UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 3,647,463 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 30,004 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 37,899 decrease of 726 on previous day
New deaths across UK: 610
Total UK deaths: 97,939
England Cases per 100,000: 412
R number in UK: 0.8 – 1.0
The R number and growth rate in the UK
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 6,353,321 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 491,970
Total 2nd doses:
Latest government figures show that more than six million people have now received a first dose of a vaccine, and nearly 500,000 a day are being vaccinated.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock says the government is aiming to offer all UK adults a vaccine by September.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 16,617 to 24th January
Current cases: 933 (254 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 526 to January 8th
Cases per 100,000: 318 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.2
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 22 January 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a statement at the coronavirus press conference.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
Online retailer acquires Debenham Retail brand but no stores for £55m
Manchester based online fashion retailer boohoo is stepping out of its comfort zone and agreed to buy the brand / Intellectual Property assets (IP) from 242 year old Debenhams Retail, expanding its online range into new areas including beauty and homeware. None of the current High Street stores or its staff are included in the deal. Debenhams entered administration at the end of 2020. The Debenhams brand is expected to launch its online store early in 2022.
ASOS in talks to acquire Arcadia brands
Online retailer ASOS has confirmed it is in “exclusive discussions” with the administrators of Arcadia over the acquisition of the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands. Arcadia called in administrators from Deloitte in December 2020, putting 13,000 jobs at risk. The group trades from 444 leased sites in the UK and 22 overseas and at the time of the appointment almost 9,300 staff were on furlough. Other Arcadia brands include Evans, Wallis, Burton and Dorothy Perkins.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) related deaths by occupation, England and Wales: deaths registered between 9 March and 28 December 2020
7,961 deaths involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the working age population (those aged 20 to 64 years) of England and Wales were registered between 9 March and 28 December 2020. Nearly two-thirds of these deaths were among men (5,128 deaths), with the age-standardised mortality rate of death involving COVID-19 being statistically significantly higher in men, at 31.4 deaths per 100,000 men aged 20 to 64 years compared with 16.8 deaths per 100,000 women (2,833 deaths).
“Today’s analysis shows that jobs with regular exposure to COVID-19 and those working in close proximity to others continue to have higher COVID-19 death rates when compared with the rest of the working age population. Men continue to have higher rates of death than women, making up nearly two thirds of these deaths. As the pandemic has progressed, we have learnt more about the disease and the communities it impacts most. There are a complex combination of factors that influence the risk of death; from your age and your ethnicity, where you live and who you live with, to pre-existing health conditions. Our findings do not prove that the rates of death involving COVID-19 are caused by differences in occupational exposure.”
Community Champions to give COVID-19 vaccine advice and boost take up
Over £23 million funding allocated to 60 councils and voluntary groups across England to expand work to support those most at risk from COVID-19 and boost vaccine take up.
New hard-hitting national TV ad urges the nation to stay at home
Government launches new national campaign featuring hospital staff and COVID-19 patients to remind the public of the extreme pressures still facing the NHS.
View it here: https://vimeo.com/503387990/66bb4741db
Coronavirus England briefing, 22 January 2021
Epidemiological data and hospitalisation metrics used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated in line with latest government guidance.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Night time Czar of Greater Manchester urges fans to join Parliamentary inquiry
Along with fellow industry leaders, Sacha Lord, the night time economic advisor for Greater Manchester and co-founder of Parklife Festival, is calling on music and nightlife fans to take part in an all-party debate to save the sector. The All-Party Parliamentary Group – APPG – for the night time economy met for the second time to debate the critical state of the industry following months of coronavirus-induced restrictions continues to bring the sector huge challenges and save it from permanent loss and damage.
