UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,393,307 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,524 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 1,973 (53 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 33
Total UK deaths: 127,307
England Cases per 100,000: 17 per 100,000 (daily change: -1)
R number in UK: 0.7 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 33,032,120 – latest daily figure
Total 2nd doses: 10,425,790
Daily 1st doses: 99,672
Daily 2nd doses: 273,751
There have been almost 4.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 127,000 people have died. Over 33 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Data shows almost 10 million people have had their second jab. The average number of daily infections in the UK has continued to decline but is flattening. A further 2,524 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government yesterday, Tuesday.
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 0.7 to 1.0 and the growth rate range for England is -6% to -1% per day as of 16 April 2021. Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
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 – updated to include a summary of rule changes from 12th April
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
Prime Minister announces new Antivirals Task Force
Speaking at yesterday evening’s press briefing, Boris Johnson announced that 19 out of 20 of those who’ve had a first dose are coming forward for a second; 1 in 5 of all adults have now had a second dose, including 60 per cent of the 45 to 49 year adults. “There are countries with cases now at record numbers around the world, we cannot delude ourselves that Covid has gone away. The majority of scientific opinion in this country is still firmly of the view that there will be another wave of covid at some stage this year, we must learn to live with this disease, as we live with other diseases; today I want to announce what we hope will be a further line of medical defence – today we are creating a new Antivirals Task Force to search for the most promising new medicines and support their development through clinical trials with the aim of making them safely and rapidly available as early as the Autumn. This means, for example, that if you test positive there might be a tablet you could take at home to stop the virus in its tracks and significantly reduce the chance of infection turning into more severe disease. Or if you’re living with someone who has tested positive, there might be a pill you could take for a few days to stop you getting the disease yourself. And by focussing on these Anti-virals we hope to lengthen the UK’s lead in life sciences and to give ever greater confidence that we can continue on our path towards freedom.
Government launches COVID-19 Antivirals Taskforce to roll out innovative home treatments this autumn
The Antivirals Taskforce will identify treatments for UK patients who have been exposed to COVID-19 to stop the infection spreading and speed up recovery time.
Government scientist warns of summer surge
The UK will likely see a “summer surge” in Covid cases as lockdown is relaxed, a government vaccine adviser says. Prof Adam Finn, of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, says modelling points to a rise in cases, as many adults are not immunised. He said the UK was still “vulnerable” and the dates for easing restrictions may need adjusting. The PM has said there is nothing in the data to suggest the next step in easing lockdown cannot go ahead as planned.
But Boris Johnson said that most scientists were “firmly of the view” that there would be a third wave of the disease at some point this year. On Tuesday, for the first time since September UK government figures showed fewer than 2,000 Covid patients in hospital. Preparing for future pandemics
“At the UN last September, the Prime Minister set out a plan: The Five Point Plan to Prevent Future Pandemics. At its heart is the drive to get better and quicker at developing and deploying what we might need in a future crisis, and especially the life-saving vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. But not limited to those things. And as hard as it might be to focus on a future crisis while we’re still facing down COVID-19, the WHO estimates we face a pandemic threat every 5 years. So, we must be better prepared. And we must start that process now.”
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock gave the virtual opening speech for the Pandemic Preparedness Partnership Conference.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 20,883 to 19th April
Cases in the latest week: 78 (45 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 711 to April 2nd
Cases per 100,000: 27 per 100,000 week 9th to 15th April
R number in North West: 0.6 – 0.9
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 147,359 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 11th April
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
MAN Energy Solutions to partner on Manchester liquid air energy storage project
The world’s largest liquid-air energy storage project is set to benefit from turbomachinery supplied by Hazel Grove-headquartered MAN Energy Solutions UK.Highview Power, a global leader in long duration energy storage solutions, has selected MAN Energy Solutions to partner on its CRYOBattery facility in Carrington, Manchester, a liquid-air energy storage plant that uses cryogenically-liquified air as a medium for storing energy. The MAN turbomachinery train will form the core of the CRYOBattery facility that, upon completion, will form one of Europe’s largest battery-storage systems. This will ultimately supply clean, reliable, and cost-efficient long-duration energy storage – primarily from renewable sources such as solar and wind power where supply can fluctuate with weather conditions.
