UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,333,042 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 3,862new cases
Number in UK hospital: 4,560 (296 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 19
Total UK deaths: 126,592
England Cases per 100,000: 43 per 100,000 (daily change: 1 fewer)
R number in UK: 0.7 to 0.9
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 30,151,287 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 428,852
There have been more than 4.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 126,000 people have died. More than 28 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
More than 30 million people in the UK have had a first dose of the Covid vaccine.
The Government is confident everyone will have their second jab within 12 weeks. Data shows more than 3.5million people have had their second jab.
The average number of daily infections in the UK has continued to decline but is flattening. A further 3,862 confirmed cases across the UK were announced by the government yesterday, Sunday, compared with 5,313 new a week ago.
The R value and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R range for the UK is 0.7 to 0.9 and the growth rate range is -5% to -2% per day as of 26th March 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 – updated to include a summary of rule changes from 29th March
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
29th March: Further easing of restrictions in England from today
Social contact: – the evidence shows that it is safer for people to meet outdoors rather than indoors. And this is why from 29 March, when most schools start to break up for the Easter holidays, outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will also be allowed, making it easier for friends and families to meet outside.
Business and activities: – Outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts, and open-air swimming pools, will also be allowed to reopen, and people will be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.
Travel: – the ‘stay at home’ rule will ends today but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed, given it will remain important to manage the risk of imported variants and protect the vaccination programme. The government has launched a new taskforce to review global travel which will report on 12 April.
COVID-19 restrictions posters: 29 March 2021
A poster displaying information about COVID-19 Restrictions in England from 29 March.
Reopening businesses and venues in England
This guidance details the steps to reopen certain businesses and venues in England – updated in line with Step 1b guidance changes.
30 million people in UK receive first dose of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine
More than 30 million people in the UK have received a first dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine as the NHS prepares to administer millions of second doses in the coming weeks.
Bespoke testing regime unveiled for exempt international arrivals
The UK government has set out new details of a bespoke testing regime for international arrivals who will be exempt from quarantine for work purposes, including for hauliers arriving from outside the Common Travel Area into England.
Under this new bespoke testing regime international arrivals who are in the country for longer than two days will be required to take a test before the end of day two. People will be able to access these tests through several routes, including home tests and community testing sites. Those remaining in the UK for any longer than 2 days will then be required to take a further test every 3 days – typically on days 5 and 8.
New Office for Health Promotion to drive improvement of nation’s health
The new Office for Health Promotion will lead national efforts to improve and level up the health of the nation by tackling obesity, improving mental health and promoting physical activity.
Rates of infection in care homes falls after just one jab
A study of care home residents in England suggests a single dose of the two main Covid vaccines used in the UK is effective at stopping 62% of infections. According to research by University College London, which involved more than 10,000 people aged over 65 at 310 care homes, the jab provided 56% protection after four weeks rising to 62% after five. ?????? The scientists say the data shows the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines are “effective in frail, older adults”. The study also found that residents who went on to develop the disease after being given a single dose may be less infectious than those who had not been vaccinated. You can find out more about vaccines, including answers to questions about safety, here.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 20,548 to 28th March
Cases in the latest week: 238 (1 more cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 685 to March 12th
Cases per 100,000: 81 per 100,000 (England are avg: 43)
R number in North West: 0.7 – 0.9
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 131,809 people have received 1st dose vaccine to 21st March
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport’s Director of Public Health warns not to drop our guard
In her latest statement on the coronavirus pandemic, Jennifer Connolly has called for residents to ‘be mindful’ that the virus remains in circulation in the borough as some restrictions on outdoor activities are eased.
Stockport Business Awards, entries now OPEN!
By September, we will be ready to celebrate the 10th Stockport Business Awards having postponed the 2020 awards due to Covid. Founders and organisers, Clarke Nicklin Chartered Accountants, have opened entries for the 2021 awards. There are thirteen categories businesses can enter this year, its free to enter and multiple categories can be entered. Details of this year’s categories can be found HERE
Greater Manchester: videos to reopen businesses safely
Ahead of the reopening of non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality from 12th April, the Greater Manchester Regulatory Centre of Excellence (GMRCE) have prepared a series of videos to share advice and best practice for local businesses to reopen safely. On 12th April, a range of businesses that had closed in line the the national lockdown that was introduced in January will be permitted to reopen once again, as laid out by the Prime Minister’s ‘roadmap’ out of restrictions.
