UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 3,505,754 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 38,905 new cases, down on past 7 days
Number in UK hospital: 39,068 increase of 1,046 on previous day
New deaths across UK: 1,820
Total UK deaths: 93,290
England Cases per 100,000: 424
R number in UK: 1.2 – 1.3
The R number and growth rate in the UK
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 4,609,740 to 18 January
Daily 1st doses: 343,163
Total 2nd doses:
Latest government figures show that more than four million people have now received a first dose of a vaccine, and just over 450,000 people have had a second.
People in England aged 70 and over, as well as those listed as clinically extremely vulnerable, are expected to begin receiving offers of a vaccine this week.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is aiming to offer all UK adults a vaccine by September.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 16,164 to 20th January
Current cases: 1,139 (70 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 526 to January 8th
Cases per 100,000: 388 per 100,000
R number in North West: 1.2 – 1.5
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
KPMG: Administrations fall to historic low
The number of companies falling into administration in 2020 fell to an historic low, reports accountancy firm KPMG, who attribute the fall to the government’s support measures throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Analysis conducted by KPMG’s Restructuring practice found that just 171 firms in the North West entered administration in 2020, down from 284 in the previous year. This trend was also seen nationwide with insolvencies at their lowest since the firm began tracking data in 2005. Unsurprisingly, the sectors most affected by lockdown, such as tourism, leisure and hospitality accounted for a significant share of administrations.
Virus levels ‘may have risen’ and ‘must be brought down’
Scientists tracking the spread of coronavirus in England say infection levels may have risen at the start of the latest lockdown. Swab tests from 143,000 people analysed by Imperial College London indicate 1.58% had the virus during the period 6-15 January. The past few days have seen a clear slowdown in the number of lab-confirmed cases reported by the government, despite the number of Covid-linked deaths hitting a new daily high at 1,820. But the researchers say their data is more up to date because it does not rely on people developing symptoms. Ministers say the report does not yet reflect the impact of the national lockdown in England.
Heavy rain and snow adds to flood crisis
Seemingly relentless rain has left more than 200 flood warnings in place across England and Wales – five of them severe. About 2,000 homes in parts of Manchester, North Wales and Merseyside were being evacuated, with householders assured Covid rules allow them to leave in an emergency. As one says: “Where do you evacuate to? You don’t want to impose yourself on other people.” The prime minister insists Covid-secure facilities will be available. Meanwhile, cold air in the wake of Storm Christoph threatens to bring up to 11.8in (30cm) of snow to Scotland and northern England. UK house prices soar to all time high
Average UK house prices across the UK have risen to an all-time high of £250,000 as the sector continues to brush off any expected downturn due to the impact of the coronavirus. The stamp duty holiday, which applies in England and Northern Ireland and is due to end on 31st March, means the property tax only applies to purchases above £500,000. It was introduced as a temporary measure to boost the economy in response to Covid-19. Under rules already in force before the pandemic, first-time buyers do not pay the tax on any purchases up to £300,000.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated in line with latest government guidance.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Applications reopen for Made for Manufacturing programme
Manufacturing businesses in Greater Manchester are being invited to apply to join the third round of the Business Growth Hub’s fully-funded programme of support.
The Made for Manufacturing scheme will support businesses of all sizes to increase productivity to drive their growth, through improving efficiencies and growing the workforce. The scheme, which is fully-funded and provided by the Business Growth Hub, is now accepting applications for its third cohort, with previous waves oversubscribed.
Business Growth Hub webinars – click on the links to register your interest:
The Business Growth Hub webinars are designed to help businesses navigate through the new legislation, rules and procedures brought about by Brexit
EU Exit Webinar Regulation & Compliance
Date: 20th January 2021, 2:00pm -4:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – Food & Drink Labelling
Date: 26th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – New rules and procedures for EU Trade- focusing on services
Date: 27th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Dates and Trigger Points of Additional Restrictions Grant, Local Restrictions Support Grants and Christmas Support Payments for wet-led pubs
Download the Grant Matrix
Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown
There are a number of business grant schemes available that cover different periods of time and different situations, such as being under national lockdown.
Updated with info for businesses to check on eligibility etc. to the new grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-restrictions
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
It is anticipated that there will be a high volume of applications and contacts to be processed so it will not be possible for members of the team to respond to individual enquiries at this time.
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
ANIMAL WELFARE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Apply for the Zoo Animals Fund
Apply for an animal welfare grant of up to £730,000 for your zoo or aquarium affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated application deadline to 26 February 2021.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) Addendum) support businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions – updated with details of grants available during the national restriction period from 5 January 2021 onwards. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
The Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP) supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions beginning 5 January 2021.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Sector)) supports businesses that have been closed due to the national restrictions. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) and LRSG (Closed) Addendum: Tier 4) support businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Check if you’re eligible for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs
The Christmas Support Payment (CSP) supports wet-led pubs that have been severely impacted over the Christmas period due to temporary local restrictions. The subsidy control / state aid conditions for this scheme have not changed following the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020: more information will be available shortly.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out what financial support you can get for your business. Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment guidance for business added.
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020. You can pay now or get ready to opt in to the VAT deferral new payment scheme – added new section on ‘Correcting errors on your VAT returns relating to the VAT payments deferral scheme’. Including information on how to defer any extra payments resulting error corrections and HMRC VAT assessments.
Claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are currently open for pay periods in January?? ?2021. Claims for December are now closed, but if you find you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough you can do this until Thursday?? ?28 January. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar, which includes:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to calculate what you can claim
- how to make a claim.
We are also running monthly webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Get the latest information on:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
Register here
During these interactive webinars you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information. Afterwards we’ll also send you a link to a video recording of the webinars, in case you’d like to see any of it again. We will continue to update our webinars to reflect the latest information as it becomes available.
DCMS Rapid Economic Indicators
This series brings together all documents relating to more timely economic indicators (employment, etc.) for the DCMS sectors.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 21 January 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:
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person.
NHS Test and Trace meets new year surge in demand with faster turnaround times
85% of in-person test results were returned the next day after the test was taken, compared with 63% the week before.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction set to grow by 14% this year
Experts at the Construction Products Association now believe the industry will see a ‘W’-shaped recession and recovery. The CPA’s latest scenarios take into account the current lockdown and are a downgrade on last summer’s numbers when an 18% increase was predicted this year before the second Covid wave hit. The 14.0% rise in 2021 follows an estimated contraction of 14.3% overall last year caused by the sharp fall during the first lockdown.
EDUCATION:
January 2021: further education and skills providers
An operational note for Her Majesty’s Inspectors carrying out inspection activity of further education and skills providers from January 2021 – updated in light of the national lockdown to clarify that our inspection activity will be remote by default until February; to set out how we will carry out progress monitoring visits; and to confirm that we will continue to carry out emergency monitoring visits or inspections if we have a significant cause for concern.
Assurance inspections 2021: registered early years providers
An operational note for Ofsted inspectors carrying out assurance inspections of registered early years providers – updated to clarify that we will not carry out assurance inspections until national restrictions allow us to inspect on site.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) asymptomatic testing in schools and colleges
Information for schools and colleges about how they can start to test pupils and students from January.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges
Information for parents and carers about going back to schools, nurseries and colleges in January 2021 – added information about updates coming shortly.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out what you’ll need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to maintain provision – added information about updates coming shortly.
Admission appeals for school places
These guides will help admission authorities advise those involved with school admission appeals to understand their roles and responsibilities – changes to school admission appeals due to coronavirus have been extended until 30 September 2021.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
January 2021 findings from COVID-19 study published
Initial findings from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI show infections increased by 50% from early December, with 1 in 63 people infected.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers – published a link to the National technical validation process for manufacturers of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) tests, from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – under ‘What personal data we collect’, added: ‘recent travel history (for example, whether you travelled overseas in the last 14 days and the country you spent most time in)’.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Community testing
Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms – added to the list of community testing programme areas in the East Midlands, East of England, North West and South West regions.
Asymptomatic testing to be rolled out across the country starting this week
Community testing offer to be expanded across all local authorities in England to test people without symptoms – updated number of lower-tier local authorities from 317 to 314.
JUDICIARY:
Reporting COVID-19 incidents to court and tribunal staff and professional court users
HMCTS processes for dealing with coronavirus cases which impact our courts and tribunals, including how information about incidents can be shared with staff, judiciary and professional court users.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19 vaccinations and community-based social care workers
A letter from the Minister for Social Care to local authority chief executives and directors of adult social services care providers.
MEDIA:
UK media group reports 15 per cent drop in revenue for the first quarter of the year.
Daily Mail General Trust (DMGT), saw group revenue drop to £304m, largely pulled down by the 92 per cent reduction in its events and exhibitions division. The company also saw a 13 per cent drop in consumer media revenues, with circulation of its titles taking a 7 per cent tumble and advertising revenue falling by 16 per cent.
PROPERTY:
Buyers travelling hundreds of miles to view properties, despite lockdown
The BBC says some buyers are taking advantage of lockdown rules to travel hundreds of miles to view homes. The story suggests that because the housing market is still open and viewings are permitted – so long as they abide by government guidelines – people are taking advantage to have ‘days out’ away from local areas. It says the problem is worsened because of pressure on buyers to beat the stamp duty deadline and because few people accept virtual viewings as an effective way of seeing a property.
TRANSPORT:
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.
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where drivers and crew of HGVs, LGVs, coaches and vans can get free COVID-19 tests and border readiness checks before transporting goods to the EU.
TRAVEL:
Jet2 increases summer 2022 capacity
Jet2 has added to more seats to their summer schedule for passengers flying from Manchester, Stansted, Birmingham and Bristol after encouraging enquiries.
At Manchester, 10 additional destinations include Iceland, Vienna and the reintroduction of Tivat. Seven additional city destinations have also gone on sale – Barcelona, Budapest, Rome, Krakow, Nice, Prague and Venice – meaning 56 sun and city destinations will be offered from the airport.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time to view webinar
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Brexit Webinars:
Business Growth Hub webinars – click on the links to register your interest:
The Business Growth Hub webinars are designed to help businesses navigate through the new legislation, rules and procedures brought about by Brexit
EU Exit Webinar New rules and procedures for EU Trade (Importing & Exporting)- Focusing on Goods
Date: 14th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar Regulation & Compliance
Date: 20th January 2021, 2:00pm -4:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – Food & Drink Labelling
Date: 26th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – New rules and procedures for EU Trade- focusing on services
Date: 27th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Coronavirus – Guidance for employees and employers in Stockport: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert level: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
New opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
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