UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,473,677 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 3,542 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 916 (39 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 10
Total UK deaths: 127,758
England Cases per 100,000: 13 per 100,000 (daily change: +1)
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 38,614,683
Total 2nd doses: 24,043,956
Daily 1st doses: 236,119
Daily 2nd doses: 427,458
There have been over 4.4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 127,700 people have died. More than 62 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK to 27th May and more than 38.6 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine – almost 73% of all adults. Over 24 million people have had both their first and second jab. People aged 30 and over are being invited to have a first jab and the focus has shifted to offer over 50s a second vaccine within 8 weeks rather than 12. The average number of daily infections in the UK has in rising in areas with a rising number of new cases. A further 3,542 confirmed cases in the UK were announced by the government yesterday, Thursday, the highest number since restrictions began to lift on April 12th.
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 has risen to 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -2% to +1% per day as of 21 May 2021. 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
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
Surgery waiting times could be cut with specialist hubs
Surgeons are calling for specialist hubs in England to help tackle what they call a “colossal backlog” of non-urgent operations because of Covid-19.
The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) wants a network of hospital sites focused on routine surgery, such as hip and knee replacements. The government says it is working “to accelerate the recovery of services”. In March, around five million patients were waiting for surgery – the highest number since modern records began. More than 436,000 were waiting more than a year, NHS England figures show – compared with just 1,600 before the Covid crisis.
Small businesses’ account delays are over, insists banks
High Street banks say they are back to opening accounts for small businesses as normal after pressures amid the pandemic caused problems.
In October, start-ups told BBC News how they were being “stifled” at birth owing to difficulties in opening a business bank account. The Treasury Committee of MPs demanded answers from the banks, including why potential customers faced long delays. The banks have now told the committee that the situation has improved. The committee’s chairman, Mel Stride, said it would “keep a close eye” on the issue. Some banks were closed to new applications from small firms during the height of the Covid crisis as they concentrated their stretched resources on existing customers.
No data to suggest delay to June 21st easing
There is currently no evidence that might mean a delay to the next step of lockdown easing on 21 June in England, the business secretary has said.
Kwasi Kwarteng said the government was tracking the data “almost minute by minute” but will not rush to conclusions. A final decision will be reached on 14 June, he said. The Indian variant is now believed to be responsible for up to three-quarters of new Covid cases in the UK. Cases continue to rise – something that was always expected as lockdown eased – but the government has said the crucial thing is to see how that affects the number of people in hospital.
On Thursday, the number of new Covid cases topped 3,000 for a second day in a row – 3,542 – the first time infections have reached this level since early to mid-April. A further 10 people died with coronavirus, the government figures show.
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 27 May 2021
Speech by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 21,254 to 24th May
Cases in the latest week: 72 (17-23 May), 9 fewer cases than previous week
Total deaths: 723 to May 14th
Cases per 100,000: 25 per 100,000 week 17th to 23rd May
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.2
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 175,221 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 24rd May
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 71% of adults to 26th May
2nd dose: 49%
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Business confidence in the North West dipped in May, according to new data, but remains well above the national rate.
The latest Business Barometer from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking shows that companies in the region had a headline reading of 38 per cent. This comes from a higher confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month, at 31 per cent, alongside their optimism in the economy, which was down four points to 44 per cent. When it comes to jobs, a net balance of 13 per cent expect to increase staff levels over the next year. Overall UK business confidence rose four points in May to 33 per cent, a fourth consecutive month of growth. Read more
Greater Manchester’s blueprint to boost economic growth and level up the regions through innovation has been backed by the business secretary.
Kwasi Kwarteng hailed Innovation Greater Manchester as an example of “how an area can harness its strength to produce something really special”, adding that the city region would be “front and centre” as the government devises its R&D Place Strategy. He also acknowledged the strength of the area’s existing assets, including its pioneering universities, collaborative and innovative businesses, and local leadership. Developed by business, academia and civic leaders, Innovation Greater Manchester is a blueprint for “translational innovation between Greater Manchester and government” to stimulate economic growth and boost R&D investment.
It could generate a £7bn economic benefit and create up to 100,000 jobs. Read on
Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (GMCC) is calling for business owners in Stockport to contribute to its Quarterly Economic Survey to hear how the current Covid-19 pandemic is affecting the borough.
The Quarterly Economic Survey is conducted by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce. Completed by local businesses for local businesses, the survey takes businesses’ opinions and forms an accurate and up-to-date picture of the local economy and what it means for the businesses that exist within it. The quarterly survey monitors business sentiment across key areas such as domestic demand, plans to recruit, perceived gaps in skills and, more recently, the economic implications of Covid-19, the impact of Brexit and the recovery post-lockdown.
Northern leaders call for government to publish rail investment strategy
Local political and transport leaders in the North of England have called on the government to publish its Integrated Rail Plan, the multi-billion-pound investment strategy for the network. Covering the North and Midlands of England, the Integrated Rail Plan will detail the long-term future of railways and provide certainty to local communities over investment and delivery of major projects.