Stockport County launch comp to win ultimate match day experience
To celebrate the launch of newly refurbished events space at Edgeley Park, Stockport County has launched a competition to win the Ultimate Matchday Experience. The club is offering one winner and five lucky guests the chance to come and experience the new venue on a matchday. Stockport County is giving away six hospitality tickets to a league game of your choice next season: who will you be bringing along? As part of the experience, you can expect a three-course meal, a complimentary match day programme, pre-match entertainment with a chance to win prizes, sponsors lounge access, half time refreshments and the man of the match presentation.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
HMRC: Latest information on coronavirus-induced financial support schemes
These are the latest financial support schemes available to help you as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs, including the VAT deferral new payment scheme and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS).
- VAT deferral – apply now to spread your payments
- CJRS claims for April
- CJRS eligibility from May
- Changes to CJRS claims for variable pay from May
- Frequently asked questions about the CJRS
- Where can I get further support?
- A word about scams
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 about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) – Claiming the fourth grant if you’re a new parent has been removed.
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Find out how apprenticeships will continue during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added information to confirm all apprentices in HE can return to in-person teaching and learning no earlier than 17 May. Amended a date in the functional skills qualification section. Removed out-of-date information on the exam support service.
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 about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) – Claiming the fourth grant if you’re a new parent has been removed.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (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
CONSTRUCTION:
Kier Group buoyed by ‘significant improvements’
Infrastructure and construction specialist Kier Group has returned to a half-year profit during a period of “significant improvements”. The firm also reiterated its plans to undertake an equity raise in the coming weeks. For the six months to 31 December 2020, the listed company reported a revenue dip from £1.82bn to £1.62bn.
This was primarily attributed to the “actions taken to simplify the group in exiting low margin and loss-making contracts and businesses”, in addition to the Covid-19 restrictions. However, Kier’s order book has increased to £8bn.
DIGITAL:
Smart device manufacturers subject to new laws to crack down on cyber attacks
The government is introducing new laws in a bid to protect people and businesses from cyber-attacks. Under the new plans, makers of smart devices including phones, speakers, and doorbells will be required to disclose to customers upfront how long a product will be guaranteed to receive vital security updates. In addition, easy-to-guess default passwords to be banned on the majority of devices under the new law, as well as a requirement to make it easier for users to report software bugs. The move comes after new figures commissioned by the government show that 49 per cent of UK residents have purchased at least one smart device since the start of the pandemic.
EDUCATION:
Proposed guidance on 2021 appeals published
We are seeking views on proposed guidance on reviews and appeals as part of the General Qualifications Alternative Awarding regulatory framework.
Transport to school and other places of education: 2020 to 2021 academic year
What local authorities will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for the 2020 to 2021 academic year – updated the advice on the use of face coverings and asymptomatic testing to ensure it is consistent with the advice to schools and further education colleges.
Awarding qualifications in summer 2021
What schools, colleges and students need to know about the arrangements for awarding GCSEs, AS and A levels, VTQs and other qualifications in summer 2021 – updated ‘Other qualifications’ section to clarify how to award functional skills qualifications and English for Speakers of Other Languages Skills for Life.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March 2020 and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020 – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March 2020 to 15 April 2021’.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
UK shares experiences to increase confidence in vaccines
UK government encourages countries in Latin America to fight misinformation and build confidence around vaccines.
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – added ‘nitrile’ to gloves for all providers, and ‘vinyl gloves’ to domiciliary care providers and residential care homes. Removed ‘boxes of small hand hygiene’ from domiciliary care providers.
Clinical trials applications for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The MHRA has provided an update on the timelines and prioritisation of COVID-19 trial assessments
PROPERTY:
House sales and prices see early spring surge
House sales and property prices recorded an early spring surge amid government moves to stimulate the housing market.
Data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) shows that UK property transactions in March hit the highest monthly level since modern records began in 2005.
The housing market has been relatively immune to the Covid crisis as people reconsider where they want to live.
Official data also shows average UK house prices rose 8.6% in a year.
There were 180,690 UK property sales in March, the non-seasonally adjusted HMRC figures show, which was more than double the number in March last year and 50% higher than February.
RETAIL:
BRC: Consequence of EU workers not applying to the settlement scheme
The implications are that the individual will have no lawful immigration status in the UK, and over time they will find it harder and harder to access services, for example open a bank account, get a mortgage, access NHS healthcare etc.
