UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 5,602,321 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 39,906 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 4,861, +179 on previous day
New deaths across UK: 84
Total UK deaths: 128,980
England Cases per 100,000: 495
R number in UK: 1.2 to 1.4
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 46,433,845
Total 2nd doses: 35,970,849
Daily 1st doses: 45,101
Daily 2nd doses: 183,338
There have been more than 5.6 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and close to 129,000 people have died, government figures show. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. More than 46 million people in the UK have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and nearly 36 million people have also had their second vaccine.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 28,763 to 22 July
Cases in the latest week: 1,774, up 499 on previous week
Total deaths: 731 to July 9th
Cases per 100,000: 605 per 100,000 week ending 18 July
R number in North West: 1.1 – 1.3
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 84% of adults to 21 July
2nd dose: 68%
The R value and growth rate in England
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK NEWS UPDATES:
From today, staff working in key areas such as supermarket depots and food manufacturers will be tested regularly if pinged by the NHS Covid app, instead of being asked to self-isolate for 10 days. They can continue to work providing they test negative regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated. This change comes after increasing pressure from the industry, including supermarkets saying the supply of some goods was being affected by the so-called “pingdemic”, which is leading to staff shortages. The problem, they said, was not widespread but some retailers feared stores would close or opening hours could be reduced.
The phased introduction of daily testing will start with 15 supermarket depots today, then 150 depots next week, eventually covering 500 sites – close to 10,000 staff – in the UK. But this announcement does not include those working in supermarkets.
Food industry Covid testing rolled out to support sector
Environment Secretary George Eustice and Health Secretary Sajid Javid have outlined plans for daily contact testing for the food and drink industries.
Reducing Covid-related school absences
Growing numbers of children have been absent from school due to rules around self-isolation. Last week around one million were off in England due to coronavirus but a new study has found daily testing of school pupils who are a close contact with someone who has Covid is a safe alternative to isolating at home. It doesn’t lead to the virus spreading, according to Oxford researchers, and has the potential to reduce school absences by up to 39%. It’s a “major breakthrough” says Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser for NHS Test and Trace. While England is due to remove the requirement for children and adults to self-isolate as close contacts from mid-August, rules vary in the other nations. The Scottish government is reviewing its approach for school children, who return to lessons in August, and the education minister in Wales says he wants to minimise the number of pupils self-isolating. This study will now be used to understand how the virus spreads in schools and colleges.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport Council shares guidance for businesses to continue efforts to combat Covid-19 spread
Following the changes in Government guidance regarding the Covid-19 pandemic on July 19th, Stockport Council has written to hospitality and events businesses in the borough to share guidance to help continue to control the virus in Stockport.
The letter, signed by Stockport Council’s Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly, and Director of Place Management, Mark Glynn, thanks businesses for their continued efforts in keeping their workforce and customers safe, and issuing fresh advice to help with the ongoing fight against the pandemic.
While restrictions have been eased, Covid-19 cases in Stockport remain very high, particularly among younger people who have yet to receive both doses of the coronavirus vaccine. While hospitalisations have not also risen, significant disruption is beginning to arise due to self-isolation requirements for those testing positive for the virus, and their contacts. Stockport Council’s full letter is published HERE
Advice from the Council includes:
– continuing to manage Covid-19 safe working, including continued considerations of the virus in risk assessments;
– encouraging staff to take up both doses of the vaccine;
– engagement with the NHS Test & Trace contact tracing service, such as through QR codes scannable with the NHS Covid-19 app.
Stockport takes another Gigantic Leap forward
This summer, Stockport’s Business Improvement District, Totally Stockport, has launched the Gigantic Leap Frog Art Trail. 21 brand new, gigantic colourful frogs have hopped into the town centre. And not only that, 17 of their One Stockport frog buddies are leaping into locations across the whole borough.
Stockport’s Gigantic Leap Frog Art Trail launched at an event hosted by Totally Stockport at the Light cinema. Artists and sponsors were joined by the Mayor of Stockport, Cllr Adrian Nottingham and invited guests before having a chance to visit all 21 frogs on the trail.
Pingdemic causing closure of bars and restaurants across Greater Manchester
The ‘pingdemic’ is forcing Greater Manchester hospitality venues to close every day because of isolating staff, the region’s night-time economy tsar Sacha Lord has warned. In a statement addressing the continued problems surrounding the Track and Trace app for the hospitality sector, Mr Lord added businesses and the economy “cannot wait” until August 16 to resolve the issues. The Government recently confirmed that close contacts who are double-jabbed will not have to isolate after August 16 in England.
