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24th May: Coronavirus News Updates

CORONAVIRUS LATEST UPDATES

UK NEWS & HEADLINES:

UK STATISTICS

Total UK Cases: 4,462,538 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,235 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 908 (6 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 5
Total UK deaths: 127,721
England Cases per 100,000: 12 per 100,000 (daily change: 1 fewer)
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1

Vaccine data:

Total 1st doses given: 37,943,581
Total 2nd doses: 22,643,417
Daily 1st doses: 205,410
Daily 2nd doses: 556,951

There have been over 4.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 127,700 people have died. More than 60 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK to 19th May and nearly 38 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Over 22 million people have had both their first and second jab. People aged 30 and over are being invited to have a first jab and the focus has shifted to offer over 50s a second vaccine within 8 weeks rather than 12. The average number of daily infections in the UK has continued to decline but there are areas with a rising number of new cases. A further 2,235 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government over the weekend.

The R value and growth rate in England
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19). The R range for England has risen to 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -2% to +1% per day as of 21 May 2021. Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.   

National lockdown: Stay at Home
Find out what you can and cannot do

Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences

HEADLINES & UPDATES:

Over 60 million vaccine doses administered in the UK
Health services across the UK have now administered a total of around 60.6 million vaccines since 8 December, including around 37.9 million people with their first dose (72%) and 22.6 million with both doses (43%), ensuring they have the strongest possible protection against COVID-19 from a second dose. This comes as new real-world data shows the vaccines are reducing hospitalisations and deaths, saving more than 13,000 lives and preventing 39,100 hospitalisations in England by 9 May. The government met its target of offering a vaccine to the most vulnerable by 15 April and remains on track to offer a first dose to all adults by the end of July. NHS England are sending texts inviting people to book a vaccination to those aged 32 and 33.

Vaccine status drives over one million new users to the NHS app
Over 1.3 million new people have registered to use the NHS App since the addition of COVID-19 vaccine status was announced on 7 May. The app allows easy access to coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status for travel and wider NHS services. Over 11,000 people have registered their preference for organ donation via the app in 4 days, 10 times more than average for that time. 90,000 people have ordered repeat prescriptions, saving clinicians and patients, valuable time. The app, which now has over 4.8 million registered users, is one of the first internationally compliant systems in the world to demonstrate vaccine status. The COVID-19 vaccine status service allows users easily to show their proof of vaccine, if required for international travel, and has been designed in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) interim guidance. As well as accessing COVID-19 vaccine status, people can use a wide range of personalised services, including GP appointment booking, ordering repeat prescriptions, and viewing GP and hospital records.

Vaccines highly effective against B.1.617.2 variant after 2 doses
A new study by PHE shows for the first time that 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the B.1.617.2 variant first identified in India.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was 88% effective against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant 2 weeks after the second dose, compared to 93% effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant. 2 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were 60% effective against symptomatic disease from the B.1.617.2 variant compared to 66% effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant. both vaccines were 33% effective against symptomatic disease from B.1.617.2, 3 weeks after the first dose compared to around 50% effectiveness against the B.1.1.7 variant  

Saturday Economist: Shoppers are back and driving recovery
Retail sales jumped by over 9% in April as masked shoppers returned to the high street. Sales were up 40% compared to April last year. Sales were up by 12% compared to pre-pandemic levels in the months of 2019.
Clothing stores were major beneficiaries. Sales volumes increased by 70% compared to prior month. Household goods sales jumped 10%. Furniture sales leapt by 30% as showrooms reopened. Electricals were up by 29%. Sales of cosmetics were up by 25%.  DIY and garden centre sales were down. Shoppers had other things on their mind as the high street moved back into business.
Salvation for the high street? More of a respite perhaps. Online sales increased by 32% year on year. Clothing sales were up by over 80% year on year. Household goods sales were up by almost 30%. As a proportion of all retail sales, online slipped to 30% of all retail. This was in line with our 30% forecast for the second quarter, as more options open for retail traffic.

