UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,144,577 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 9,938 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 16,803 – 18 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 442
Total UK deaths: 121,747
England Cases per 100,000: 105
R number in UK: 0.6 – 0.9
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 18,242,873 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 326,692
There have been more than 4.1 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly nearly 122,000 people have died. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. More than 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.
Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
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:
Teachers to grade pupils in England
Teachers will decide the grades of pupils in England whose GCSEs and A-levels have been cancelled because of the pandemic. Exams watchdog Ofqual says schools will be able to use a combination of mock exams, coursework and essays to determine grades. Exam boards will still set test papers for each subject but these are optional for schools, intended to inform teachers’ judgement and will not decide the final grades. Teachers had already been placed centrally to arrangements set out for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Fund extended to help level-up every corner of United Kingdom
A multibillion-pound fund to level-up opportunities is being extended so that people in every region and nation of the UK can benefit, it was announced today, 24 February.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 25 February 2021
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 19,351 to 24th February
Cases in the latest week: 540 (5 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 632 to February 12th
Cases per 100,000: 184 per 100,000, 14th to 20th Feb
R number in North West: 0.6 – 0.9
GM Labour market update reveals continued Covid-19 impact on employment
Unemployment in the North-west rose to 4.8% in the three months to December 2020, slightly below the nation figure of 5.1%, according to ONS figures, in part attributed to government support schemes to protect jobs; GMCA reported that 12% of people were furloughed in Greater Manchester in January. Government support has also been attributed to the relatively low levels of redundancies made in Greater Manchester so far in 2020. The city-region authority expressed concerns of the risk of a sharp rise in joblessness should the scheme not be extended in the coming Budget.
Tickets available for Stockport Jobs Match Careers Week
Attendees can now book their free tickets to attend events being put on by Stockport Jobs Match to mark Greater Manchester Careers Week. The week of sector-themed virtual careers events will help signpost jobseekers in the borough to careers advice, training, employers and live vacancies. The five day event will cater to people at all stages in their career, from school leavers and graduates, through to experienced hires. Each day will focus on one of five sectors. More here
BusinessLive: Andy Burnham warns over transport budget cut
The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has said a 40% cut to the budget of Transport for the North could be a sign of the Government wanting to “turn down the volume” on the region. At his weekly press conference, Mayor Burnham said the slash in funding came as a “bolt out of the blue” – and “couldn’t be worst timed”.
Together positioned for strong future
Together Financial Services, the Cheadle-based specialist mortgage and secured loans provider, improved pre-tax profits during the second quarter, it announced today. In the quarter ended December 31, 2020, the business reported pre-tax profits of £39.3m, up from £25.5m in the same quarter last year. Interest receivable, and similar income, for the period stood at £92.9m, against £96.8m last year. The return on equity was 15.3%, up from 11.1% in 2019.
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.
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. Testing at Fred Perry House
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
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: February 2021
The number of individuals claiming the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant up to 31 January 2021 by age, gender, industry sector and geography.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: February 2021
Time series and statistics as at 31 January 2020 on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with analysis by scheme size, sector, geography, gender and flexible furlough.
Reopening businesses and venues in England
This guidance details the steps to reopen certain businesses and venues in England.
Closing certain businesses and venues in England
This guidance sets out restrictions on certain businesses and venues in England during National Lockdown.
February claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are now open for pay periods in February ?2021.
Claims for January are now closed, but if you find you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough you can do this until 1 ?March. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar, Register here which includes:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to calculate what you can claim
- how to make a claim.
HMRC are also running monthly webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Register here get the latest information on:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
During these interactive webinars you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information.
HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics
HMT management information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Find out how apprenticeships will continue during the coronavirus (COVD-19) outbreak – Updated to show eligible apprentices can now start their EPA before they achieve their functional skills qualifications, if they have been prevented from doing so by coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions.
COMMUNITY:
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 PCR home test kit instructions
Step-by-step guide available in different formats on how to use and return your PCR home test kit to test yourself for COVID-19.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers.
Community testing for people without symptoms of coronavirus
Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have coronavirus (COVID-19) but do not have symptoms – added to the list of community testing programme areas in the East Midlands, East of England, North West, South East and South West.
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:
Direction issued to Ofqual
Direction from the Secretary of State for Education to Ofqual’s Chief Regulator about how GCSE, AS, A level and vocational and technical qualifications should be awarded in 2021.
Awarding qualifications in summer 2021
What schools, colleges and students need to know about the arrangements for awarding GCSEs, AS and A levels, VTQs and other qualifications in summer 2021.
Awarding of functional skills in 2021
Details, by awarding organisation, of the different assessment options available for functional skills in 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 ‘Current activity’ section to reflect our plans from 8 March.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19
Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges in the spring term 2021 – changed the guidance document ‘What parents need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19’ to an accessible version.
Consultation on how GCSE, AS and A level grades should be awarded in summer 2021
The approach to awarding GCSE, AS and A level grades in 2021 following the cancellation of exams – decisions and analysis of responses published.
New education recovery package for children and young people
New £700 million plan laid out to help young people in England catch up on lost learning due to the pandemic
Coronavirus (COVID-19): school and college performance measures
Our approach to school and college accountability, performance tables and data during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – guidance has been updated to confirm the 2020 to 2021 accountability position.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing
Information about the government’s coronavirus antibody testing programme. Antibody tests are to check whether a person has had the virus – guidance added for people taking part in antibody research surveys or studies.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly reports – updated to include information on the number of lateral flow device (LFD) tests conducted in education settings.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES:
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 25 February 2021
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority (LTLA) in England.
Reallocating road space in response to COVID-19: statutory guidance for local authorities
Guidance for local authorities on managing their road networks in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – replaced ‘Temporary signs to guide traffic to vaccination centres: guidance’ PDF, which shows 4 new sign examples.
RETAIL:
Primark set to lose £1.1billion in first-half sales
As Primark forecasts huge losses, Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium warns: “England’s third lockdown cut retail spending this month, as high street footfall remained down by over three quarters. Large non-food stores saw their thirteenth month of decline, increasing the risk of yet more retail stores being permanently shuttered. January’s lockdown has hit non-essential retailers harder than in November, with the new variant hampering consumer confidence and leading customers to limit spending, especially on fashion and textiles. Meanwhile, retailers have invested heavily in their online offering and click and collect services to ensure shoppers will still be able to access vital goods.”
TRANSPORT:
235,000 haulier tests completed as lorry drivers urged to get tested away from border
HGV drivers reminded to get tested for COVID-19 early in their journey at one of 37 UK haulier advice sites providing tests.
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
Confidence using transport during COVID-19
Research into public transport, aviation and maritime users’ confidence in returning to domestic and international transport during the coronavirus pandemic.
TRAVEL:
Home Secretary: “it’s too soon to book foreign holidays”
Home secretary Priti Patel has said it is too early to book holidays – only a day after the industry saw booming sales as the 17 May restart was pencilled in. “Well, it’s too early, it’s far too early. We have to look at the data at every single stage and the roadmap outlined by the prime minister makes that abundantly clear.”
Statistics relating to passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak, February 2021
A statistical report showing the impact of Covid-19 on the immigration system, up to January 2021.
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.