport’s latest Grade A office scheme is shortlisted alongside six developments in Manchester, Salford and Rochdale. The winners will be revealed at a gala dinner taking place on 1st July at Manchester Central.
British Bank’s £14.7m Start Up Loans help North West’s unemployed
Start Up Loans, part of the British Business Bank, has provided more than £14.7m to unemployed people in the North West since it was set up in 2012.
Of the 80,000+ Start Up Loans recipients across the UK since in the last nine years, a third (31 per cent) were unemployed at the time of application. Start Up Loans’ data also indicates that the scheme is particularly effective in enabling young entrepreneurs to start up a business.
Stockport Pop Up temporary vaccination centre to open in Merseyway
A pop Up vaccination centre will be open in Merseyway Square, outside Superdrug this Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd May, from 10am to 4pm. No appointments are necessary for anyone aged 36 years old and above, health and social care workers, unpaid carers and anyone over 30 with underlying health conditions. Operating from a St John’s Ambulance mobile vaccination unit, staff will be delivering first doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine. Director of Public Health for Stockport Jen Connolly said: “I urge everyone in the eligible cohorts to drop in and get your vaccine. With the new more transmissible variants in circulation causing concern across the country, it’s more important than ever that everyone does their bit and gets vaccinated if they can. This pop up is a fantastic way to easily access your first dose. Stockport residents will also be able to get a vaccination appointment at other centres including The Etihad Campus, and Brookdale Club and Theatre, Bramhall.
People of Greater Manchester play key role in Covid Research
People are invited to an online event to hear how Greater Manchester has played a key part in the ground-breaking research which has turned the tide on COVID-19. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) in Greater Manchester is hosting the webinar which takes place from 1pm on Friday 21 May.
!! Grant funding for local organisations and associations to host events!!
As Many areas of Stockport have been unusually quiet with reduced visitor numbers and many events cancelled due to the impact of the coronavirus and subsequent lockdowns. As the situation around lockdown eases, local organisations and community groups are being encouraged to apply for grant funding that will help them to host events and attract visitors in an attempt to support businesses and boost the local economy. Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 20 May 2021
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
COMMUNITY:
Everyone in the United Kingdom with symptoms now eligible for coronavirus tests
Everyone in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms can now get a test.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
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 list of general testing providers.
COVID-19 PCR home test kit instructionsStep-by-step guide available in different formats on how to use and return your PCR home test kit to test yourself for COVID-19.
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:
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance for higher education providers.
Guidance converted to HTML to make it easier to read. There are no changes to any of the guidance from the update on 10 May.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
New award to recognise exceptional practice in adult social care workforce
The exceptional efforts of the social care workforce will be recognised through a new award launched by the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): health and wellbeing of the adult social care workforce
Advice for those working in adult social care on managing your mental health and how employers can take care of the wellbeing of their staff during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to reflect the changes made as part of ‘Step 3’ of the government’s ‘COVID-19 response – spring 2021’ roadmap.
COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
Advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added link to the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna PGD.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): adult social care guidance
Information for the adult social care sector on responding to the coronavirus pandemic – updated to add section and links on COVID-19 testing in adult social care settings.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents – updated to add a call-out that the weekly release has been delayed.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines – updated to include new data up to 12 May 2021.
COVID-19: impacts on health – reports and tools
National reports and tool to support the monitoring of the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on the population.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 in England, 20 May 2021
This release provides data about the characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester, and Public Health England.
COVID-19 vaccination: information for healthcare practitioners
Updated guidance for healthcare practitioners about the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.
Testing for coronavirus before hospital
Sets out how and when to use a PCR home test kit to test for COVID-19 before a hospital procedure.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority in England.
PROPERTY:
Demand shifts back to urban areas
An analysis of over 1.6m listings by Rightmove shows a big return to normality – demand for smaller city centre properties rising, and rural demand dropping. The portal says in the past year bigger family homes were the strongest performers, but this has now shifted to flats: flats saw the biggest jump in demand between April and January, an uplift of 39 per cent. This demand is measured by the number of people contacting agents to request more details about a property for sale on Rightmove. It appears the easing of Covid restrictions has increased the appeal of living in a city centre, with some cities seeing demand jump as high as 76 per cent in York city centre, followed by a 62 per cent jump in Norwich and a 57 per cent rise in Sheffield.
