UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 8.8 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 139,000 people have died, government figures show. Around 86% of people in the UK aged 12 and over have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and around 79% have had their second. A booster campaign is also underway.
Total UK Cases: 8,809,774 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 36,567 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,239, 29 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 38
Total UK deaths: 139,571
England Cases per 100,000: 496 (rising)
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.2
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 49,715,228 – 90% of UK aged 16+
Total 2nd doses: 45,561,445 – 82%
Daily 1st doses: 25,747
Daily 2nd doses: 18,802
Booster: 219,451 (4.5 million doses taken since 16 Sep)
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 45,423 to 25 October
Cases in the latest week: 1,569, 153 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 759 to October 8th (+1)
Cases per 100,000: 533 per 100,000 week ending 18 October
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.1
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 82% of over 12s to 20 October
2nd dose: 76%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.2 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 15 October 2021.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Updated with slides to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides to accompany coronavirus press conference: 20 October 2021
Slides on coronavirus presented by Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Chancellor: UK economy ‘back on track‘ despite Covid
Millions of public sector workers are in line for a pay rise, with the announcement from Chancellor Rishi Sunak that the UK economy is “firmly back on track” despite the pandemic. Sunak will confirm the year-long public sector pay freeze is set to be lifted in his Budget statement tomorrow. The move will affect workers including teachers, nurses, police and armed forces personnel. The chancellor had “paused” public sector pay rises for 2021/22, with the exception of the NHS and those earning less than £24,000, after borrowing during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sunak says it is “right” that frontline workers will “see their wages rise” with the economy bouncing back after the lifting of virus restrictions.
Health Secretary: “People can expect a normal Christmas”
People can expect Christmas to be “normal”, the Health Secretary has said, as he urged people to have their Covid-19 vaccines. Sajid Javid said no “sensible health secretary across the world would want to predict exactly where we’re going to be in three months’ time, or six months’ time”, as there was a risk of new variants posing a problem. He told BBC Breakfast: “For all those people like me that are hoping and planning for a normal Christmas – which I do by the way, I think that’s where we’ll be, we’ll have a normal Christmas – if we want, let’s just keep playing our part.”
Are Covid cases about to plummet without Plan B?
Covid cases have been rising and health professionals have been among those calling for stricter Plan B measures to be introduced as pressure mounts on the NHS. But the recent rise in infections appears to have slowed and maybe starting to drop in England. This comes as modelling done for the government suggests cases and deaths could soon start to fall dramatically. So are cases about to plummet without the need to introduce Plan B?
Heathrow loses £3.4bn since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic
The holding company for Heathrow airport has announced its Q3 results for 2021.
In Q3, Heathrow experienced its first full quarter of passenger growth since 2019, underscoring strong pent-up demand as travel restrictions eased and testing requirements were simplified. Passenger numbers in Q3 recovered to 28 per cent, and cargo to 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. However, traffic is not expected to fully recover until at least 2026. According to the results, airports have very high fixed costs and despite over 30 per cent reduction in operating costs, Heathrow has lost £3.4bn cumulatively since the start of the pandemic and remains loss making today.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Law firm signs for 2 floors at Stockport Exchange
Conveyancing solicitors, O’Neill Patient, have signed to take two floors at 2 Stockport Exchange, moving the firm’s offices from Hazel Grove to the town centre business hub. The firm will occupy 22,901 sq ft at 2 Stockport Exchange, taking the 2nd and 3rd floors, joining chemicals giant BASF, who moved their UK head office from Cheadle to the building in 2020. musicMagpie and Stagecoach Shared Services also have their bases in the wider Stockport Exchange development, which also includes a Holiday Inn Express hotel. The move from Hazel Grove aims to help O’Neill Patient take advantage of Stockport Exchange’s accessibility, both locally and nationally, to modernise and attract and retain the best talent.
