UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,467,310 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,493 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 978 (32 more than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 15
Total UK deaths: 127,739
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: 38,192,417
Total 2nd doses: 23,228,511
Daily 1st doses: 122,379
Daily 2nd doses: 332,955
There have been over 4.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 127,700 people have died. More than 61 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK to 24th May and more than 38 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine – more than 70% of all adults. Over 23 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 2,493 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government yesterday, Tuesday.
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:
Vaccine now offered to 30- and 31-year-olds in England
People aged 30 and 31 in England are being invited to book to have their first dose of Covid vaccine. The NHS is urging these million or so to take up the offer of a jab at one of the 1,600 available locations, including mosques, museums and rugby grounds, as well as pharmacies. Nearly three-quarters of adults in the UK have already had one dose, and more than two-fifths have had two. The government plans to offer first doses to all adults by the end of July. Two doses are needed for strong protection against Covid, particularly the variant first found in India – also known as B.1.617.2 – that is driving some regional outbreaks in parts of the UK.
M&S plans to close 30 stores and open 17 new stores
Marks & Spencer has said it plans to close another 30 shops over the next 10 years as part of its turnaround plan. M&S has already closed or relocated 59 main stores, as well as cutting 7,000 jobs across stores and management. The chain has reported big losses for last year as the pandemic took its toll on clothing sales.
But food sales were up thanks to its Ocado tie-up, contributing to “a resilient financial performance in a year of disruption”.
M&S made a pre-tax loss of £201.2m in the 52 weeks to 27 March, down from a £67.2m profit in the previous year. The High Street stalwart currently has 254 full-line stores, selling clothing, homewares and food. It says that a number of them are in long-term decline and cannot justify future investment. About 30 stores will gradually close over the next decade, while another 80 will be moved to better locations or merged with nearby shops. The group will open 17 new or expanded main stores over the next two years, including a number of former Debenhams sites.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 21,254 to 24th May
Cases in the latest week: 54 (39 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 723 to May 14th
Cases per 100,000: 18 per 100,000 week 15th to 21st May
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.2
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 175,221 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 24rd May
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Pop-up vaccination centre in Stockport town centre – no appointment required
The pop up Covid-19 vaccination site will be outside Superdrug in Mersey Square in Stockport Town Centre tomorrow Thursday, 27 May, and Friday, 28 May, from 10am to 4pm. No appointment is required. The mobile vaccination unit will be offering first vaccinations to anyone 30 years of age and over (age subject to change as government advice changes), health and social care workers, unpaid carers and anyone over 30 with underlying health conditions.
NPIF and MEIF invest £50m to reduce SMEs carbon footprint
The British Business Bank’s regional funds – the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) and the Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) – have enabled more than £50m of investment into small businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. Since their launch, both the NPIF and MEIF have supported 45 businesses in their mission to drive the UK’s net-zero and wider sustainability agenda forward.
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 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.
Work progresses on Poynton Relief Road
The first precast concrete beams of a road bridge over Chester Road are now in place as work progresses on the £53 million Poynton Relief Road. The bridge over Chester Road will form the largest structure in the scheme; 400-tonne crane was used to lift the two precast concrete 21.4 m beams into position, with each beam weighing 38 tonnes. Commencement of work on the bridge marks a key milestone for the project, which aims to alleviate traffic through Poynton village centre travelling between Macclesfield and Stockport and the A6 Manchester Airport Link Road.
Key earthworks operations are also well underway after work commenced in April. The ‘cut and fill’ work will involve excavation, transportation, placement and compaction of about 240,000 tonnes of material.
!! 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.
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:
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK – updated ‘Outcome of the evaluation of rapid diagnostic assays for specific SARS-CoV-2 antigens (lateral flow devices)’ to add 5 more lateral flow devices that have passed 3a validation.
Airport and Ground Operations Support Scheme – financial assistance to the aviation industry
Notification of the Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme, which gives funding to airports and airport ground crews affected by COVID-19.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and contributors to subnational wellbeing, January to March 2021
An investigation using the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the link between wellbeing and a variety of financial, behavioural and demographic factors and the differences in wellbeing in rural and urban areas.
Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer – updated the general list of providers – 26 May 2021
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination.
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
CONSTRUCTION:
Timber batten prices ‘soar through the roof’
Global timber shortages combined with rising demand from the housing industry are putting a squeeze on firms that are now reporting shortages of battens alongside concrete roof tiles. The firms are warning that underlying factors are unlikely to be resolved this year and will impact upon housing delivery programmes.