Testing and sequencing of sewage ramped up to help tackle COVID-19 outbreaks
The innovative programme to test wastewater for traces of coronavirus (COVID-19) has ramped up sequencing capacity to support variant detection.

Self-isolation buddy support high Covid infection areas
“Buddying” services for people needing mental health support, alternative accommodation for those in overcrowded homes and translation services are some of the things being offered to help people self-isolate in a new pilot.Nine areas in England with higher coronavirus infection rates will be offered the additional help in a bid to bolster testing and self-isolation, if needed. No further financial support will be available to people who need to self-isolate in those areas – which includes most of north-west England, Newham and Hackney in London, Yorkshire and Humber and Somerset – however those areas will receive a share of £12m.
Government launches new pilots to further support people to self-isolate

Step 3 COVID-19 restrictions posters: 17 May 2021
A poster displaying information about COVID-19 restrictions in England from 17 May.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES: 

Latest Stockport data:

Total Stockport cases: 21,207 to 20th May
Cases in the latest week: 81 (12 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 722 to May 7th
Cases per 100,000: 28 per 100,000 week 10th to 16th May
R number in North West: 0.8 – 1.1
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 168,056 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 16th May

Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses

REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:

World-first COVID-19 vaccine booster study launches in Stockport
Volunteers from Stockport will soon be able to receive a third ‘booster’ COVID-19 vaccine through a new clinical trial launching this week, the Health Secretary has announced. The Cov-Boost study, backed by £19.3 millions of government funding through the Vaccines Taskforce, will be run at Stepping Hill Hospital and is being led by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.  It will be the first in the world to provide vital data on the impact of a third dose on patients’ immune responses.  It will give scientists from around the world and the experts behind the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme a better idea of how effective a booster of each vaccine is in protecting the individual from the virus.

Stockport’s Director of Public Health encourages vaccinations, regular testing and cautious mixing as we move further out of lockdown
In her weekly statement, she warned of the risks posed by the so-called Indian variant, or more formally known as the B.1.617.2 variant, which may be up to 50% more transmissible than other variants in circulation in the borough. As a result, Jennifer Connolly made an appeal to Stockport residents to continue with their efforts to get vaccinated as soon as eligible, keep following social distancing and hygiene best practices, and to make use of free, regular lateral flow testing (LFT) which offers a result in 30 minutes, and self-isolating in the event of a positive test. She also outlined some of the support available for those who may face financial hardship while self-isolating or need support with their mental health during these stressful times.

!! Grant funding for local organisations and associations to host events!!

As Many areas of Stockport have been unusually quiet with reduced visitor numbers and many events cancelled due to the impact of the coronavirus and subsequent lockdowns. As the situation around lockdown eases, local organisations and community groups are being encouraged to apply for grant funding that will help them to host events and attract visitors in an attempt to support businesses and boost the local economy. Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council

SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS: 

BUSINESS:    

HMRC: Are you re-opening your business or planning to do so shortly?
If you’re bringing back your employees part time, you can claim flexible furlough for them under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Claims for periods in April are now closed, but if you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough you can do this until?? ?11??.59pm next Fri??day???? ?28???? ?May.
Claims for periods in May and June are both open. For the latest information, join our live webinar. You can ask questions throughout using the on-screen text box, although we can’t discuss personal circumstances.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar Register here
There are useful handouts for you to download and we’ll also send you a link to a recording after the live webinar. If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with under 250 employees, you may also be eligible for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. View a recorded webinar about the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme on HMRC’s YouTube channel, for further guidance on the scheme, including who you can claim for, how to claim and what you may be entitled to. We’ll continue to review our webinars to give the most up-to-date information, and welcome your feedback at the end of the session too.

Making vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes
The government is seeking your views on a proposal to make COVID-19 vaccination a condition of deployment in older adult care homes.COMMUNITY:

COVID-19 vaccination status: what your confirmation letter tells you (easy read)
Easy-read version of the non-personal information in the letter confirming that someone has had the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine.   