Report predicts North-West will benefit from growth of science and technology economy
A major study on the health and outlook of the UK’s science and technology economy has forecast the creation of 365,000 jobs by 2050 because of the UK’s transition to Net Zero – more than in any other industry (65% of the total), with the North-West seeing the most new roles of any UK region.
The Market Spotlight report, from Bruntwood SciTech, estimated the economic benefits from this growth in the science and technology sectors would be worth £35bn to UK GVA by 2050, which is the UK’s statutory target year to become net zero, and £10.9bn over the 2020’s. Most jobs will be created in specific sectors, such as the production of electric vehicles (96,000), the production of electrical equipment (69,000), and science and technology design and R&D (54,000).
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Stockport to host Care & Support Workers in-person Jobs Fair
There are currently over 50 part-time and full-time vacancies for Care and Support Workers across Stockport, with roles suitable both for those with experience and relevant qualifications, as well as those with no experience and an interest in starting a career in the sector. Some positions require a driving license, whilst others are in residential care or have walking routes available. To help showcase the opportunities in the care sector locally, Stockport Jobs Match has organised an in-person Jobs Fair on Tuesday 2nd November from 1pm to 4pm at Cornerstone, Stockport Homes, 2 Edward Street, Stockport, SK1 3NQ. The event is free to attend, with tickets available from the Stockport Jobs Match website.
COMMUNITY:
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services – update to processing dates.
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
How to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test at home
Find out how to do a rapid lateral flow test for COVID-19 and report the results. Rapid tests are only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 – added information about ordering a rapid lateral flow test and how to do an MP Biomedicals rapid nose-only test. Added Dari and Pashto translated guides.
COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test kit instructions: MP Biomedicals
How to do an MP Biomedicals rapid nose-only test for COVID-19 and report the results. This test is only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19.
CONSTRUCTION:
The latest Glenigan Construction Review video shows that the industry’s development pipeline remains strong, with both planning approvals and contract awards up against pre-pandemic levels. And while project starts have slowed overall, there are bright spots, with the office sector in particular showing significant growth. Watch the video now to learn how the sectors and regions you’re working in are performing and to see the detail behind the numbers, download the free Glenigan Construction Review now.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for education or work placements overseas
Find out what you’ll need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak when planning education and work placements abroad.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Two million in England to be invited for Covid booster
Two million people who are eligible for a Covid-19 booster vaccination will receive their invitation from the NHS this week. NHS England said more than five million people have already been given the additional jab since the vaccination programme began administering them last month. Anyone who receives a text or letter inviting them for a booster shot is urged to take up the offer as soon as possible.
The NHS is following guidance that boosters should be delivered at least six months after the second dose, with current evidence suggesting this is the best time to increase immunity to Covid-19. Messages will come from NHSvaccine and will include a link to the NHS website.
Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 15 October 2021
Provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales, in the latest weeks for which data are available.
PROPERTY:
The housing market is on track to record its strongest year since 2007 for transactions and house price inflation says Zoopla.
The portal says an imbalance of supply and demand is continuing to support UK house price growth, which is currently running at 6.6 per cent with all countries and regions of the UK registering growth rates well ahead of the five-year annual average with the exception of London. House price growth is expected to be three per cent by the end of 2022 with the highest growth projected for the East Midlands and North West England while growth in London is projected to remain low at 2.0 per cent.
The outlook for house price inflation and overall sales volumes is expected to be a balance of positive and negative influences in 2022. With regards to 2022, as the UK emerges from the impact of the pandemic, housing transactions are expected to decline by 20 per cent from their high of 1.5m in 2021, to 1.2m in 2022.
TRAVEL:
New rules for air travel to the US
As the US prepares to reopen its borders, new restrictions have been announced for those wishing to travel the country. Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 or a negative Covid test are among the rules outlined by the White House before they come into effect on 8 November. The US is adopting “an air travel policy that relies primarily on vaccination to advance the safe resumption of international air travel to the United States,” a proclamation signed by President Joe Biden says.
Summary of updates to international travel, October 2021
Changes made to international travel rules during October 2021.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
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:
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