UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 6,628,709 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 38,281 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 6,906, 7 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 140
Total UK deaths: 132,143
England Cases per 100,000: 316
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.2
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 47,860,628 – 88% of UK adults
Total 2nd doses: 42,072,712 – 77% of UK adults
Daily 1st doses: 68,076
Daily 2nd doses: 161,705
There have been more than 6.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and 132,000 people have died, government figures show. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. More than 89m vaccine doses have been received across the UK and about 88% of people aged 16 and over have now had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and some 42 million, nearly 77% aged 16 and over have had their second.
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 33,580 to 26 August
Cases in the latest week: 1036, up 102 on previous week
Total deaths: 745 to August 13th
Cases per 100,000: 352 per 100,000 week ending 22 August
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.1
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 85% of adults to 25 August
2nd dose: 78%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.9 to 1.2
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Updated with slides to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK NEWS UPDATES
Vaccine complications dwarfed by virus risks
A major review of vaccines suggests the AstraZeneca jab does raise the risk of blood clots and another serious condition that can cause bleeding.
But the study found the risk of such problems following a coronavirus infection was still much higher. The University of Oxford-led team also found an increased risk of stroke after the Pfizer jab – but again at a much lower rate than after infection.
The team said it once again showed the “substantial” benefit of vaccination.
Covid jab side-effects ‘mild’ for at-risk children
Parents should be reassured the side-effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in 12 to 15-year-olds at high risk from Covid are mild and clear up quickly, a small study suggests. Doctors in Bristol tracked 27 children with neurological conditions for two weeks after their jabs. They found the children, who had been shielding, had similar side-effects to adults. High-risk children benefited most from the vaccine, the researchers said.
New rules for holiday destinations from Monday
Seven destinations will join the green list on Monday, as part of a review of travel restrictions. The changes to the traffic light system, which sets out the rules for arrivals, also see two countries added to the red list.
How are the green, amber and red lists changing?
Canada and Switzerland are among those added to the green list from Monday 30 August, at 04:00 BST. They are joined by Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Liechtenstein and the Azores. Travellers arriving from these destinations will no longer need to quarantine. They join other popular destinations on the green list including Malta, Barbados and Germany. Meanwhile Thailand and Montenegro will join the red list.
People returning from red list countries will need to pay to quarantine in a government-approved hotel for ten days. Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG, said: “Today’s announcement will have a positive impact on the options available to those looking to go on holiday in the remaining days of the summer season.
“But in reality, these changes will make little difference to the overall recovery of the UK travel industry, which is already recovering at less than half the pace of the rest of Europe. Europe’s stronger recovery has been driven by the removal of testing requirements on vaccinated travellers. Unless the UK also removes the need for people with full immunity to take these tests, we will continue to squander the advantage our world-leading vaccination programme was supposed to deliver, while passengers on the continent travel restriction-free to low-risk destinations. Government cannot wait until the 1stOctober to make changes to the travel regime and must press ahead with an overhaul of its traffic light system immediately.
We must arrive at a simpler, more affordable and sustainable travel framework to enable the best possible winter season and give customers the confidence to book ahead for 2022.”
Data informing international travel traffic-light risk assessments: 26 August 2021
A summary of key data used by the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) to inform country risk assessments.
Covid cases – this summer compared to last
This time last year, the UK was slowly taking its first small steps into what would become the second wave of Covid-19. That led to tighter local restrictions and, ultimately, lockdowns across all the nations, which didn’t start to unravel until late spring 2021. Case numbers now are more than 30 times higher than at the same point last year and are showing signs of climbing again.
Let’s compare 20 August with this time last year.
Case numbers are much higher now, at 37,314 this year, compared with 1,182 a year ago – Read on
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport Mercedes dealership announces excellent second year
LSH Auto is celebrating a remarkable second year of trading at its flagship site, Mercedes-Benz of Stockport, despite the challenges of the last 18 months.
The purpose-built, three storey facility launched in August 2019 and has become the most popular Mercedes-Benz destination in the North West, attracting an unprecedented number of new customers and sales leads. Over the last 12 months, the business has grown new car sales by more than 47% and used car sales by 72%, despite the UK lockdowns.
New Co-op Live arena construction to support at least 100 apprentices
A minimum of 100 apprenticeships will be supported during the three-year construction of Co-op Live, the new 23,500 capacity arena by Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. A new training hub for the local community will also be established, developers OVG and BAM have confirmed. Alongside opportunities for apprenticeships in manual trades, such as mechanics, plumbing and electrical work related to the arena’s build, the project will also support technical and professional management roles like quantity surveyors, site managers, audio and visual technicians and other engineers.
