Royal Mail to deliver 33,000 seasonal jobs amid boom in online shopping
Royal Mail has announced plans to create a ‘record’ number of temporary jobs over the Christmas period this year. The firm aims to recruit 33,000 seasonal workers for the festive period – two thirds more than its usual Christmas temporary staff intake. Royal Mail has made the decision to hire a ‘record’ number of extra staff in order to meet the growing trend for online shopping as a result of COVID-19.
Evictions in Tier 2/3 areas not to be enforced by bailiffs
The government is asking bailiffs not to enforce court possession orders in areas with the highest Coronavirus restrictions. So although evictions can still proceed through the courts, bailiffs will not enforce court orders in Tier 2 and 3 areas – currently London, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Wales and much of the north east of England. Bailiff trade bodies have agreed to a request made by Justice Secretary Robert Buckland who at the end of last week wrote: “We would request that your members should instruct the enforcement agents working under their authorisation not to enter properties that are classified as local alert level 2 (high) or 3 (very high).” Buckland describes the situation as “changing rapidly” and under continual review.
BBC: Boots to offer coronavirus tests with results in 12 minutes
A Covid test that can provide a result in 12 minutes will be made available at high street pharmacy Boots. The nasal swab test, which will cost £120, will be available in selected stores in the UK to people who are not showing symptoms. The company says the aim is to offer customers peace of mind. Anyone in the UK who thinks they have symptoms should stay at home and contact the NHS to book a Covid test in the usual way.
Tough new measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus are being introduced in Italy and Spain.
Madrid has declared a national state of emergency and imposed a night-time curfew country-wide. Restrictions have also been imposed on travel between Spanish regions, although the details will be determined by local leaders. In Italy, bars and restaurants will close for table service at 6pm, and gyms, cinemas and theatres will shut. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte told the nation he hoped that “by gritting our teeth” for a month “we’ll be able to breathe again in December.”
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) – minutes for SAGE meeting 56 and added 9 new papers under September and October
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 updated to reflect that Slough, Stoke-on-Trent and Coventry have moved into ‘local COVID alert level: high’ and Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire have moved into ‘local COVID alert level: very high’.
Lower tier local authority watchlist: epidemiological data, 23 October 2020
Weekly report giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each local authority in England.
Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 873,800 have tested positive (+ 19,790 new cases)
Loss of life: *44,896 across all settings (+151 in last 24 hours)
Hospital admissions: 1,142 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 981cases 14 Oct to 20 Oct (+204 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 334 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 123)
Deaths in Stockport: 378 coronavirus-related registered to 09 October
Total cases in Stockport: 5,631 to 22 October
*Daily reported COVID deaths are measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the first laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 1.2-1.4 and the growth rate range is +3% to +6% per day as of 23 October 2020.
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
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Statement from Stockport Council
“The Government recently announced further financial support measures to help businesses who are legally required to close due to a nationally imposed lockdown, as well as packages of wider financial support measures for other businesses impacted by the pandemic. We will shortly publish full details of which businesses will be eligible to receive a grant together with information about how you can apply once we have received the appropriate confirmation from Government.”
More information on this will be made available as soon as it is possible to do so. This is the latest information available on the Government website:
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
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
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Job Support Scheme to open on November 1st
The Job Support Scheme (JSS) will open on 1??? ?November and run for six months, until 30??? ?April 2021. The government has said it will review the terms of the scheme in January 2021. There are two variations to JSS – JSS Open and JSS Closed.
JSS Open will provide support to businesses that are open where employees are working shorter hours due to reduced demand. Your employees will need to work at least 20% of their usual hours. You will continue to pay employees for the hours they work, and the UK government will pay a contribution of 61.67% of the usual pay for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £1,541.75 per month. Employers will pay 5% of the usual pay for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £125 per month, and can top this up further if they choose. This means employees should receive at least two thirds of their usual pay for hours not worked. Employers will need to cover all employer National Insurance and pension contributions.
