UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,406,946 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,064 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 1,781 (104 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 6
Total UK deaths: 127,434
England Cases per 100,000: 18 per 100,000 (daily change: 0)
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 33,752,885
Total 2nd doses: 12,897,123
Daily 1st doses: 79,695
Daily 2nd doses: 260,801
There have been just over 4.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 127,000 people have died. Nearly 34 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. More than 12 and a half million people have had both their first and second jab. The average number of daily infections in the UK has continued to decline but is flattening. A further 2,064 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government yesterday, Monday.
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 is 0.7 to 1.0 and the growth rate range for England is -6% to -1% per day as of 16 April 2021. Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
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 – updated to include a summary of rule changes from 12th April
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
Whitbread to invest £350m in hotels and marketing despite record loss
Premier Inn Hotel owner Whitbread plans to invest £ 350m in new hotels and major marketing campaigns, despite a record loss of over £ 1bn during the pandemic.
Total sales for the year to the end of February fell 71% to £ 589.4m due to hotel closures and trading restrictions since the blockade began in March last year. In the UK, 92% of hotels are open, but only for important business trips. Meanwhile, 12 of 30 hotels in Germany remain closed due to a new wave of coronavirus. The Hospitality Group has a £ 1.01 billion pre-tax loss due to a £ 348m impairment loss on its German portfolio caused by the reinstatement of regulations in Europe and its impact on future growth on the continent of Whitbread.
Jet2 extends suspension of flights due to “lack of clarity” from government
Airline and holiday specialist Jet2 has criticised a “lack of clarity” around the government’s stance on international travel. Jet2, which is set to report a loss for the current financial year due to travel restrictions as a result of COVID-19, has called for more information about international travel from the government’s Global Travel Task Force. The news comes as the company has confirmed it expects to report a loss of between £375m and £385m for the financial year ending March 31st, 2021.
The firm stated: “The continuing successful rollout of vaccines in the UK and the increasing momentum in Europe are both encouraging. Additionally, on 9 April, we welcomed confirmation from the UK Government’s Global Travel Task Force that international travel remained on track to reopen in mid-May.
“However, we were disappointed at the lack of clarity contained in the Task Force’s report, in particular the as yet to be populated ‘traffic light’ framework for destinations, and full details and cost of the associated testing regime.”
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 20,959 to 26th April
Cases in the latest week: 86 (+7 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 713 to April 9th
Cases per 100,000: 29 per 100,000 week 16th to 22nd April
R number in North West: 0.7 – 0.9
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 150,631 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 18th April
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Sports fashion brand to create 300 jobs in HQ switch
Sports fashion brand Castore will create 300 jobs in the next two years as part of its HQ relocation from Liverpool to Manchester. The business has agreed a deal to relocate its company headquarters to One Central Street, part of The Albert Estate in Manchester city centre. Castore has signed a 13-year lease with landlords Kinrise to occupy all available workspace – circa 22,100 sq ft – within the building, situated across five floors.
PZ Cussons buoyed by continued momentum
PZ Cussons, which is behind the Carex, Original Source and Imperial Leather brands, has been buoyed by maintaining the renewed momentum it has enjoyed over recent months. For the three months to 27 February 2021 – the company’s Q3 – it reported revenue of £145.3m, which represented a 4.7 per cent rise on the same period the year before. Income grew across all regions, with the Manchester outfit on track to perform in line with market expectations.
No new coronavirus-related hospital deaths across Greater Manchester
No new coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded by hospitals in Greater Manchester for the second day running. The region’s coronavirus hospital death toll stands at 5,879, the latest NHS figures confirm. Trafford, Salford, Stockport and Bury saw their rates creep up in the seven days ending April 22.
The total number of coronavirus-related deaths at hospital trusts in Greater Manchester, as of Monday, April 26, are:
- Bolton NHS Foundation Trust – 647
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust – 9
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust – 1,182
- NHS Nightingale Hospital North West – 6
- Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust – 1,594
- Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust – 8
- Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust – 500
- Stockport NHS Foundation Trust – 558
- Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust – 583
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust – 28
- Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust – 764
See the nearest Covid vaccine centre near you or visit InYourArea for all the Covid vaccine latest
North West property giant well-placed to emerge from pandemic
Manchester property group Bruntwood revealed today that it has sufficient funds in place to ride the pandemic storm and is on course regarding rental collection.
