UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,464,900 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,439 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 908 (6 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 3
Total UK deaths: 127,724
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: 38,070,038
Total 2nd doses: 22,643,417
Daily 1st doses: 126,357
Daily 2nd doses: 252,139
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:
Thousands of UK jobs on the horizon as government invests £166m into green tech
The government has today announced that it is investing more than £166m into green technology that it says will create thousands of jobs.
The £166.5m funding package will be awarded to businesses and innovators across the UK, developing technologies in climate control and polluting sector decarbonisation. More than a third of the funding – £60m – will go towards the development of low carbon hydrogen in the UK, and to identifying and scaling up more efficient solutions for producing clean hydrogen from water.
This portion of the funding is expected to create around 8,000 hydrogen jobs. Greenhouse gas removal methods will also be tackled by the funding package, with £37.5m going towards new designs and projects.
Deadline looms for acquisition of Arcadia Group brand assets
Firms interested in acquiring the intellectual property assets of a major fashion empire have just 48 hours to make their offers.
Companies interested in acquiring the assets will need to register their interest by the deadline of 4pm on May 26. The Arcadia Group was the parent company of brands such as Outfit, Burton, British Home Stores (BHS), Debenhams, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Topman, Topshop, Wallis and Warehouse. The offerings are the latest in a series of asset sales relating to Arcadia by Hilco Valuation Services, the European arm of Hilco Global, a global specialist in asset valuation, monetisation and advisory solutions.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 21,254 to 24th May
Cases in the latest week: 58 (35 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 723 to May 14th
Cases per 100,000: 20 per 100,000 week 14th to 20th May
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.2
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 174,805 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 23rd May
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Just 5 weeks remain for Stockport businesses to apply for restart grants
Non-essential retail, hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gyms in Stockport have until the 30th June to submit applications for Restart Grants.The one-off cash grants, of up to £6,000 for non-essential retailers, and up to £18,000 for other businesses, have been designed to help businesses that have been forced to close due to Covid-19 restrictions cover the costs of reopening safely now that lockdown measures have eased. Stockport Council has so far awarded grants to 83% of businesses that it has identified as eligible to receive the funding and is calling for the remaining businesses in the borough to submit their applications and not miss out on the funding they are entitled to. Businesses with a premises of a rateable value of less than £15,000 are especially encouraged to apply. So far, one-third of these business have yet to apply for the cash grants.
Government updates advice to areas worst hit by Indian variant
The information appears to have been amended on the Government’s ‘what you can and cannot do’ page last Friday at 5.26pm without an official announcement.
The official guidance was updated to advise against all but essential travel in Bolton, Bedford, Blackburn and Darwen, Burnley, Kirklees, Leicester, Hounslow, and North Tyneside, where the Indian variant of Covid is growing fastest.
The advice states, to prevent the spread of the new variant of coronavirus, you should take particular caution when meeting people outside your own household; meet outside rather than inside, keep 2 metres apart, avoid travel outside your local area, get tested twice every week and isolate if your test is positive or you are required to isolate.
MAN ES agrees to potentially donate 43 acres at Hazel Grove to the Land Trust
Engineering company MAN Energy Solutions has reached an agreement in principle to transfer ownership of 43 acres of land near its Hazel Grove headquarters to national charity, the Land Trust. The agreement will preserve Mirlees Fields and enhance it as a local asset, creating Hazel Grove’s largest public green space. The move will be contingent of MAN Energy Solutions securing planning consent for developing 11 acres of its privately owned land around its headquarters to deliver up to 200 new homes and 10 acres for open space. In total it is proposed around 53.47 acres of fully accessible public open space would be created through the proposals, with revenue from sale of land to a housebuilder reinvested into the business.
Robinsons Brewery continue investment in pub estate throughout pandemic
Stockport family brewers, Robinsons Brewery, has completed refurbishments at 20 of its tenanted and managed pubs since the beginning of the pandemic as part of a multi-million-pound investment programme in its pub estate. Investments have delivered general repairs and redecorations to enhance the quality of pubs, but also ensured they are safe and ready to welcome back customers as Covid-19 restrictions ease.
!! 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:
BREXIT:
If you move goods between the UK and countries in the EU, you need to follow new customs and tax rules.
Your business will be affected by the new rules if you:
- buy goods from an EU seller and bring them into the UK
- send goods you’ve sold to a buyer in an EU country
- haven’t exchanged money but need to move equipment that you use for your business, between the UK and the EU.
You can now apply for the SME Brexit Support Fund. Smaller businesses can get up to £2,000 to pay for practical support, including training or professional advice to adjust to new customs, rules of origin and VAT rules when trading with the EU. Applications must be received before 3??0?? Ju??ne.
You can attend HMRC webinars to help adjust to the new rules and keep your business moving. The webinars explain existing GOV??????.UK guidance and give you the opportunity to ask general questions. You’ll also be able to see responses to other peoples’ questions and the guidance we signpost to for extra help and support. We’re unable to answer questions specific to the items you import or export. Instead, you can use the helpline at the end of this email for these questions.
Importing – preparing to make your supplementary declaration: To support those who’ve delayed their customs import declarations, we explain what information is required, the timeline for providing this information and how intermediaries can help you do this. Please register to take part if you’ve imported goods since 1 January 2021 and not yet completed a customs declaration for them. If you’re planning to import and want to understand the full declarations process please register for Customs Import Declarations: an overview.
Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving: 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 – zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, 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: This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader, if you choose to use an intermediary to complete import or export declarations for your business. These are complex and an intermediary can save you a lot of time. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
Rules of Origin: Watch our recorded webinar if you buy goods from the EU, or send or sell goods to the EU for your business, this webinar will help you understand rules of origin and what’s required to meet the rules. The recorded webinar can be paused or rewound to allow you to work through the information at your own pace. You can also:
- watch our videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel to familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU
- use the trader checklist to make sure you’re familiar with the new rules that affect you
- use our updated guides to understand the new customs and VAT requirements when moving goods between the UK and EU countries
- sign-up to the Trader Support Service if your client’s business is moving goods between GB and Northern Ireland and use their suite of educational products – including online training modules and webinars for support with the Northern Ireland Protocol
- ask and get answers to specific questions about HMRC processes for importing or exporting, by visiting our customer forums
- watch webinars and videos from other government departments to support you
- sign up to our weekly email updates on news and information about importing and exporting with the EU, providing hints and tips for businesses like yours, getting used to the new rules for importing and exporting.
Contact us
Call Customs & International Trade helpline on 0300?? ?322?? ?9434, for more help with importing, exporting or customs reliefs. The helpline is open?? ?from 8am?? ?to?? ?10pm?? ?Monday?? ?to?? ?Friday and?? ?from 8am?? ?to?? ?4pm at?? ?week??ends. You can also send us your questions or webchat.
BUSINESS:
Understanding the business impacts of local and national restrictions: May 2021
Experimental estimates from the voluntary fortnightly business survey (BICS), for single site businesses only, on topics such as trading status, financial performance, workforce and business resilience. Geographical breakdowns include country, regional and local authority levels.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak.
How to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Advice for everyone to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to include information on reducing the risk when meeting friends and family.
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Guidance to provide advice on how places of worship can open, for limited permitted activities, in a manner that is safe and in line with national lockdown restrictions.
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.
CONSTRUCTION:
Helical predicts ‘hotelification’ of office market post-Covid
Gerald Kaye, chief executive of Helical said the office sector was on the cusp of considerable change. Helical has identified four key drivers that will shape the use of offices going forward. He said property investors like BlackRock had already remarked on a tectonic shift in the reallocation of investment to sustainable assets which Kaye said would drive future new building and refurbishment activity.
Kaye said: “Tenants will want to occupy the most sustainable and environmentally favourable buildings to achieve both their own net zero carbon targets and those of their stakeholders.
“For the same reasons, investors will actively seek to acquire these buildings. We believe there will be a “green” rental and yield premium for the most sustainable assets.”
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:
Special schools and other specialist settings: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We have 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.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We have converted the guidance to HTML and moved some of the paragraphs within the attendance section around to make it easier to read. We have not changed any of the guidance from the update on 10 May.
Student guide to awarding: summer 2021
A guide for students on how GCSEs, A levels, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2021.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: impact on vaccination programmes
Reports assessing the impact of COVID-19-related physical distancing measures on delivery of childhood vaccination programmes in England.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): local death management
Statutory guidance for local authorities in England on Schedule 28 to the Coronavirus Act, which provides powers to support local and national death management.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children.
PROPERTY:
Record number of homes sell above asking price
An all-time record high of one in three properties sold for more than the original asking price last month. This is according to the latest market snapshot from NAEA Propertymark, released this morning. The exact proportion – 32 per cent – is twice that proportion recorded a month earlier and is the highest figure on record for the organisation, beating the previous all-time high of 19 per cent back in May 2014.
The Propertymark stats also suggest that the average number of house hunters registered per estate agency branch was 427 in April, an increase from 409 in March – and the highest figure for the month of April since 2004.
Possession cases fallen during pandemic
Official figures show that far from seeing a rise during the pandemic, there has been what the government calls “a massive drop” in possession cases in recent months. Lord Stephen Greenhalgh – a minister of state at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – has told a House of Lords debate on the sector that those groups claiming there would be a surge in cases and evictions, and a build-up in the courts because of Coronavirus restrictions, the reverse appeared to be the case.
‘Transform home buying for good’ – goal of new strategic partnership
Digital marketing agency Angels Media and digital platform Gazeal have announced an exclusive strategic partnership to help improve and speed up the homebuying and selling process. Angels Media – publisher of Estate Agent Today and owner of PropTech platform The ValPal Network – has endorsed Gazeal as the best way of driving the market to change for good, by helping to increase the use of upfront information and reservation agreements.
Protecting the homeless and the private rented sector: government response to the Select Committee report
Government response to the HCLG Select Committee’s report on Government’s actions to support the homeless and private rented sector during the COVID-19 pandemic.
RETAIL:
Mothercare reveals predictions for 2021 profit despite 40% sales dip
A parenting retail brand has predicted that it will see a profit in 2021 despite a 40 per cent sales decrease. Mothercare, which has more than a thousand franchisees, saw retail sales dip to £326m, down by £216m from the previous year’s results. It said that as well as the closure of stores, sales were impacted by restrictions on its manufacturing partners. However, the company’s debt has reduced to £12.1m, and it is now expecting to report an EBITDA profit for the year.
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
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:
- Roadmap – Spring 2021: including the easing of restrictions from 29 March
- Covid-19 Vaccine
- Workplace Testing
- Back To School translations
- Stay Home translations
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:
- Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
- Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
- 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.
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.