(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated guidance for areas where the new COVID-19 variant is spreading  

Getting help with daily activities outside your home during coronavirus
If you need support while outside your home, this guide explains what you and the people helping you should do to limit the spread of coronavirus (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 – updated the list of general testing providers.

One Stockport Logo

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   

EDUCATION:

Coronavirus and higher education students: England, 4 May to 12 May 2021
Experimental statistics from the Student COVID-19 Insights Survey (SCIS) in England. Includes information on the behaviours, plans, opinions and well-being of higher education students in the context of guidance on the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  

Coronavirus (COVID-19) local restrictions in education and childcare settings
How settings can prepare for restrictions to help contain community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) – converted guidance from PDF to HTML. We have not changed any of the guidance from the update on 13 May 2021. 

Face coverings in education
Guidance on the use of face coverings for schools and other education institutions that teach people in years 7 and above in England. 

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 – converted the guidance to HTML to make it easier to read. We have not changed any of the guidance from the update on 10 May.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Student sponsors, migrants and short-term students
Guidance for Student sponsors, migrants and short-term students on temporary concessions in response to the outbreak of coronavirus.

HEALTH & WELLBEING:   

Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for hospices
Sets out how hospices can access COVID-19 testing for staff and patients on-site, for staff visiting patients in their own homes, and for visitors to hospices. 

Reporting to the National Supply Disruption Response (NSDR)
Information on how to report to the National Supply Disruption Response (NSDR) and end of transition period arrangements.

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:

Cine group ready for recovery following “strong” UK opening weekend
Cinema giant Cineworld is optimistic about its recovery following COVID-19 after a “strong” opening weekend. The group has reported that its opening weekend in the UK went “beyond expectations”, led by the release of Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway and strong concession income. The brand, which closed its UK cinema network during the pandemic, hopes that the strong performance continues – with customers returning to the big screen as restrictions continue to ease. Mooky Greidinger, Cineworld CEO, commented: “We are thrilled to have our cinemas back in business in the…UK and to welcome movie fans back to the big screen for an exciting and full slate of films. We are especially pleased with the warm welcome our employees have received, and the positive feedback from returning guests. 

COVID-19: guidance for food businesses
Advice for food businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK – added text confirming that guidelines including social distancing requirements are still in place after 17 May.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: National restrictions; Public health; Schools and education; Social care; Testing; Travel; Vaccines.

MINISTRY of DEFENCE:

COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities – updated: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response page as of 21 May 2021.

PROPERTY:  

Most tenants sign up after only a virtual viewing
Data from a property consultancy suggests that two thirds of renters who use virtual viewings sign tenancies without actually visiting their chosen property in person. Independent analysis carried out by TwentyCi indicates that guided virtual tours increase sales conversions by over 19 per cent and drive selling prices up by more than five per cent. Let conversion rates increase by 8.5 per cent – two thirds of which go on to let the property without a physical viewing, saving agents up to 90 per cent in costs. TwentyCi used a large sample of over 13,000 properties in sales and lettings between October 2020 and March 2021, to find out whether or not guided virtual tours made a difference to the purchase or rental of a property, and what that difference was, compared to a fully representative control group.

Will Covid make airspace development more or less likely?
One solution that has frequently been talked about as a way of solving the housing crisis is to build upwards on existing buildings, rather than creating new housing that interferes with the green belt or other protected areas. Such development was given a boost last year when the government’s made changes to the planning system to make it easier for individuals and developers to build upwards.

RETAIL:

Saturday Economist: Shoppers are back and driving recovery
Retail sales jumped by over 9% in April as masked shoppers returned to the high street. Sales were up 40% compared to April last year. Sales were up by 12% compared to pre-pandemic levels in the months of 2019.

TRANSPORT:

Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU – the haulier advice and information site at Watford Gap southbound has closed.

TRAVEL:    

Demonstrating your COVID-19 vaccination status when travelling abroad
How to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination status to show that you have had a full course (2 doses) of the COVID-19 vaccine and access this status when travelling abroad – added link to easy-read version of the COVID-19 post-vaccination confirmation letter.