In terms of the employer, they are not required to carry out follow-up checks on EEA citizens who were employed on or before 30 June 2021 who presented their passport or national identity card as evidence of their right to work.
Employers maintain a continuous statutory excuse against a civil penalty if they carried out a right to work check as set out in the guidance at the time of employing the individual. It is the EEA citizen who has not applied to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 (if eligible) or does not hold any other form of leave, who may be liable to enforcement action by the Home Office. That is because they will be in the UK without lawful status and will not have a right to work. Further guidance on right to work checks for EEA citizens is expected after 30 June 2021
TRANSPORT:
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode – atest data table added. A table for transport modes related to the coronavirus pandemic added.
TRAVEL:
How to quarantine when you arrive in England
What to do before and after you arrive in England, including staying at home and ordering coronavirus (COVID-19) tests – updated content to reflect the changes in national restrictions. Clarified length of quarantine periods. Clarified circumstances in which you are permitted to leave home quarantine. Removed references to limitations on eligibility for hardship support.
Exemptions from managed quarantine for medical and compassionate reasons
Who can apply for an exemption from the requirement to enter managed quarantine on arrival in the UK on medical and compassionate grounds.
Booking and staying in a quarantine facility when you arrive in England
How to book a place in a quarantine facility and arrange coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you’re travelling to England from a country on the banned travel list – updated content to reflect the changes in national restrictions. Clarified length of quarantine periods. Removed cost of extra days in managed quarantine if you test positive. Added information on leaving managed quarantine to attend funerals. Removed content on unaccompanied minors (this is now covered by new guidance on medical and compassionate exemptions from managed quarantine). Removed references to limitations on eligibility for hardship support.
Managed quarantine: what to expect
Guidance for travellers to England who have visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days – updated to reflect the changes in national restrictions. Clarified length of quarantine periods. Added information on needing to show test results when leaving managed quarantine.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 15/04/21
- Received: 2,439
- Processed: 2,303 (94%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £6,917,214
Stockport Council release 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.
Eligible businesses:
Non-essential retail
These are businesses that are open to the public and used for retail sale or hire of goods or services. This includes businesses that:
- were required to close during national restrictions from January 2021
- sell directly to consumer
Hospitality
These are businesses that provide a venue for the sale of food and drink. This includes businesses that:
- offer in-person food and drink services to the general public
- provide food and/or drink to be consumed on the premises, including outdoors
Leisure
These are businesses that provide opportunities, experiences and facilities, in particular for culture, recreation, entertainment, celebratory events, days and nights out, betting and gaming. This includes businesses that:
- provide in-person experiences in addition to goods
- rely on seasonal labour
- operate with irregular hours during the day, night and weekends
Accommodation
These are businesses that provide lodging for holiday, travel and other purposes.
Gym and sports
These are businesses where physical exercise, training, group sporting and athletic activities takes place. This may be on an individual or group basis, using exercise equipment or open floor space. This includes businesses that:
- offer in-person exercise and sport activities to the general public
- are open to members of the public paying an entry or membership fee
- offer exercise classes or activities
Personal care
These are businesses that provide a service, treatment or activity for the purposes of personal beauty, hair, grooming, body care and aesthetics, and wellbeing. This includes businesses that:
- deliver in-person holistic, beauty and hair treatments
- provide services such as tattoos and piercings
Businesses are not eligible if they:
- do not have a business property and do not pay business rates
- are in liquidation, dissolved, struck off or subject to a striking off notice
There are also businesses in strand two that are not eligible, these include:
- takeaway premises
- coach tour operators and tour operators
- dental services, opticians, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical/health services
How much will businesses will receive?
Strand one
The Restart Grant will support non-essential retail premises with one-off grants of up to £6,000.
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 two
The Restart Grant will also support hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym business premises with one-off grants of up to £18,000.
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 will close on 30/04/21 and no further applications will be accepted for these original ARG schemes after that date.
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.
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.co.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.co.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.co.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.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant.
Applications for this grant scheme will close on 17/05/2021 (please note this is earlier than for the other schemes).
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
Covid-19 Webinars:
Transition to Teach host webinar to aid HR with redeployment
Transition to Teach are delivering a free online presentation on Wednesday, 21st April at 12.00, aimed specifically at HR staff with redeployment responsibilities. Places can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transition-to-teach-outplacement-support-tickets-145448523449?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
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.
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