UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 6,590,747 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 35,847 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 6,874, 81 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 149
Total UK deaths: 132,003
England Cases per 100,000: 313
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.2
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 47,792,552 – 88% of UK adults
Total 2nd doses: 42,072,712 – 77% of UK adults
Daily 1st doses: 55,410
Daily 2nd doses: 130,676
There have been more than 6.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and nearly 132,000 people have died, government figures show. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus.
More than 89 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK and about 88% of people aged 16 and over have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and some 42 million, nearly 77% aged 16 and over have had their second.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 33,410 to 25 August
Cases in the latest week: 1023, up 74 on previous week
Total deaths: 740 to August 6th
Cases per 100,000: 348 per 100,000 week ending 21 August
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.1
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of adults to 24 August
2nd dose: 77%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.9 to 1.2
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Updated with slides to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK NEWS UPDATES
NHS England prepares jabs plan for 12-15 year olds
NHS organisations in England have been told to prepare for a possible extension of the Covid vaccination programme to all 12 to 15-year-olds. Any change to the rollout next month will be dependant on a recommendation from experts on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Jab offers in this age group only now go to people living with a vulnerable adult or certain health conditions.
The Department of Health said no decisions had been made. But it confirmed that planning for a range of scenarios was taking place to ensure all eventualities were prepared for.
Waning immunity and rising cases – what is the likely impact?
A month ago, coronavirus cases were falling and the lifting of nearly all restrictions looked like it had been a success. But just weeks later, infections levels are rising again, with more than 30,000 new cases being confirmed each day, and there is growing evidence immunity through vaccination is waning. How worrying is waning immunity? Immunity through vaccination was always expected to wane. Two studies – one based on data from the Zoe Covid Study app and another from Oxford University – suggest this may now be beginning several months after the second dose.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
GCHQ launches programme for North West firms to deliver “cutting-edge technologies”
The UK’s intelligence and cyber agency has partnered with HOST to develop the innovation Co-Lab, which will work with 5 “ambitious businesses” to apply technology to national security challenges including: Dealing with Uncertainty and Re-imagining Morse Code. Plus, a wild card option for businesses who can showcase an innovative and unique approach to tedchnology that helps shape the future for the better
Bank Holiday vaccine clinics – no appointment necessary
Anyone aged 16 or over in Stockport can get their Covid-19 vaccination at a walk-in pop-up clinic this Bank Holiday Monday. Pop ups will take place on the Bank Holiday Monday (30 August) between 10am and 2pm, and on Tuesday 31 August, from 10am until 4pm, with both first and second doses of the vaccines available. No bookings are required. The pop ups will offer first and second Pfizer and Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccinations to eligible adults over 18 and provide Pfizer jabs to our 16 to 17 years old. Second doses can be given if eight weeks (56 days) have passed since receiving the first dose. The pop ups will be held at Trinity Methodist Church, Trinity Gardens, 351 Bramhall Lane, SK3 8TP.
Canada Goose to open its second UK store in Manchester
Luxury lifestyle brand Canada Goose has announced the opening of its second UK store. The brand will open a pop-up store in Manchester, taking over the former 2,000 sq ft UGG unit on New Cathedral Street between the Polo Ralph Lauren and Burberry stores. The pop-up store, which the brand says will be “first of its kind to launch in Europe” will open in autumn up until spring 2022.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
The government has launched the Help to Grow: Management programme.
As part of our Plan for Jobs, courses will help senior leaders of small and medium businesses to lead their businesses to their full potential.
The Help to Grow management training programme offers 1-1 mentorship for senior business leaders of small and medium businesses. The 12-week programme costs just £750 and is 90% subsidised by the government as part of the Plan for Jobs. It is delivered across the UK by leading business schools accredited by the Small Business Charter.?????? You can find the upcoming courses in the North here.
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 – added updated version of the terms and conditions, effective from 23 August 2021. This version includes a new annex ‘Annex 5: Proof of concept’.
