!! Grants update – 22 December !!
UPDATE ON ARG and Localities Grants – reopen for applications
“Stockport Council is aware of the latest announcement by the Government regarding additional grant funding support for businesses affected by the impact of the recent measures to control the spread of Covid 19 – read the full Government statement here
“We are currently waiting for further information and details about the funding allocation for Stockport and the rules about how the funding can be used and which businesses it is to be used for. We will be publishing the details of any new local grant scheme and the associated arrangements as soon as it is possible to do so.
“However, in the meantime we are again accepting online applications for grant support, but these applications will be subject to review against the detailed guidance from government about which businesses and/or sectors are eligible for the grants once it is received.
“This means that grant applications made after 21/12/2021 will not necessarily be successful and businesses will be notified accordingly once the details are known to the Council.”
Please check the Council’s Coronavirus (Covid-19)support for businesses and employers web pages regularly to see the latest information available about the grant support available and how to access it – Financial support for businesses and employers – Stockport Council”Stockport Council Grants team
UK NEWS UPDATES:
£1 billion in support for businesses most impacted by Omicron across the UK
Additional support will be available for businesses who have been impacted by the Omicron variant, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced on 21 December.
– Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-
off grants of up to £6,000 per premises, plus more than £100 million discretionary
funding will be made available for local authorities to support other businesses – Government will also cover the cost of Statutory Sick Pay for Covid-related
absences for small and medium-sized employers across the UK
– £30 million further funding will be made available through the Culture Recovery
Fund, enabling more cultural organisations in England to apply for support during
the winter
Recognising that the rise of the Omicron variant means some businesses are likely to struggle over the coming weeks, the government is providing one-off grants of up to £6,000 per premises for businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England. At what is often their most profitable time of year, many pubs and restaurants have seen cancellations and reduced footfall as people have responded to the rise in cases ahead of Christmas, with Hospitality UK reporting that many businesses have lost 40-60% of their December trade, often their most profitable month. Around 200,000 businesses will be eligible for business grants which will be administered by local authorities and will be available in the coming weeks.
Read more at Marketing Stockport
Self-isolation cut from 10 days to 7 days with positive test
As coronavirus cases surge and as businesses, health and rail services feel the effects of staff shortages caused by the virus, self-isolation guidance is changing to help minimise disruption. Instead of having to quarantine for 10 days as we’ve come to expect, it’s being slashed by up to three days for people in England. Anyone who tests positive for Covid can stop isolating if on days six and seven lateral flow tests return a negative result. However, there are caveats. For example, ending isolation on day seven means you must still limit contacts with vulnerable people, work from home and avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. These changes are based on the latest guidance from health experts, says Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
No new Covid restrictions before Christmas – Prime Minister has announced
But Boris Johnson said ministers “can’t rule out” any further measures after 25 December, with Omicron spreading at a speed never seen before.
He added the government would continue to closely monitor the data and would “not hesitate to act” after Christmas if needed.
Germany and Portugal reintroduce restrictions
As Omicron sweeps across the world, some European countries including Germany and Portugal are reintroducing restrictions. Increased social distancing, limits on people at gatherings and working from home are some of the measures that will come into force, as the World Health Organization warns the Omicron surge will push health systems towards the brink of collapse. Omicron is already the dominant strain in many European countries. Spain has reported its highest number of daily cases since the start of the pandemic and France has warned daily cases there could soon pass 100,000. French Health Minister Olivier Véran said the increase in daily infections in the country, currently at about 70,000, would be driven by the Omicron variant, which he said was likely to become the dominant variant by early January.
Israel considers introducing fourth jab
As Israel braces itself for a wave of infections from the latest variant, it’s looking to roll out a fourth dose of the Covid vaccine, making it the first country to do so. The Middle Eastern country’s experts recommend a fourth booster for over-60s and health workers. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says it will “assist us in getting through the Omicron wave that is engulfing the world”.
Nasal spray may prevent Covid
A trial to see whether squirting a blood thinner into the nose could offer protection against Covid is taking place in Australia. The spray, which uses the cheap drug heparin, is being tested to see if it neutralises Covid’s spike protein as researchers say it appears to make a person with the virus non-infectious. If successful, it could be used with vaccines and other measures.
Test and Trace services continue over the festive period
NHS Test and Trace services will continue every day over Christmas and the New Year, providing and processing tests for those who need them and tracing contacts of positive cases.
UK secures millions more antivirals to help fight Omicron
The UK has signed contracts to buy a further 4.25 million courses of antivirals for the NHS
COVID-19 Data Briefing (21 December 2021)
An update on COVID-19 data across the UK, focussing on the new Omicron variant of concern.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Build a Business in 2022 with support from Central Library Workshops
Stockport Central Library will help budding entrepreneurs in the borough build their business with a series of workshops, taking place in January and February 2022.The workshops form part of the Build a Business in GM Libraries scheme, which has received a £1.3 million grant from the European Regional Development Fund, which will see libraries across Greater Manchester offer support to residents to set up new businesses. Three workshops at the beginning of 2022 will share the basics of running a business, help you understand your market and get your business ready to launch with the support for expert speakers and local SME champions.