Industrial property take-up reaches record levels leading to fears over future supply
Industrial and logistics take-up in the North West reached 3.58 million sq ft in the first half of 2021 – for units of 100,000 sq ft+ – according to the latest Savills Big Shed Briefing, making it the best first half ever recorded for the region. Savills reports that take-up was 36% above the first half of 2020 and 89% above the long term average, with 18 separate transactions recorded across the North West, including deals to Gefco, Panther Logistics and Amazon. However, Savills notes that, due to the strong take-up levels, supply of warehouse space in the North West has decreased dramatically in the past 12 months to stand at just 2.7 million sq ft across 14 separate units, equating to just 0.59 years’ worth of supply.
GM Clinical Research Network COO takes part in Covid-19 booster study
The Chief Operating Officer of the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Greater Manchester has volunteered to take part in a COVID-19 booster vaccine study. CRN Greater Manchester supports NHS, public health and social care settings to carry out research studies across Greater Manchester, East Cheshire and East Lancashire.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support – updated to include information about self-isolation for workers in critical services.
Covid-19 and the private security industry – FAQs
Information about how we are responding to the Coronavirus pandemic.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 23 July 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 14 to 18 July to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added link to accessing COVID-19 vaccination without an NHS number.
Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer – updated the general list of providers.
Moving home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for those working within the home buying and selling process and those moving home.
CONSTRUCTION:
Contractors back call to end the pingdemic
Construction companies are backing calls from business chiefs to end the pingdemic of workers being forced to self isolate. Tony Danker, CBI Director-General, said: “The current approach to self-isolation is closing down the economy rather than opening it up. This is surely the opposite of what the Government intended. Businesses have exhausted their contingency plans and are at risk of grinding to a halt in the next few weeks. What is now needed is a well-balanced approach to reopening the economy, rather than the awkward compromise that currently exists.”
EDUCATION:
Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a 16th notice about changes to state-funded school inspection requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Terms of Reference for EPRS in summer 2021
Proposed revisions to the way the Exam Procedures Review Service will operate for qualifications awarded in summer 2021.
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – updated the ‘Early years and childcare’ section due to changes in COVID-19 restrictions.
Student guide to awarding: summer 2021
A guide for students on how GCSEs, A levels, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2021 – PDF, HTML and easy-read guides updated to provide more details on appeals for qualifications awarded in 2021.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Health chiefs encourage more pregnant women to get their COVID-19 vaccine
Health chiefs are encouraging more pregnant women to get their COVID-19 vaccine, as new data shows that 51,724 pregnant women in England have received at least one dose.
COVID-19 vaccination: booking an appointment letter
NHS letter inviting eligible adults to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment – added link to accessing COVID-19 vaccination without an NHS number.
Management information on LFD test registration rates: 22 July 2021
Supplementary information on lateral flow device (LFD) test registration rates to support information presented at the Public Accounts Committee meeting on 8 July 2021.
Public urged to continue protecting family and friends
New government campaign launches across England to remind public of importance of continuing healthy behaviours to reduce the spread of COVID-19
Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance – edited due to lifting of restrictions on 19 July
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Local authority powers to impose restrictions under coronavirus regulations
Supports the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No 3) Regulations 2020 that come into force on 18 July 2020.
SPORT:
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) measures for grassroots sport participants, providers and facility operators
This guidance sets out information for the public and sport providers on how to organise and participate in grassroots sport and physical activity as safely as possible.
TRANSPORT:
International road haulage: HGV and trailer documents
Heavy goods vehicle (HGV) and trailer documents you need to legally cross international borders in a UK-registered vehicle – Insurance green cards will not be needed from 2 August 2021 to drive in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland.
Ryanair launches new routes from Manchester Airport
The airline will operate a total of 315 weekly flights, serving 67 destinations. Ryanair is also adding four new summer routes from Manchester Airport, with another six destinations being added in winter. New routes will connect Manchester Airport with the Romanian capital, Bucharest, Knock in Ireland, Verona in Italy and the Greek island of Santorini. Additions for the winter schedule include Kaunas, Lithuania; Poznan, Poland; Suceava, Romania; Zagreb, Croatia; and Paphos, Cyprus.
TRAVEL:
International bus or coach services and tours: vehicle documents
Check which vehicle documents you need to carry if you drive a bus or coach across international borders – Insurance green cards will not be needed from 2 August 2021 to drive in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Applications for the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant closed 31st May
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 15/07/2021
- Received: 2,911
- Processed: 2,911 (100%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £10,843,331
Restart Grants summary:
Grant allocation: £14,652,603
Number of businesses eligible: 1,845
Number received a grant: 1,780
Total value of payments made: £12,667,488
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.
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.
LATEST LINKS:
Stage four (19th July):
- 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
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:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
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
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