It revealed that, as at April 20, 2021, the group has £17m of cash reserves, £40m of undrawn committed available facilities and £68m of unencumbered assets on which further finance could be secured. In addition, the group has £19m of retained bonds which it could issue to the market. Bruntwood said it has modelled various scenarios including reviewing estimated customer default rates, lower retention rates, higher concessions and valuation yield movement.
TfGM donate bus for mobile testing in Stockport
Stockport’s coronavirus asymptomatic testing capability has been boosted thanks to the donation of a yellow school bus from Transport for Greater Manchester. The school bus is being used by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council as a mobile testing site, providing rapid lateral flow testing for organisations, businesses and the public across the borough. When operating at full capacity the bus can provide 192 tests a day, providing reassurance and identifying asymptomatic carriers. Each positive case identified can help prevent many additional people becoming infected. To find out how to get regular, rapid tests for yourself, your business or your family please see our website at www.stockport.gov.uk/getting-tested-coronavirus
!! 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.
HMRC is here to help you in several ways.
1. 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.
2. You can attend webinars to help adjust to the new rules and keep your business moving:
Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving: Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Importing: staged introduction of customs controls: Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Customs Import Declarations: an overview: Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
You can also watch videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel
Contact us – Call our 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:
Returning to the workplace – essential steps for unscathed resumption of work
As the UK’s vaccination programme is now well underway and with the furlough scheme currently ending in September, business owners are considering how they will begin the journey to reopen the workplace. A few considerations are likely to involve:
- introducing additional equipment to ensure social distancing is adhered to along with government legislation and guidance to ensure safety
- operating a phased return and a blended way of working
- updating workstations
Find out more HERE and from Stockport based Amshire IT
Penalties for not telling HMRC about coronavirus (COVID-19) support scheme overpayments – CC/FS11a
If you’ve received a grant but were not eligible or you’ve been overpaid, find out about penalties you may have to pay if you do not tell HRMC.
3 tips to update your home office for summer
After a year spent mostly indoors, spring marks the perfect opportunity to update and redecorate. With working from home now a key part of our lives, here are 3 tips on how to refresh your home office this season. First, choose a colour palette that uplifts your space. Light colours such as white or mint green will make the room feel bigger and reflect any natural light that comes in. Take advantage of this new look by adding indoor plants which instantly breathe new life into your home office.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on households in subnational areas in Great Britain: 2020 and 2021
Indicators from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on different households in subnational areas in Great Britain.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated both lists of providers.
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:
Construction set for 13% growth this year
Construction activity is set for double-digit growth this year as the industry continues its strong rebound from the impact of Covid. But crystal ball gazers at the Construction Product Association have downgraded growth forecasts slightly fearing impacts from supply constraints for key imported construction products and uncertainty around demand for housing new builds, and commercial space.
Construction activity accelerated in the first quarter of the year, although the story varies from sector to sector.
EDUCATION:
Ofqual confirms detail on submitting grades and evidence for this year’s GCSE, AS and A level grades
Ofqual updates ‘Submitting data and evidence’ section of heads of centre guidance.
Submission of teacher assessed grades, summer 2021: info for teachers
Information for heads of centre, heads of department and teachers on the submission of teacher assessed grades: summer 2021 – Guidance updated 22 April to include details of the evidence that exam boards will be expecting, and the timescales teachers need to work to.
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – in the ‘Maintained schools and academies’ section under ‘Current activity’, clarified situations when we may deem the section 8 monitoring visit to be a section 5 inspection.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT:
Event Research Programme – Ministerial Directions
Ministerial Directions in relation to the Event Research Programme pilot events – added Good Business Festival, Circus Nightclub and Sefton Park Directions.