What are the rules for travelling abroad?
The government’s traffic light system is designed to protect people traveling abroad and to protect the UK residents from visitors traveling into the UK and is advising people not to travel abroad unless their destinations are included in the ‘green’ list. Holidaymakers need to check whether their holiday destination is admitting tourists. The government says this is the responsibility of travellers.

For example:

CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:

!! Please note – the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant application deadline has been extended to 31/05/21

Discretionary Grants summary:

As at 20/05/2021

  • Received: 2,786
  • Processed: 2,740 (98%)
  • Grants Funding Issued: £9,629,378

Stockport Council details of Government’s Restart Grant

The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors with a one-off grant, to reopen safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.


The Restart Grant will be split into two strands:
– Strand one will be for non-essential retail businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £6,000.
– Strand two will be for hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000.

Strand 1 Businesses that have a rateable value:

  • of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667
  • between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000
  • of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000

Strand 2 Businesses that have a rateable value:

  • of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £8,000
  • between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £12,000
  • of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £18,000

Apply for a Restart Grant

Discretionary Grant Scheme – Additional Restrictions Grant

The Council launched an Economic Recovery Fund on 26/03/21, which provides 5 new business grants through the Additional Restrictions Grant funding.

Applications for the current Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, and the Micro-Business grant scheme are now closed.

The new Economic Recovery Fund ARG schemes are:

The Stockport Economic Recovery Boost Grant

This grant will be provided to businesses that have been successful in applying for the original ARG scheme for closed businesses that have separate commercial premises with ongoing costs. Businesses do not need to apply for this scheme as their details are already held and will be used to identify eligible businesses which will be contacted during April 2021 about their further grant payment under this scheme.

The Stockport Economic Recovery Market Place & Underbanks Independent Retailer Boost Grant

This grant is to support smaller, independent retail operators with premises in the Market Place and Underbanks area only, to reopen and restart their businesses.

This is a one-off fixed grant of £3,000 for each business that successfully applies.

Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Market Place & Underbanks Independent Retailer Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.

The Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant

This grant is for supporting the reopening and restart of hospitality sector businesses with their own premises in Stockport.

This is a one-off fixed grant of £5,000 for each business that successfully applies. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.

The Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant

This grant is for businesses to apply for to make changes to premises and/or to buy additional kit to support reopening and operating in a covid secure way.

Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.

The Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant

This grant is for district centre trading associations, or their equivalent, to bid in to for their local areas to run stimulus events to drive local footfall and customers into local areas to use local businesses that are reopening.

Where localities do not have training associations that can lead a bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that locality to lead as the single point of contact for their area.

There will only be one application accepted and one grant, if successful, provided per locality. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant.

!! Please note – the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant application deadline has been extended to 31/05/21

Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council

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:

Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.

Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.

What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.

Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.

Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou

Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/

ACAS

A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown

Useful information and links:

Useful Government links for easing out of lockdown:

Coronavirus Roadmap out of lockdown – what and when?

From 29 March:

  • People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
  • The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
  • Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts, and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
  • Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances

Stage two (no earlier than 12 April):

  • All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons (including in people’s homes)
  • Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
  • Members of the same household can take a holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation
  • Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place

Stage three (no earlier than 17 May):

  • People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
  • Six people or two households can meet indoors
  • Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
  • Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
  • Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
  • Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
  • Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
  • Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
  • International leisure travel may resume
  • Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart

Stage four (no earlier than 21 June):

  • All legal limits on social contact will be removed
  • No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
  • Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen

Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV???.UK.

Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:

  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 a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)

Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant

Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)

Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)

Check if you’re eligible for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs

Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.

Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak

Coronavirus – Guidance for employees and employers in Stockport: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses

COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.

Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.

New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.

Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.

Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.

If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.

Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.

Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.

Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.

Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.

Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.

Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.  https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak

The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak  
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses

Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.

Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July.

New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map 

Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.

Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk

Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk

Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus 

Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open

Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool

Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support

Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Government – Financial Support:  
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus. 
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19

Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding

Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus  https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series

Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:

News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.

You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus

Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate SchemeFrom Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:

Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/

Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.

Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).

Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday. 

Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.

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