CARE:
COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care in England
A resource for those working in domiciliary care providing information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
COMMUNITY:
NHS COVID Pass
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at events and venues in England.
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:
Three in four civils firms in materials supply jam
Around three in four civil engineering contractors are now experiencing material supply problems on projects. The extent of the developing crisis in the availability of products and materials is revealed in the latest state of trade survey by the Civil Engineering Contractors Association. In the second quarter poll, 73% of firms are experiencing supply problems, more than double the number (29%) reporting issues in the first three months of the year. Around half are struggling to find skilled operatives for the heated-up infrastructure sector, while nearly one in four are now complaining about the availability of plant, up from 8% in the first quarter.
Costs and tender price balances have also hit an all-time high, threatening to undermine the sector’s ability to deliver the projects and jobs necessary to drive the UK’s continuing economic recovery.
EDUCATION:
Back to school campaign launches
Children and young people are set to return to early years, schools and colleges over the next few weeks
How to complete the educational setting status form
This data will help the government monitor the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on settings, focus support more effectively and keep children safe.
EMPLOYMENT:
Just Eat growth plans to create 1500 new jobs
Just Eat Takeaway has announced ambitious growth plans as it looks to recruit 1500 new employees over the coming year. The rapid delivery food market is continuing to grow at speed throughout the UK and an investment of £100m will fund growth.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 12 August to 18 August 2021
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
Security of NHS and Public Health Services Digital Systems (Coronavirus) Directions 2021
Direction given to the National Health Service or public health body.
PROPERTY:
Market boom to go on as supply shortage set to last into 2022
The very strong housing market seen throughout this year is set to extend into 2022 as a stock shortage is forecast to continue. Zoopla says that notwithstanding the reduced level of activity since the stamp duty holiday deadline of June 30 was passed, there remains many signs of a strong market. These include a stock of homes for sale down 26.4 per cent compared to the 2020 average, with “low supply set to shape the market well into 2022”; properties selling more quickly, with the average time nearly half that in 2019, down to 26 days – down from 49 days in 2019
Pet-Friendly Rental Properties – demand soars
New data from Rightmove shows that demand for pet friendly rental properties has increased by 120 per cent compared to last summer. The significant increase in demand for a pet friendly rental property – measured by prospective tenants enquiring about properties via Rightmove – highlights the rise in pet ownership during the lockdown periods. The jump compares to total tenant demand rising by just 13 per cent. The search for more outdoor space has led to demand for properties with a balcony increasing by 70 per cent, and gardens are up by 39 per cent.
RETAIL:
Retail sales grow at sharpest pace in 7 years
New research has found that retail sales rose in August at the sharpest pace in nearly seven years as consumer spending drove economic recovery. The CBI found that 60 per cent of retailers reported higher sales in the year to August. This was up from 23 per cent in July and the highest reading since December 2014. Although demand remains, retailers are currently struggling with operational challenges as labour shortages are affecting supply. The shortages are also creating inflationary pressure in the sector.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU – upcoming changes to COVID-19 testing at Essex Arena, Keele, Sandbach and Thurrock services.
TRAVEL:
Immigration and border statistics relating to COVID-19
This page brings together documents relating to published statistics on the immigration system and passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak.
Statistics relating to passenger arrivals since the COVID-19 outbreak, August 2021
A statistical report showing the impact of COVID-19 on the immigration system, up to July 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for staff after international travel
Steps employers must take to help their staff get tested for COVID-19 if they regularly travel across UK borders – updated to reflect current testing rules. Added a link to content providing detailed guidance on workplace testing. Updated and clarified content on how to access tests.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 29/07/2021
- Received: 2,911
- Processed: 2,911 (100%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £10,843,331
Restart Grants summary:
Grant allocation: £14,652,603
Number of businesses eligible: 1,845
Number received a grant: 1,799
Total value of payments made: £12,823,488
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.
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.
LATEST LINKS:
Stage four (19th July):
- 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
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.
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
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.
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.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
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.
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 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. 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.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April