UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,134,639 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 8,489 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 16,797 – 196 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 548
Total UK deaths: 121,305
England Cases per 100,000: 105
R number in UK: 0.6 – 0.9
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 17,916,181 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 192,341
There have been more than 4.1 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 121,000 people have died. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. Nearly 18 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
The R value and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R range for the UK is 0.6 to 0.9 and the growth rate range is -6% to -3% per day as of 19 February 2021.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to clarify the guidance on campaigning for electoral events.
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
Lloyds Bank “remains confident” in face of 71% pandemic profit drop
A UK bank has reported that its underlying profits have dropped by more than 70 per cent over the course of the pandemic. Lloyds Banking Group, which operates banks across the country, saw its underlying profits for 2020 drop from £7.5bn to £2.2bn – a fall of 71 per cent. The group also reported that its net income for the year decreased by 16 per cent, shrinking from £17.1bn to £14.4bn. However, the fourth quarter’s figures represented an improvement on the previous period, with profits rising by £170m between September and the end of December. The group also announced that it will be resuming dividend payments.
Secondary schools in England will be asked to deliver face-to-face summer schools to help some pupils catch up with lessons lost to Covid.
It will be up to schools which pupils get the lessons – they won’t be for everyone, and the summer holidays won’t be shorter. But the government is providing hundreds of millions of pounds in funding to make sure it happens. Alongside the face-to-face lessons for some secondary pupils, there is also funding for primary and secondary schools to boost summer clubs and activities. The prime minister said the money would ensure “no child is left behind”. Schools in England closed to most pupils when the first lockdown began in March 2020. They reopened to some year groups in the summer term, and to all pupils in September. But they closed again in January, and are not due to reopen until 8 March. Read about “Generation Covid” here, and see how one school in Shropshire is preparing for the return here.
Government sets out roadmap to ease out of current lockdown
The Prime Minister has announced the government’s 4-step roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions in England. The roadmap, which has now been published on gov.uk, outlines four steps for easing restrictions. There will be a minimum of five weeks between each step: four weeks for the data to reflect changes in restrictions; followed by seven days’ notice of the restrictions to be eased:
8 March:
17 May:
12 April:
21 June:
The roadmap can be found in full here.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 19,290 to 23nd February
Cases in the latest week: 514 (47 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 632 to February 12th
Cases per 100,000: 175 per 100,000, 13th to 19th Feb
R number in North West: 0.6 – 0.9
Stockport Council expands offer to businesses for in-house or mobile testing
One in three people who get coronavirus don’t show any symptoms but can still infect others, having the potential to present a problem for businesses.
To help combat any potential outbreaks, business owners can now access twice-weekly coronavirus testing for all staff that will identify cases more quickly and reduce the chance of a COVID-19 outbreak in your workplace. Each test takes about 5 minutes to complete and gives a result in 30 minutes. To make testing as convenient for businesses as possible, there are three ways your business can access testing:
- By setting up your own coronavirus testing site within your premises.
Email testing@stockport.gov.uk if you’re interested in speaking to us about this option including how many employees you have and the sector you work in. - By attending for testing at Stockport Council’s test site at Fred Perry House, Edward Street, Stockport, SK1 3UR. Tests by appointment: www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-test
- By attending our mobile testing unit that will be setting up at Business Parks including Pepper Road in Hazel Grove, Cheadle Hulme on Bird Hall Lane, at Bredbury industrial Estate, Whitehill Industrial Estate and on Discovery Park/Crossley Park near McVities. For more details, please email testing@stockport.gov.uk
If you’d like to discuss how these options could work for your business in more detail, please email testing@stockport.gov.uk. You’re also very welcome to book a test for yourself at Fred Perry House using the link above, to see lateral flow tests in action.
North West leaders give reaction to PM’s roadmap out of lockdown
Business and political leaders from across the North-west have responded to plans set out by the Prime Minister for how to lift coronavirus lockdown restrictions. CBI North West Director, Damian Waters, described Boris Johnson’s roadmap as ‘a good starting point’, and welcomed the commitment to remove the uncertainty of possible future shutdowns. However, he also outlined the need for further business support for businesses that may remain closed for over three months. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also called for the roadmap to followed up with further financial support. Sacha Lord, however, criticised the Prime Minister’s plans for the hospitality sector, arguing that infection data did not justify reopening non-essential indoor retailers but only allowing pubs and restaurants outdoors.