Stockport Director of Public Health warns infection rates rising in 60+
Rates of coronavirus are starting to indicate a slow decline in Stockport. Rates are now at *336.4 per 100,000 and we are also seeing around *141 new cases each day. The latest published data can be found here. The new strain is 50-70% more infectious than previously and estimated to account for 70% of cases in Stockport. While there have been declines in our working age population and in children, rates are continuing to rise in the over 60s. This is concerning as this age group is more likely to be hospitalised and bed occupancy at Stepping Hill Hospital is already at the highest rate since the pandemic began. Read the full statement here
GM sets out next steps for Clean Air Zone
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is to discuss its next steps on the city’s Clean Air Zone, following the publication of final plans to tackle air pollution in the region. The report, which Greater Manchester’s local authority leaders will discuss in a meeting on January 29th, comes following an eight week consultation held in Autumn 2020, and sets out proposals for a GM-wide charging Clean Air Zone.
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 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
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Dates and Trigger Points of Additional Restrictions Grant, Local Restrictions Support Grants and Christmas Support Payments for wet-led pubs
Download the Grant Matrix
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
It is anticipated that there will be a high volume of applications and contacts to be processed so it will not be possible for members of the team to respond to individual enquiries at this time.
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
BREXIT:
How can UK citizens secure EU residency post-Brexit
The complications start arising, he admits, once visitors to Spain want to stay for extended periods of over 90 days in every 180-day period. “In these early days of the post-Brexit arrangements, apart from Covid regulation, there is no evidence of counting-in, passport stamping or registration of overseas visitors to Spain. It is expected that there will be discussions between the UK and Spanish authorities in the future about this issue, but right now and understandably, it’s not a priority for either government,” Woolley says. “Interestingly, citizens of Switzerland and Norway, two countries that are NOT members of the EU, are free to come to Spain whenever they choose. Effectively, these citizens enjoy free movement.”
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Kickstart moves up a gear with over 120,000 jobs created so far and government making it even simpler for employers to join
More than 120,000 jobs for 16 to 24 year olds have now been created through the government’s flagship Kickstart Scheme, as ministers have urged more employers to get involved.
HMRC: Paying your deferred VAT
Your VAT payments due between 20?? ?March and 30?? ?June 2020 are deferred until 31?? ?March 2021. To pay this VAT, you can:
- pay in full on or before 31?? ?March 2021
- opt in to a new scheme that allows you to pay in instalments, until January ?2022.
If you’ve already paid your deferred VAT – you don’t need to do anything else.
If you can pay in full before 31?? ?March 2021, please do. You’ll find everything you need online:
- go to Gov.uk and search ‘paying VAT’
- choose ‘pay your VAT bill’ and follow the instructions – please make sure you use the right reference
To see details of the amount you owe, please go to GOV???.UK and search ‘Business Tax Account’. To sign in you’ll need your Government Gateway user ID and password. If you don’t have an ID and password, you can create them as part of this process. You can also retrieve a forgotten user ID or password.
The new scheme will allow you to pay your deferred VAT in up to 11 regular monthly instalments, interest free, beginning in March 2021.
The scheme is not available to use yet, but you can find more about how it works, and get ready to use it, by going to GOV.UK and searching ‘deferred VAT’.
HMRC know that many customers are facing financial difficulties due to the?Coronavirus (COVID-19)?pandemic. For more information about what to do if you’re not able to pay your deferred VAT, please go to GOV???.UK and search ‘Deferred VAT’.
Help employers apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant (Kickstart gateway)
Added information about changes to the Kickstart Scheme announced on 25 January 2021. Applications from new Kickstart gateways will close on 28 January 2021 and all employers can apply directly online from 3 February 2021.
More employers sign up to rapid testing to protect workforce
Dozens of public and private sector employers are now offering rapid testing to those without symptoms.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough and how much you can claim back – a bullet point has been added to the ‘Use the calculator’ section which explains that employers cannot use the calculator if their employees have variable pay, were not on their employer’s payroll on or before 19 March 2020 and have been on more than one period of furlough after 1 November 2020.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – under ‘Documents for care homes using the online application portal’ added link to new guidance publication: ‘care home testing guidance for LFD self-testing at home’.