RETAIL:
North-West based retailer cautious following challenging 12 months
Retailer N Brown said it remained cautious following the relaxing of the government restrictions and the end of the furlough scheme as it revealed profits had halved during a ‘challenging year.’ The former catalogue retailer, which has experienced a significant decline in business due to the pandemic, reported a 13% drop in revenues from £837.5m to £728.8m for the year to 27 February 2021. Adjusted pre-tax profits had fallen 49.4% to £30.1m, down from £59.5m in the previous year.
SCIENCE:
New Variant Assessment Programme
The New Variant Assessment Programme (NVAP) is an offer of UK capacity and expertise to detect and assess new variants of SARS-CoV-2 around the world.
TRAVEL:
Manchester Airports Group CEO responds to travel traffic light system
Charlie Cornish, the Chief Exec of MAG who own Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports has said it is unacceptable that ministers should discourage international travel following this week’s easing of lockdown into step 3:
“The traffic light system was signed off by the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers to provide a safe framework for international travel based on different levels of risk in green, amber and red countries. The whole point of the framework is to allow people to make their own decisions about whether to travel or not, confident in the knowledge that it would be safe. It is simply unacceptable for some ministers and officials to seek to discourage international travel, based on their own interpretations of government policy. Comments like these undermine consumer confidence and risk stifling the recovery of one of the UK’s most valuable sectors.”
easyJet ready to “significantly ramp up” with green list holiday boom
Budget airline easyJet is ready to take advantage of “pent-up demand” for international travel as summer approaches. In its results for the six months up to March 31, the firm’s total revenue decreased by 90 per cent to £240m compared with £2.3bn in the same period the previous year. Despite the loss, the airline has reduced its cash burn and undergone a cost-saving and restructuring programme during the pandemic. Johan Lundgren, easyJet chief executive, commented: “With leisure travel taking off in the UK again earlier this week where we are the largest operator to Green list countries and with so many European governments easing restrictions to open up travel again, we are ready to significantly ramp up our flying for the summer with a view to maximising the opportunities we see in Europe.”
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. Concession for people who are outside the UK, and their leave has expired before they were able to return, has been extended to 21 June 2021.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
!! Please note – the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant application deadline has been extended to 31/05/21
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 13/05/2021
- Received: 2,745
- Processed: 2,670 (97%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £9,449,415
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.
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
Discretionary Grant Scheme – Additional Restrictions Grant
The Council launched an Economic Recovery Fund on 26/03/21, which provides 5 new business grants through the Additional Restrictions Grant funding.
Applications for the current Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, and the Micro-Business grant scheme are now closed.
The new Economic Recovery Fund ARG schemes are:
The Stockport Economic Recovery Boost Grant
This grant will be provided to businesses that have been successful in applying for the original ARG scheme for closed businesses that have separate commercial premises with ongoing costs. Businesses do not need to apply for this scheme as their details are already held and will be used to identify eligible businesses which will be contacted during April 2021 about their further grant payment under this scheme.
The Stockport Economic Recovery Market Place & Underbanks Independent Retailer Boost Grant
This grant is to support smaller, independent retail operators with premises in the Market Place and Underbanks area only, to reopen and restart their businesses.
This is a one-off fixed grant of £3,000 for each business that successfully applies.
Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Market Place & Underbanks Independent Retailer Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
The Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant
This grant is for supporting the reopening and restart of hospitality sector businesses with their own premises in Stockport.
This is a one-off fixed grant of £5,000 for each business that successfully applies. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
The Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant
This grant is for businesses to apply for to make changes to premises and/or to buy additional kit to support reopening and operating in a covid secure way.
Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
The Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant
This grant is for district centre trading associations, or their equivalent, to bid in to for their local areas to run stimulus events to drive local footfall and customers into local areas to use local businesses that are reopening.
Where localities do not have training associations that can lead a bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that locality to lead as the single point of contact for their area.
There will only be one application accepted and one grant, if successful, provided per locality. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant.
!! Please note – the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant application deadline has been extended to 31/05/21
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
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.