Bank Holiday vaccine clinics – no appointment necessary
Anyone aged 16 or over in Stockport can get their Covid-19 vaccination at a walk-in pop-up clinic this Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday. Pop ups will take place on the Bank Holiday Monday (30 August) between 10am and 2pm, and on Tuesday 31 August, from 10am until 4pm, with both first and second doses of the vaccines available. No bookings are required. The pop ups will offer first and second Pfizer and Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccinations to eligible adults over 18 and provide Pfizer jabs to our 16 to 17 years old. Second doses can be given if eight weeks (56 days) have passed since receiving the first dose. The pop ups will be held at Trinity Methodist Church, Trinity Gardens, 351 Bramhall Lane, SK3 8TP.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Get an exemption to temporarily leave quarantine if you’re a senior executive bringing significant economic benefit to the UK
Certain senior executives travelling to England from an amber list country can get an exemption to temporarily leave quarantine for COVID-19 – guidance updated to reflect the latest rules around travelling to England from a country or territory on the amber list. You can’t use the exemption if you’ve been in a country or territory on the red list in the 10 days before you arrive in England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): right to work checks
Advice for employers carrying out right to work checks during the coronavirus pandemic – guidance updated to reflect extended end date of 5 April 2022.
HMRC: Are you re-opening your business, or planning to do so shortly?
If you’re bringing back your employees’ part time, you can claim furlough flexibly for them under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. You can currently claim for pay periods in August and September. If you submitted a claim for July and need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough, you can also do this until 11.??59pm?? ?this coming?? ?Tues??day, 31?? ?August. For the latest information, join our live webinar; you can ask questions using the on-screen text box, although we can’t discuss personal circumstances.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: During the live webinar we will look at who can claim, who you can claim for, how to calculate your claim, how to claim, and bringing back your employees’ from furlough – Register here You’ll be able to download some useful handouts and we’ll also send you a link to a recording after the live webinar.
If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with fewer than 250 employees, you may also be eligible for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. View our recorded webinar about the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme on HMRC’s YouTube channel, for further guidance on the scheme, including who you can claim for, how to claim and what you may be entitled to. You can also find out what other financial support may be available for you and your business as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs, by searching ‘find coronavirus financial support’ on GOV??.UK.
Driving test centre waiting rooms during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check which driving test centre waiting rooms are open, and find out what the rules are for using them because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated ‘Driving test centre waiting rooms closed due to coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions’.
CARE:
Adult social care in England, monthly statistics: June 2021
Experimental statistics on a range of topics including infection control measures, coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations and testing for COVID-19 in adult social care settings.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination.
CONSTRUCTION:
Contractors rocked by 15% price hike on concrete products
Contractors have been left reeling by another huge materials price hike as a major concrete products manufacturer announced 15% increases.
The Enquirer understands that contractors have been sent letters this week from Creagh Concrete detailing 15% price rises across its range of concrete products.
The increase will come into force from September 1 and is the latest materials price hike following sudden rises in the price of steel and bricks. One major contractor source said: “We are all experiencing challenges in the current market but this is a real blow to impose increases with a week’s notice unilaterally without any dialogue.”
Construction sector accounts for highest number of insolvencies
According to a recent Deloitte report, the construction sector accounts for the highest number of insolvencies compared to any other sector, with around 25% of all insolvencies. Within this issue lies a tendency within the property industry with property funds investing their investors’ money (that could be coming from pension funds, etc) into property development projects that can’t demonstrate the contractors’ insolvency risk has been eradicated – and hence no mechanism has been implemented to de-risk payments to the supply chain. This is highly unethical and needs to be urgently addressed. It means contractors and SMEs don’t have the reassurance and transparency that funds will not be misappropriated. Without a guarantee that small business contractors will get paid, this has created uncertainty and mistrust on an industry-wide level.
EDUCATION:
Back to School – here’s what you need to know
Pupils all over the country are beginning to return to schools and colleges after their summer breaks. For many pupils they will be returning with far fewer restrictions than when they left for the summer holidays. Now that there are fewer restrictions, pupils will be able to experience a fuller education experience, including, access to more group activities, team sports, playing with friends, plays, and taking part in musical groups. Here’s what you – parents and pupils – need to know on going back to school.
Schools blended delivery case studies
Good practice developed during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
UKHSA launches study to better understand COVID-19 vaccine response
UKHSA has been awarded funding to lead a consortium of research partners to better understand how individuals respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines.
PROPERTY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): landlord right to rent checks
Advice for landlords carrying out right to rent checks during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – guidance updated to reflect new end date of 5 April 2022.
RETAIL:
UK loses 83% of department stores since BHS collapsed
The UK has lost 83% of its main department stores in the five years since the collapse of the BHS chain. The figure highlights the extent of the upheaval in the High Street as the Covid pandemic sped up changes in shopping habits.
The data, compiled by commercial property information firm CoStar Group, also reveals that more than two-thirds of these shops remain unoccupied.
Some 237 big stores have yet to be taken over by a new business.
CoStar tracked the UK’s largest chains, from BHS and Beales to Debenhams and House of Fraser, from 2016 to the present day. Five years ago, they had 467 stores between them. Now, however, only 79 are left.
TRAVEL:
Red, amber, green lists: check the rules for travel to England from abroad
Countries listed as red, amber or green for coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rules you must follow for travel to England – Montenegro and Thailand will move to the red list 4am Monday 30 August. The Azores, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Liechtenstein, Lithuania and Switzerland will move to the green list.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 29/07/2021
- Received: 2,911
- Processed: 2,911 (100%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £10,843,331
Restart Grants summary:
Grant allocation: £14,652,603
Number of businesses eligible: 1,845
Number received a grant: 1,799
Total value of payments made: £12,823,488
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
Stage four (19th July):
- All legal limits on social contact will be removed
- No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
- Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April