Eddie Stanton, chief executive of national roofing contractor Avonside Group, said: “The price of roofing batten is rising on a monthly basis, already in excess of 50% over the past six months, and supply lead times are getting longer.”
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) catch-up premium: allocations
Details the coronavirus (COVID-19) catch-up premium allocation tables and conditions of grant for the academic year 2020 to 2021 – update to allocations tables and guidance wording to reflect the third payment
Coronavirus (COVID-19) test kits for children’s homes
Guidance on when to test children and staff, type of test that should be used, and how to order more tests – updated with arrangements for rapid asymptomatic testing in children’s homes, including testing staff and new entrants in secure children’s homes and testing staff and children in open children’s homes.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Updating ethnic contrasts in deaths involving the coronavirus (COVID-19), England: deaths occurring 24 January 2020 to 31 March 2021
Estimates of differences in COVID-19 mortality risk by ethnic group for deaths occurring up to 31 March 2021, using linked data from the 2011 Census, death registrations, and primary care and hospital records. Risk of COVID-19 mortality is compared between the first and second waves of the pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: antibody data for the UK, 26 May 2021
Antibody data by UK country and English regions from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.
COVID-19: migrant health guide
Advice and guidance for healthcare practitioners on the health needs of migrant patients – added new links to translated resources about COVID-19 home test kits and vaccination status confirmation letters.
Independent health providers: accessing lateral flow tests
Independent health providers can access lateral flow testing kits directly from NHS Test and Trace replacing the ordering route provided by NHS England and NHS Improvement – updated ‘Lateral flow testing terms and conditions for independent health providers’ to reflect that DHSC will support the provider to carry out and facilitate COVID-19 testing of the provider’s staff who come into contact with NHS patients within the provider’s setting. Also converted the document from PDF to HTML.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers – a section on testing for international travel has been added to the document ‘For patients, the public and professional users: a guide to COVID-19 tests and testing kits’.
Daily contact testing study
Information for employers of people taking part in the NHS Test and Trace daily contact testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) study.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
Taking steps to bring about a healthier, safer and fairer world
Speech by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock to the 74th World Health Assembly.
HOSPITALITY:
Revolution Bars Group is set to emerge from the pandemic in a strong position on the back of a successful £21m fundraise
The company – which operates 66 venues – has conditionally placed 5,001,866 open offer shares and 100,000,000 firm placing shares through finnCap and Peel Hunt. Chief executive Rob Pitcher said the move comes on the back of a solid period since initial restrictions were lifted. “Thanks to the support of our shareholders and new investors, this successful fundraising will allow Revolution Bars to emerge from this period of disruption in a strong position with a fit for purpose balance sheet which provides us with ongoing financial flexibility and an excellent platform from which to deliver for all our shareholders,” he added.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals guidance
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the (COVID-19) pandemic and will be updated when new advice is available – guidance for witnesses coming to court updated.
PROPERTY:
Homes for rent letting 30% faster since Covid
The pandemic continues to shape the UK property market, with a growing disparity between inner city and outer city residential rents, according to Zoopla.Zoopla’s report revealed an annual fall in rents that began before the onslaught of the pandemic in Edinburgh (1.8%), Greater Manchester (0.9%) and Greater Birmingham (0.8%).
Stamp duty boost will make 2021 one of the busiest ever
The number of transactions is scheduled to reach 1.52 million this year – way above the norm of between 1.0 and 1.2 million – and it appears to be down to stamp duty. Data and predictions from Zoopla show that as well as breaking a recent record for sales market activity, 2021 is projected to go on record as one of the top 10 busiest years for agents since 1959. The portal says the value of homes sold in 2021 is expected to reach £461 billion – that’s up 46 per cent compared to 2020, and up 68 per cent compared to 2019. Despite that, Zoopla anticipates that the market will be held back by limited supply, which is down 20.8 per cent in the year to mid-May, compared the average across 2020.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests – latest data table added.
Get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you’re an HGV or van driver
COVID-19 testing for hauliers arriving in England and travelling from the UK.
Hauliers must take a COVID-19 test before travel to Germany from the UK.
TRAVEL:
Travel behaviour, attitudes and social impact of COVID-19
Study into the travel behaviour of people during and following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – added All change? Travel tracker – Wave 4 report.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) passenger privacy notice
Why we collect your data, what we do with it, who we may share it with and your rights – added Home Office data protection impact assessment for the passenger locator form and for pre-departure testing.
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.
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