Regional leaders set out vision for carbon-neutral North West
Leaders from across the North-west have set out their vision for the entire region to become carbon neutral by 2040. Ambitions for the region are being set in preparations for the UK’s hosting of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) later this year, and set the goal of the region reaching zero-carbon a decade ahead of the national target. Greater Manchester already has set the deadline of becoming carbon neutral by 2038.
Rowlinson Knitwear encourage Stockport businesses to sign up to workplace testing
Managing director Donald Moore: “We trained 4 people in order to carry out up to 35 tests and we will be testing our workforce twice a week. Most of the training is undertaken via an e-learning package with an additional offer of face to face training should you want to access this where your team can run through the testing process from registration to taking a swab and processing the test with a facilitator on hand. The council provide all the training, the materials and full PPE and a named Sector Support Officer to guide and support throughout.” Learn more here
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Support Scheme for Stockport’s large strategic employers
Grants of up to £150,000 per business are available, with applications required by 28th February 2021. Businesses will be considered if they are based in Stockport with over 50 employees and have a strategic impact on the local economy (businesses with less than 50 employees will be considered in exceptional circumstances where there is exceptional contribution demonstrated to the economic vibrancy locally). Please consider the application guidance and check the eligibility criteria on the following web page: www.stockport.gov.uk/support-scheme-for-large-strategic-employers
Stockport Council expands eligibility for Discretionary Grant Schemes
Stockport Council has announced it is expanding its discretionary grant schemes to support a greater range of businesses affected by the pandemic.
The new Micro-business support scheme will see businesses outside of the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors become eligible for both the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme and the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses, affecting organisations that were impacted during the lockdown from 5th November to 2nd December, and subsequent periods of lockdown. Support will be backdated to the first date of eligibility. The discretionary schemes allow councils to support businesses that have missed out on other support as they do not have a business rates liability. Stockport Council is adding a number of sectors to those already eligible for the schemes. Details here To be eligible for the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme bus also meet specific criteria – details here Businesses will need to be able to demonstrate that they have fixed property costs and demonstrate a loss in income as a result of the pandemic.
Applications for the above scheme are now open and may be accessed here
Micro-business support grant – Stockport Council
Some businesses have not been eligible to receive a grant, and this continues to be the case – find out more here
Please note: The Council has now received funding for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme for the period following the end of the lockdown on 2nd December 2020.
A system to make automated repeat payments for qualifying businesses based on their initial applications is being used and so there is no need for businesses to reapply after their first application for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme. Funds will be paid to businesses and an email will be sent to each business stating that in accepting the funding they are confirming that they meet the qualifying conditions and statements set out in the email.
If you have not yet applied for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme, you will need to make an initial application before you can be considered to be eligible to receive any automatic payments for further qualifying periods. Further information on the schemes will be updated on the Stockport Council website.
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
BUSINESS:
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Find out how apprenticeships will continue during the coronavirus (COVD-19) outbreak – updated the ‘Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak’ document.
Coronavirus grant funding: local authority payments to small and medium businesses
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during coronavirus – added data for Local Restrictions Support Grants and Additional Restrictions Support Grant.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme – added more Kickstart Scheme graphics and added updated Welsh brand guidelines. It is now easier for employers of all sizes to benefit from joining the Kickstart Scheme – the limit which previously required employers to create a minimum of 30 vacancies in order to apply directly has now been removed.
Business grants data published
Data published for grant schemes providing urgent support to business through national coronavirus restrictions.
COMMUNITY:
New measures to allow proxy voting in local elections for those self-isolating with coronavirus
Individuals who need to self-isolate because of coronavirus will still be able to vote in the local elections through new emergency proxy voting measures.
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings – updated the guidance to outline who can attend out-of-school settings and what precautions parents who are sending their children to these settings should take from 8 March. Added a new section on face coverings.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges
Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges in the spring term 2021 – update ‘What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges’, up to and after the full reopening on 8 March 2021.