Covid rates rise to highest since pandemic began in five boroughs
Covid rates are continuing to rise across Greater Manchester in the run up to Christmas – with some boroughs reporting their highest ever levels since the pandemic began. These are Trafford, Manchester, Bury, Salford and Stockport.
The current rate for Stockport is 827.3, compared to its previous peak of 607.8 on July 19th 2021
The One Stockport Hub on Mersey Square in the town centre is to become a vaccine centre only to ensure as many as possible can get the booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine by the end of the year.
The One Stockport Hub will now be open 10am to 3pm every day until New Years Eve, except for Sundays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Opening times for walk-in vaccination centres in Stockport this December are available here.
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been more than 11 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 147,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 51.5 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 90% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 82% have had their second and 52% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 11,542,143 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 90,629 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,801 (232 more than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 172
Total UK deaths: 147,433
England Cases per 100,000: 692
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,537,827 – 90% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 82%
Daily 1st doses: 39,793
Daily 2nd doses: 50,938
Daily Booster doses: 897,938
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19). The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.2 and the growth rate range for England is 0% to +2% per day as of 17 December 2021.
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 56,868 to 21 December
Cases in the latest week: 2,625, 1,162 more than previous week
Total deaths: 802 to December 10th (+3 on previous week)
Cases per 100,000: 827.3 per 100,000 week ending 16 December
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of over 12s to 20 December
2nd dose: 79%
3rd / booster dose: 54%
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
ARG Grant data as at 17/12/2021:
Applications received: 341
Applications allocated: 45%
Value of Grants issued: £450,500
Locality Boost Grant data as at 17/12/2021:
Applications received: 22
Applications processed / in process: 95%
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
UK Health Security Agency – UKHSA – issues resource pack for workplaces
The UKHSA works to prevent infectious disease by influencing behaviour; it detects and monitors infectious diseases and hazards to health, analysing them to advise how best to control them and takes action to mitigate and resolve outbreaks as and when they occur. The Resource Pack for Workplaces* contains
- important information including local contacts
- key information regarding Covid and subsequent messaging
- management of a suspected or confirmed case or cases
- frequently asked questions
*Please note, as Covid-19 is a rapidly evolving situation, guidance may change with little notice. In addition to familiarising yourself with the pack, UKHSA recommends you refer to the relevant national guidance – links provided in Section 7
Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – this scheme will be reintroduced from mid-January 2022. Further guidance will be available as soon as possible.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Events and attractions – updated to reflect England’s move to ‘Plan B’ of the COVID-19 Autumn/Winter Plan, in response to the risks of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). This includes changes to the guidance on face coverings, working from home, testing and self-isolation. Information has been added on COVID status checks, which are now legally required in some venues and events.
COMMUNITY:
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – guidance updated to reflect changes to the self-isolation advice for people who have received a positive COVID-19 test result.
Test and Trace services continue over the festive period
NHS Test and Trace services will continue every day over Christmas and the New Year, providing and processing tests for those who need them and tracing contacts of positive cases.
EDUCATION:
Monthly estimates of education output for remote learners during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic: December 2021
Monthly estimates of the full-time equivalency factors for remote learners and school absence and attendance rates during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccine: estimated coverage for people aged 18 and over
Daily number and percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose or third or booster dose to date.
COVID-19 vaccination: myocarditis and pericarditis information for healthcare professionals
Information for healthcare professionals on myocarditis and pericarditis following COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for seasonal respiratory infections including SARS-CoV-2. ‘COVID-19: infection prevention and control for mental health and learning disability settings appendix’ has been withdrawn. The UK IPC guidance addresses the needs of the mental health and learning disability services.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19 – updated to reflect changes to self-isolation periods for staff in health and care settings.
LEGAL:
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response
This page provides guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus pandemic. It will be updated when new information is available.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals guidance
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the COVID-19 pandemic and will be updated when new advice is available – organisational risk assessment, Providing evidence as a witness during the coronavirus outbreak and Wales assessment tool all updated.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter from Minister Eddie Hughes to local authorities on plans to protect and vaccinate rough sleepers
Letter to all local councils in England to update them on plans to protect and vaccinate rough sleepers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TRANSPORT:
Developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor transport activity on a timelier basis for topical issues relating to 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 – latest data added
TRAVEL:
Austria ‘to decide on quarantine for Brits’
Austria’s government will meet today, Wednesday, to consider further restrictions, which the Austrian press said would compel visitors from Great Britain, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands to undergo mandatory 10-day quarantine. A report in the Austrian newspaper Kronen Zeitung said restrictions could be introduced as soon as Christmas Eve but that free testing would be provided. The Austrian National Tourist Office told TTG a meeting was scheduled for Wednesday because of rising Omicron cases but could not confirm any further details.Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.
Covid-19 Webinars:
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
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.
LATEST LINKS:
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.
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.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
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.
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 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. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April