HEALTH, SOCIAL CARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination and blood clotting
Information on the benefits and risks of the COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19: impacts on health – reports and tools
National reports and tool to support the monitoring of the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on the population – added link to ‘COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers’.
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person.
PROPERTY:
One in every 50 UK homes has sold in the past year
all regions across the UK have witnessed at least a 20 per cent fall in the availability of family homes for sale and there is a tangible risk that the lack of family houses for sale will limit growth of sales volumes in the second half of 2021, ultimately stifling current market impetus. And since the first stage of lockdown easing on April 12 in England, buyer demand has fallen back slightly. This comes as households start to focus on catching up with friends and family and taking advantage of leisure activities and amenities that haven’t been available since January.
RETAIL:
Shopping trips set to drive post-lockdown economic recovery
Britain is primed for “a sharp snap back” in consumer spending as lockdown eases driven by a desire to return to bricks-and-mortar retail. According to Deloitte’s Consumer Tracker ‘going to a shop’ topped the list of leisure activities consumers are most likely to do after lockdown, with 63% saying they’d plan to return within a month of lockdown restrictions easing. The rising appetite to return to shops came alongside the biggest jump in consumer confidence that Deloitte’s tracker has registered since it was launched 10 years ago, with consumer confidence levels up 6% overall in the first quarter of 2021 to -11%.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): international cruise ship travel
Guidance for British people about cruise ship holidays abroad during the coronavirus pandemic – new link added to Department for Transport domestic cruise ship travel guidance
Providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals
Information on the 2 tests you must book, pay for and take during your mandatory 10-day quarantine period after arriving in England, including how to book – new providers added.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 15/04/21
- Received: 2,439
- Processed: 2,303 (94%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £6,917,214
Stockport Council release 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.
Eligible businesses:
Non-essential retail
These are businesses that are open to the public and used for retail sale or hire of goods or services. This includes businesses that:
- were required to close during national restrictions from January 2021
- sell directly to consumer
Hospitality
These are businesses that provide a venue for the sale of food and drink. This includes businesses that:
- offer in-person food and drink services to the general public
- provide food and/or drink to be consumed on the premises, including outdoors
Leisure
These are businesses that provide opportunities, experiences and facilities, in particular for culture, recreation, entertainment, celebratory events, days and nights out, betting and gaming. This includes businesses that:
- provide in-person experiences in addition to goods
- rely on seasonal labour
- operate with irregular hours during the day, night and weekends
Accommodation
These are businesses that provide lodging for holiday, travel and other purposes.
Gym and sports
These are businesses where physical exercise, training, group sporting and athletic activities takes place. This may be on an individual or group basis, using exercise equipment or open floor space. This includes businesses that:
- offer in-person exercise and sport activities to the general public
- are open to members of the public paying an entry or membership fee
- offer exercise classes or activities
Personal care
These are businesses that provide a service, treatment or activity for the purposes of personal beauty, hair, grooming, body care and aesthetics, and wellbeing. This includes businesses that:
- deliver in-person holistic, beauty and hair treatments
- provide services such as tattoos and piercings
Businesses are not eligible if they:
- do not have a business property and do not pay business rates
- are in liquidation, dissolved, struck off or subject to a striking off notice
There are also businesses in strand two that are not eligible, these include:
- takeaway premises
- coach tour operators and tour operators
- dental services, opticians, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical/health services
How much will businesses will receive?
Strand one
The Restart Grant will support non-essential retail premises with one-off grants of up to £6,000.
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 two
The Restart Grant will also support hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym business premises with one-off grants of up to £18,000.
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 will close on 30/04/21 and no further applications will be accepted for these original ARG schemes after that date.
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.
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.co.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.co.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.co.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.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant.
Applications for this grant scheme will close on 17/05/2021 (please note this is earlier than for the other schemes).
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
Covid-19 Webinars:
Transition to Teach host webinar to aid HR with redeployment
Transition to Teach are delivering a free online presentation on Wednesday, 21st April at 12.00, aimed specifically at HR staff with redeployment responsibilities. Places can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transition-to-teach-outplacement-support-tickets-145448523449?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
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.
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