Transport for the North (TfN) and metro-mayors and council leaders in the region have come together to call for the plan to be published urgently to avoid any delays to high-profile schemes such as HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail. Publication of the strategy will also help to tackle critical congestion hotspots on the rail network, such as in Manchester City Centre, and support investment into live projects such as the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which this week received additional funding from the Department of Transport.
!! 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:
BUSINESS:
Coronavirus Act reports
Two-monthly and yearly reports on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claim for some of your employee’s wages if you have put them on furlough or flexible furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – section added called ‘If you’re putting lots of employees on furlough’. New link added to download a template for claiming for 16 to 99 employees.
Download a template if you’re claiming for 16 to 99 employees through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Complete and upload a template with the details of the employees you’re claiming for (on or after 27 May 2021).
Pay Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back
Find out how to pay all or some of your grant back if you’ve overclaimed, or if you do not need the grant and want to make a voluntary repayment – new section added called ‘How to correct overclaims in your next claim’.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination status: what your confirmation letter tells you
Translated versions of the non-personal information in the letter confirming that someone has had the full course of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer – updated the general list of providers.
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to provide clarity on the type of test to be used for those with or without symptoms. Changed the order of paragraphs in the support bubble section. Clarified the guidance on staying overnight in other people’s homes.
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:
Willmott Dixon boss sounds alarm over materials shortage
Willmott said project completions could be delayed and new projects made financially unviable by soaring cost inflation. He said: “We are concerned for the industry because of the medium-term impact of Covid-19 on the global supply of materials. Spiralling demand and restricted supply could create a number of immediate pressures in our sector, including:
- rampant cost inflation in a generally fixed price environment will quickly erode supply chain margin
- unavailability of materials will delay project completions
- capital projects may no longer be financially viable leading to a hiatus in contract awards.
“These are clearly areas that the wider industry will need to monitor carefully.”
EDUCATION:
Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a 14th notice about changes to state-funded school inspection requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – added ‘Education Act 2005: school inspection disapplication notice June 2021’.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
75% on new cases could be the Indian variant
The coronavirus variant identified in India could make up 75% of new UK cases, according to Health Secretary Matt Hancock. Public Health England data shows cases of the variant have risen by 3,535 to 6,959 since last week. “We must remain vigilant,” Mr Hancock warned, as positive tests overall rose 20.5% week-on-week. Amid suggestions this could delay the planned 21 June lifting of all restrictions in England, our health correspondent Nick Triggle says the key questions are “how much more infectious [the variant] is, and to what extent vaccination has weakened the link between cases and hospitalisations”, given more than half of adults are waiting for a second dose and a quarter have not had their first.
Arrangements for visiting out of the care home
Sets out how care homes can support residents on visits outside of the care home – in ‘Visits out of care homes’, under ‘Individual risk assessments’, updated the guidance to reflect that private cars and taxis are acceptable to use for visits out of the care home.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in UK.
COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report published
National coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine surveillance report, including estimated number of hospitalisations and deaths prevented.
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 – updated list of devices that have received an exceptional use authorisation as well as those no longer covered.
Weekly national flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
COVID-19 surge testing outcomes reports: management information
Sequencing of confirmed COVID-19 cases via test sites and home testing of postcodes included in surge testing operations.
Stopping movement of staff between care settings
We want your views on plans to minimise the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections by making residential and nursing care home providers restrict the movement of care staff – added the consultation outcome.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines – updated to include new data up to 19 May 2021.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect 12 May announcement on changes to notice periods and bailiff enforcement.
PROPERTY:
Housing market needs more help as Covid support measures end
Banks and building societies want the government to offer more help to the housing market through additional assistance to home owners struggling as a result of Covid. Specifically, the lenders’ trade body – UK Finance – wants changes to the way the Support for Mortgage Interest scheme is administered to some owners who are receiving benefits. Currently applicants must wait for SMI loans for 39 weeks after they lose their job; lenders want this cut to just 13 weeks as it was over a decade ago after the global financial crisis. UK Finance and the Building Societies Association say that as it stands, struggling homeowners’ circumstances are likely to deteriorate during the 39 week wait.
TRANSPORT:
Applying for COVID-19 airport and ground operations funding
Information on applying for COVID-19 funding support for commercial airports and ground handlers in England – release of the May 2021 competition.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
!! Please note – the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant application deadline has been extended to 31/05/21
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 27/05/2021
- Received: 2,845
- Processed: 2,786 (98%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £9,716,939
Stockport Council 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.
Strand 1 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 2 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 are now closed.
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.
The Stockport Economic Recovery Market Place & Underbanks Independent Retailer Boost Grant
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.gov.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.gov.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.gov.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.gov.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant.
!! Please note – the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant application deadline has been extended to 31/05/21
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
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.
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 
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