JSS Closed will provide support to businesses whose premises are legally required to close as a direct result of coronavirus restrictions set by one of the four governments of the UK. This includes premises restricted to delivery or collection-only services from their premises, and those restricted to providing food and/or drinks outdoors. For JSS Closed, the UK government will fund two thirds of employees’ usual wages for time not worked, up to a maximum of £2,083.33 per month. Employers will not be required to contribute, but can top up the government’s contribution if they choose to. Employers will still need to cover all employer National Insurance and pension contributions. JSS claims in arrears can be made from 8??? ?December, for pay periods ending and paid in November. Employees will be able to check if you their employer has made a Job Support Scheme claim on their behalf through their online Personal Tax Account. Employees can set up a Personal Tax Account on GOV????.UK, by searching ‘Personal Tax Account: sign in or set up’.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March. To do this you must have submitted PAYE information for the period up to 5??? ?February 2021 on time.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation or passenger locator form requirements – Offshore oil and gas workers added to exempt jobs list.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Hotels and other guest accommodation – Updated guidance on managing risk (section 1.1), keeping your customers, visitors and contractors safe (section 2), and who should go to work (section 3).
As Stockport’s business community prepares for recovery post-coronavirus, a group of business leaders from the town have collaborated with Stockport Council to launch a new website – skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated guidance for households with grandparents, parents and children living together with information on how COVID-19 is spread and on financial support and the enforcement of self-isolation. All translations have been removed while awaiting update.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Updated guidance with information on financial support available, and the requirement to stay at home when identified as a contact. Temporarily removed translations.
COVID-19: guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated guidance in line with the latest Health Protection Regulations 2020. Guidance for those managing a funeral is published elsewhere.
EDUCATION:
Full-time enrolment of 14 to 16 year olds in further education and sixth-form colleges
Information for further education and sixth-form colleges when directly enrolling 14 to 16 year olds for academic year 2020 to 2021 – updated page with information on catch-up premium in response to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Survey of childcare and early years providers and COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Research with childcare providers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Example lessons for remote teaching
Lesson plans shared by schools to help teachers adapt their practice for remote education following the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Personal protective equipment (PPE): local contacts for care providers
A list of local contacts for care providers who are not on the PPE portal. Providers can get PPE through their local authority or local resilience forum.
CO-CIN: COVID-19 – Time from symptom onset until death in UK hospitalised patients, 7 October 2020
Paper prepared by the COVID-19 Clinical Information Network (CO-CIN).
Adherence to the test, trace and isolate system: results from a time series of 21 nationally representative surveys in the UK, 3 September 2020
The COVID-19 Rapid Survey of Adherence to Interventions and Responses (CORSAIR) study.
SAGE meetings, October 2020
Minutes and papers from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) meetings held in October 2020.
EMG: Role of ventilation in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission, 30 September 2020
Paper prepared by the Environmental and Modelling group (EMG)
Dynamic CO-CIN report to SAGE and NERVTAG (all cases), 7 October 2020
Clinical information provided to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) and the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (NERVTAG).
SPI-M-O: Summary of SAGE advice on segmentation, 15 October 2020
Paper prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O).
JUDICIARY:
Keeping court and tribunal buildings safe, secure and clean
This page provides details about security, cleaning and social-distancing arrangements in court and tribunal buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated: custody suites in courts guidance updated.
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. Update for week commencing 26 October published.
Going to a court or tribunal during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to attend a hearing in person at a court or tribunal during the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers progress data
Information about how many laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers we have delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts – ‘Devices and 4G wireless routers progress data as of 23 October 2020’.
PROPERTY:
CBRE report says Build to Rent rebounds strongly in Q3
Investment in the fast-growing Build to Rent (BTR) market bounced back significantly in Q3 2020, according to CBRE’s latest Marketview report.
Following subdued activity in Q2, as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, a total of £1.43billion of investment was recorded in the last quarter. CBRE has tracked investment into UK BTR, known as multifamily housing in more mature markets such as the US and Germany, since the sector started to properly emerge in 2015. The latest figures mean the BTR sector is now worth nearly £14 billion.
TRAVEL:
Airline operator adds thousands of seats to the Canaries as travel corridor opens
EasyJet has placed more than 180,000 extra seats to the Canaries on sale and launched new services to the Spanish islands from Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate – the Canary Islands, Denmark, Maldives and Mykonos added to the list 4am 25 October. Liechtenstein removed from the list 4am 25 October.
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.
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 – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
LATEST:
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert level: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
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.
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.
Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
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