UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,409,631 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,685 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 1,608 (50 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 17
Total UK deaths: 127,451
England Cases per 100,000: 19 per 100,000 (daily change: 1)
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 33,843,580
Total 2nd doses: 13,201,811
Daily 1st doses: 90,695
Daily 2nd doses: 304,688
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 13 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 2,685 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government yesterday, Tuesday.
The R value and growth rate in England
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19). The R range for England 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:
Shapps: NHS app to be used as Covid Pass for overseas travel
The NHS app will be used as a digital pass for overseas travel this summer, transport secretary Grant Shapps has said. Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday (28 April), Shapps laid out – for the first time – further details of the UK government’s plan to restart international travel. He also said the long-awaited “green list” of destinations for which there will be no return quarantine requirement for travellers would be published “in the next couple of weeks”. A limited resumption of international travel is expected to resume from 17 May, as per the government’s Covid-19 roadmap and the findings of the Global Travel Taskforce – and Shapps said the data was “looking good” for that “from a UK perspective”.
International funding boost for UK with new inward investment council
The government has today (April 27) announced the creation of a new council to support inward investment into the UK. Minister for Investment Gerry?Grimstone?has announced the creation of an Investment Council to act as an advisory body to the government on foreign investment. Made up of private sector senior leaders from around the globe in a range of industries – from?technology and energy to infrastructure and financial services, the council will work with the government to identify foreign investment opportunities. Minister for Investment, Gerry?Grimstone, explained: “Investment sits at the heart of our economic recovery. It drives jobs, innovation, and helps to level up the whole of the UK.?
Just one dose of a coronavirus vaccine can reduce household transmission
Just one dose of a coronavirus vaccine can reduce household transmission by up to half, a study shows. It’s “encouraging”, says Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at Public Health England, which carried out the research, as households are high-risk settings for transmission. This means the study is giving early evidence on the impact of vaccines in preventing onward transmission. It found people given a first dose of either the Pfizer or AstraZeneca jabs – and who became infected three weeks later – were between 38% and 49% less likely to pass the virus on than unvaccinated people. Dr Ramsay says “vaccines are vital in helping us return to a normal way of life” but people must “practise good hand hygiene and follow social distancing guidance”. The results are particularly encouraging but there is a cause for concern about whether newer variants of the virus, which might be more resistant to vaccines, might cause a new surge in infections, says our science correspondent Pallab Ghosh.
BBC’s significant economic contribution to UK’s nations and regions revealed in KPMG report
The figures come after the BBC announced plans to move more jobs outside of London. The “significant economic contribution” impact of the BBC in the UK’s nations and regions has been revealed in a new independent report from KPMG. The paper presents an analysis of the BBC’s economic contribution and looks at local investment, creative innovation, investment in research and development and investment in people, skills and training.
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:
Stockport manufacturer awards £12 million supply chain contract
Stockport based WFEL has awarded a £12 million contract to Bath-based manufacturer Horstmann as part of its ongoing work supplying the UK armed forces. The defence manufacturer will subcontract out the supply of over 250 angular gear boxes and control units as part of WFEL’s £2.3 billion contract to manufacture Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicles (Boxer MIVs) for the British Army; WFEL will deliver prefabricated hulls for the vehicles. Horstman’s parent company, RENK, which has made all production Angle Drive Gearboxes for the Boxer vehicles to date, and the contract will create up to 20 new jobs across WFEL’s supply chain. As part of the Stockport defence manufacturer’s contract to supply Boxer MIVs to the UK military, work is currently underway to construct a new facility at WFEL’s Heaton Chapel site. The multi-million-pound facility is being delivered by Cheadle Hulme based ACS Construction Group and will allow for the creation of 120 new jobs at the firm, in both operational and fabrication positions.
!! 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:
EU settlement scheme: 5 million applicants ahead of June deadline
The latest EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) monthly statistics have been published, showing over 5 million applications have been made to the scheme which closes on 30th June. 5.3 million applications have been made, and 4.98 million applications concluded up to the end of March 2021. Eligible EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members, who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, have until the 30th June to ensure their continued rights to work, study and access free healthcare and benefits in the UK following the end of the Brexit transition period.
A range of support is available to those that need help to apply via the government website.
BUSINESS:
How to report?self-isolation support payments
Find out how to report support payments relating to self-isolation due to coronavirus (COVID-19), on your Self-Assessment?tax return.
Why clear and open communication is key for North West businesses to thrive
Business leaders in the North West must shift their focus to having honest and clear conversations with employees about how the company they work for has fared during the pandemic, if they want to truly keep them engaged. That’s the view of Mark Gregory, founder of Manchester based business transformation company Unleash & Engage and co-author of The Engagement Habit, a new bookwhich outlines 12 clear habits to reinforce engagement and trust among workforces.
TSB to launch 43 pop-ups in the wake of 164-branch closure programme
Banking group TSB is launching 43 new pop-up services in communities across the UK, including the North West, to support customers with their banking needs. Services will include making payments, getting help with products and services, and assistance with bereavements. The first 18 are being launched this month, with the others to follow between now and the summer. It follows the programme of 164 branch closures by TSB throughout 2021, including 12 in the North West.
COMMUNITY:
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:
Firms win £880m building safety framework
Fusion21 has lined up a battalion of contractors for its national Building Safety & Compliance Framework, designed to meet demand for greater building safety scrutiny following the Grenfell and Hackitt reviews.
The Liverpool-based procurement group has awarded spots to 175 big and small firms for a deal that could be worth up to £880m over four years. The scope of the framework covers surveys, planned and responsive maintenance, installation and upgrades, and complements Fusion21’s existing Heating and Renewables and Lifts frameworks to cover the big six compliance areas.