Personal and economic well-being demographic and personal characteristic estimates
Additional splits of the from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey data providing comparable estimates for demographics and personal characteristics, such as age groups, income groups, parental statuses and others.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) related deaths by occupation, England and Wales: deaths registered between 9 March and 28 December 2020
Provisional analysis of deaths involving the coronavirus (COVID-19), by different occupational groups, among men and women aged 20 to 64 years in England and Wales.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam opinion piece in The Sunday Telegraph
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam highlights the importance of continuing to follow the guidance, even after receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.
Get a test for coronavirus (COVID-19) if you do not have symptoms
Find out how to get tested when you do not have symptoms.
Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts – updates to funding deadlines – Meals for Those in Need fund closed; Zoos support fund deadline extended; HMT Future fund extended. The information on Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Self Employed Income Support Scheme updated
CONSTRUCTION:
Site demand soars for Covid killing spray tunnels
A growing number of construction companies are installing ‘personal protection tunnels’ on sites which sanitise workers with a Covid-killing mist when they enter a site. Demand has increased since construction bosses battle to keep sites open and infection free as the second wave of the pandemic grips the UK
EDUCATION:
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) cases by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week – updated the number of cases for the week beginning 21 December as this was incomplete due to closures over the Christmas period. Also added data for weeks beginning 28 December 2021 and 4 January 2021.
Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice
Mandatory guidance on the criteria that organisations must meet to provide initial teacher training (ITT) – update to C1.3 Other background checks section. Added links to Changes to checks for EU sanctions on EEA teachers and Recruit teachers from overseas.
Remote education research
Ofsted’s summary of findings on remote learning from several strands of research activity into remote learning that we carried out in 2020.
Ofsted research finds pupil motivation around remote education is a significant concern for parents and school leaders
A new report from Ofsted has found that pupil engagement and motivation remains a significant challenge for schools providing remote education.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance on the new variant of COVID-19 in the UK
Government Chief Science Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance comments on the new variant of COVID-19.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for healthcare workers
Information for frontline healthcare workers on COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: why you are being asked to waitInformation about COVID-19 eligibility and vaccine supplies.
COVID-19 vaccination: women of childbearing age, currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Information for all women of childbearing age, those currently pregnant or breastfeeding on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic – update for week commencing Monday 25 January 2021.
MoD:
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 – updated: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response page as of 22 January 2021.
Armed Forces now working in hospitals, vaccine centres, and testing across all four nations
Armed Forces now working in hospitals, vaccine centres, and testing across all four nations of the UK to support the coronavirus response
PROPERTY:
Covid will drastically change rental landscape, warn agents
A series of leading lettings agents have warned that the rental sector is set for significant change as the Coronavirus pandemic changes tenants’ and landlords’ aspirations. Speaking to Assist Inventories, the agents suggest attitudes to property type, location and quality will all change in the near future.
RETAIL:
Online retailer acquires Debenham brand but no stores for £55m
Manchester based online fashion retailer is stepping out of its comfort zone and agreed to but the 242 year old Debenhams department store’s brand, expanding its range. None of the current High Street stores are included in the deal.
ASOS in talks to acquire Arcadia brands
Online retailer ASOS has confirmed it is in “exclusive discussions” with the administrators of Arcadia over the acquisition of the Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT brands.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): requirements to provide public health information to passengers travelling to England
Information that transport operators must ensure is provided to passengers and how to provide it.
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where drivers and crew of HGVs, LGVs, coaches and vans can get free COVID-19 tests and border readiness checks before transporting goods to the EU.
TRAVEL:
Test to Release for international travel: minimum standards for testing
Sets out the minimum standards that private sector providers of COVID-19 testing for ‘Test to Release for international travel’ must meet.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to England
Information on how to self-isolate, which you must now do when arriving in England.
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:
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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