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:
HMRC’s new VAT reverse charge – how will construction firms be affected?
From March 1 2021, HMRC’s new VAT domestic reverse charge for building and construction services comes into effect. With this in mind, the specialists from Sheards Accountancy – a leading Chartered Accountancy practice based in Huddersfield – have delved into the impact the legislation will have on both the industries as well as sharing their top tips to prepare for the change. According to Sheards, the reverse charge will apply to all CIS registered businesses buying and selling construction services that are subject to CIS reporting, ‘apart from those that are zero-rated’, up to the point in the supply chain where the customer is the end-user. At this point, the normal reporting and collection of VAT resumes.
EDUCATION:
Fewer than 1 in 5 university students had COVID-19 by end of autumn term
A study conducted by Public Health England (PHE) estimates that 17.8% of university students in England had COVID-19 antibodies.
Modification notice: school registration legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues an eleventh notice to modify pupil registration requirements for temporary pupils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues an eleventh notice about changes to state-funded school inspection requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Education Act 2005: school inspection disapplication notice March 2021’.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the coronavirus outbreak – updated document to include changes on selection testing in schools, the protective measures to be adopted in schools or test centres, face coverings and testing clinically extremely vulnerable pupils in their home environment.
Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Protective measures for providers of community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings offering provision to children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – guidance updated to outline who can attend out-of-school settings and what actions providers will need to take from 8 March. Added new sections on advice for pregnant staff members and engaging in asymptomatic testing.
Pupils’ progress in the 2020 to 2021 academic year: interim report
A research report presenting interim findings from analysis into the progress pupils have made during the 2020 to 2021 academic
Catch-up premium: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out which schools are eligible, what the funding is for, when payments will be made and how funding can be used to help pupils catch up on missed education.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Letter from the Health and Social Care Secretary on COVID-19 vaccination in people with learning disabilities
Matt Hancock wrote to the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation (JCVI) in response to their advice.
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people
Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable. Removed out-of-date letters and temporarily removed alternative formats and translations while updating.
Workforce Capacity Fund for adult social care
Information for local authorities and adult social care providers on the £120 million Workforce Capacity Fund during coronavirus (COVID-19) – added ‘Annex F: reporting point 2 template’.
Coronavirus England briefing, 23 February 2021
Epidemiological data and hospitalisation metrics used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers.
Regulatory approval of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. All documents were updated to include updated side effect frequency and efficacy data, including a new table on efficacy by dosing interval in the Information for UK Healthcare Professionals document. A new Annex (Annex 1: Addition of manufacturer and importer) was added to the Conditions of Authorisation document.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information’ and the ‘quick read’ version to reflect changes to data capturing to more effectively identify coronavirus test samples that should be sent for genomic sequencing.
JCVI advises inviting people on Learning Disability Register for vaccine
JCVI has advised the government to invite all people on the GP Learning Disability Register for COVID-19 vaccination.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.
PROPERTY:
Stamp duty break prompts surge in multi-property landlord deals
Some 60 per cent of multi-property landlords have expanded their portfolio since the introduction of the Stamp Duty Holiday last summer according to new research.
This includes commercial property landlords as well as residential ones, with both categories looking increasingly outside of large cities for future investment. Research by Direct Line business insurance finds that 43 per cent of multi-property landlords have invested in properties outside major cities, with 82 per cent doing this because they expect a significant number of renters to move out of cities due to Covid-19 and the upsurge in remote working.
TRAVEL:
Tour operators reset to 17th May summer start
Departures before this date have been cancelled by Tui UK and Jet2, with Covid refund and cancellation policies applying. Andrew Flintham, Tui UK and Ireland managing director, said: “In line with the UK government’s latest lockdown announcement, all Tui holidays from England will not operate before 17 May. We know our customers are looking forward to their holidays, so to offer continued flexibility and reassurance, we have extended our free changes policy to the end of June. Those due to travel between 17 May and the end of June can change their booking to a later date fee-free.” Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have also extended the suspension of all flights and holidays until 17 May.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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