EDUCATION:
Responsibility for exams
Guidance for schools, colleges and exam centres on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing – ‘Exam centre responsibility for students retaking qualifications from summer 2020’ has been updated to explain responsibility for entering students for exams or alternative arrangements to exams and how the cost of fees will be covered.
Catch-up premium: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out which schools are eligible, what the funding is for, when payments will be made and how funding can be used to help pupils catch up on missed education – updated information on carrying funding forward beyond this academic year and Ofsted monitoring.
EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING:
Stockport training provider marks National Employability Day
Stockport training provider, Seetec Pluss, is marking National Employability Day this year with a day of live-streamed events aimed at both jobseekers and employers. Friday 30th April is National Employability Day, an online campaign to celebrate the organisations supporting those that are furthest from the labour market. Seetec Pluss, a national skills and training provider with offices across England, including in Stockport, is marking the occasion with a series of virtual events being broadcast live on CHAOS TV from 10am to 3.15pm. Sessions will cover a range of employability topics, including real life stories of participants using transferable skills to find work during Covid-19, building resilience and wellbeing when returning to work, and the future of Seetec Pluss.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
One dose of COVID-19 vaccine can cut household transmission by up to half
A new study by Public Health England (PHE) has shown that one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine reduces household transmission by up to half.
National protocol for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant])
This protocol is for the administration of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) to individuals in accordance with the national COVID-19 vaccination programme – added version 3 – see page 3 for change history.
How tests and testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) work
The different types of tests and testing kits for COVID-19, and the specifications for manufacturers – added new section – Common terms related to COVID-19 testing
The vital role of medical examiners
Minister for Patient Safety, Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Nadine Dorries spoke at the Royal College of Pathologists’ Medical Examiner Annual Conference.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app – updated ‘NHS COVID-19 app: privacy notice’ to reflect the app’s late April release. This includes improvements to the app’s functionality, including the ability for app users to submit their diagnosis keys after their initial chance, and improved interoperability support.
PPE portal: how to order COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE)
Eligible health and social care providers can order PPE through the portal to meet the increased need that has arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – updated order limits for domiciliary care providers, residential care homes, dentists, orthodontists, residential special schools, and non-residential special schools (which conduct aerosol-generating procedures); addition of visors to the order limits for pharmacies.
NHS Test and Trace: what to do if you are contacted
An overview of NHS Test and Trace, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive – updated to add a second portal that you will be asked to sign into if and when NHS Test and Trace contacts you.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): looking after people who lack mental capacity
Guidance for health and social care staff who are caring for, or treating, a person who lacks the relevant mental capacity – updated ‘The Mental Capacity Act (2005) (MCA) and deprivation of liberty safeguards (DoLS) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic’ and additional guidance to reflect visiting arrangements being eased on 12 April 2021.
PHE monitoring of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination
Data on the real-world efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines – added link to ‘Impact of vaccination on household transmission of SARS-COV-2 in England’.
JUDICIARY:
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. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments
Advice for people who buy care and support through a direct payment, as well as local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and those who provide care and support – updated ‘Using direct payments during the coronavirus outbreak: guidance for people receiving direct payments and personal assistants (easy read)’ with new version. Page 30 now says: ‘Anyone who has a direct payment can access regular testing.’
PROPERTY:
Furlough funding refunded to government by major estate agency group
Another major agency group has agreed to repay substantial sums it claimed under the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, introduced to help companies through the pandemic. The Property Franchise Group – which says it will repay the government some £90,000 within the next few days – is the latest of many firms to return money it took temporarily. Its brands include Martin & Co, CJ Hole, Ellis & Co, EweMove, Parkers, Whitegates, Mullocks and Hunters. Knight Frank, Belvoir and JLL are amongst those other agencies who have already announced they are to refund payments.
Agents must be ultra-responsive to tenant complaints during pandemic
The managing director of Fixflo, Rajeev Nayyar, says the pandemic has changed the context in which agents should view tenants’ complaints.
In a video interview for Letting Agent Today Nayyar says that with so many people working from home, shielding or just respecting lockdowns, there is much more intensity given to any complaints about the condition of their homes. Likewise, he says it’s critical to remember context – so whereas, for example, good broadband connectivity would previously be a quality-of-life issue, it’s now fundamental for tenants working from home.
RETAIL:
Sainsbury’s profits drop 40% after £485m of Covid costs hit
UK supermarket Sainsbury’s has reported that profits dropped by nearly 40 per cent last year due to more than £400m of Covid-19 costs. Sainsbury’s, which has more than 1,000 stores across the UK, saw profit before tax drop by 39 per cent in 2020, falling from £586m to £356m. The company, which also owns catalogue retailer Argos, said that the decrease was despite “strong” sales growth, which was offset by £485m of direct Covid-19 costs. Digital sales during the year grew by 102 per cent, with sales in its grocery division up by 7.8 per cent and general merchandise sales up by 8.3 per cent. However, fuel sales decreased by 39.1 per cent, dropping from £4.9bn to £3bn during the period. This comes after the chain’s announcement in November that it was aiming to put food “back at the heart” of its operations.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests – latest data table added.
TRAVEL:
630 fines issued to airlines carrying passengers with incorrect paperwork
The Civil Aviation Authority has issued 630 fines since February to airlines carrying passengers without the right documents.
Coronavirus vaccine for UK nationals living in the Czech Republic
Guidance on how UK nationals with residency in the Czech Republic can access the Czech COVID-19 vaccination scheme – updated information on more age groups being eligible for a vaccine – people 55+ can register for a COVID-19 vaccine in the Czech Republic from 28 April 2021.
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.
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