Saturday Economist: Retail sales ‘bounce back’, garden centres up by 20%
Retail sales “bounced back” after a dismal start to the year, according to the headlines in The Times today. Sales increased by 2% in February compared to prior month. Not much of a bounce back really. Sales were down by almost 4% compared to prior year. Exclude petrol and other fuels and overall sales, were down by just 1%.
The pattern of pandemic sales repeats. DIY and garden centre sales were up by over 20%. Clothing and footwear sales were down by 50%. Alcohol sales were up by over 40% in the month. Food sales were up. The proportion of food sales online, increased to 12%, from just 5% last year. Read more HERE from Saturday Economist John Ashcroft
Latest Covid-19 infection rates in Greater Manchester
In Stockport, there is no reported change in the infection rate comparing the previous week. The infection rate of Stockport is still 81.1 cases per 100,000 people.
According to the latest data of Public Health England, the infection rate in Greater Manchester continues to fall. But there is a significant increase in the infection rates of some boroughs that COVID-19 cases have increased in five boroughs in the past 24 hours. The infection rate of Greater Manchester is now 91.1 cases per 100,000 people. Tameside still has the highest infection rate in the region whereas Trafford has the lowest. The national average for the infection rate in the UK is 55.9 cases per 100,000 people that is still much lower than the infection rate in Greater Manchester.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
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
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
HMRC: Claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are open for pay periods in March?? ?2021.
Claims for February are now closed, but if you find you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough you can do this until today, Monday?? ?29?? ?March Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Schemewebinar. Register here for details of:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to calculate what you can claim
- how to make a claim.
HMRC are also running webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Register here to get the latest information on:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
During these interactive webinars you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information. Afterwards HMRC will send you a link to a video recording of the webinars, in case you’d like to see any of it again. They will continue to update our webinars to reflect the latest information as it becomes available.
Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – the weekly rate in the ‘What you can claim’ section has been updated.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Employer Testing Duty
If you are an employer that requires staff to travel regularly across UK borders you must take reasonable steps to facilitate your employees to take tests.
Workplace testing programme expands to offer free rapid home testing
In the next major push for the Government’s workplace testing programme, all employers will now be able to offer their employees free, rapid and regular testing that can be taken at home
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is contacted by NHS Test and Trace, including self-isolation, sick pay and financial support – Updated to reflect the change in rules for when a group enters a venue. From 29 March 2021, every customer or visitor should be asked to scan the NHS QR code or provide their name and contact details, not just a lead member.
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Designated venues in certain sectors must have a system in place to request and record contact details of their customers, visitors and staff to help break the chains of transmission of coronavirus – Updated to reflect the change in rules for when a group enters a venue. From 29 March 2021, every customer or visitor should be asked to scan the NHS QR code or provide their name and contact details, not just a lead member.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for pregnant employees
Advice for pregnant employees on risk assessments in the workplace and occupational health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated background information section to include information on the next stage of the roadmap.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination – added revised adult leaflet in English.
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people in England with animals
Advice for pet owners and livestock keepers on looking after the welfare of animals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This advice applies to England only – Updated with what you can and cannot do from 29 March.
Public reminded they must stay outside when meeting others to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
The public are being reminded they must stay outside when meeting others as part of the next step of easing Covid restrictions in a new film released today narrated by GP Dr Hilary Jones MBE.
Making a support bubble with another household
How you can safely expand the group of people you have close contact with during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – Updated to reflect new rules on what you can and cannot do from 29 March.
Making a childcare bubble with another household
How you can get informal childcare for anyone under 14 from friends and family you do not live with – Updated to reflect new rules on what you can and cannot do from 29 March.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus – Updated with what you can and cannot do from 29 March.
Enabling safe and effective volunteering during coronavirus (COVID-19)
This guidance aims to help organisations and groups understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic – Updated to reflect 29 March roadmap change.
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England.
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are no longer limited to exceptional circumstances. Receptions and celebrations are still not permitted, but small gatherings can take place in line with social contact limits.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated both lists of providers.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination
By working in collaboration, Stockport can become united and encouraged to build a better future for everyone by supporting the local economy, connecting communities and promoting health & wellbeing. Find out more at www.onestockport.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION:
Free home testing Covid kits available for construction workers
The extension of the workplace testing regime will supply home test kits to companies with over 10 workers where it is not possible to set up testing on-site due to a lack of space or because companies operate across multiple sites.
Construction companies will be eligible to order the home test kits online to distribute to their employees. Workers can use the lateral flow tests at home to rapidly detect the virus in 30 minutes. Anyone testing positive can then take a more accurate PCR test.
EDUCATION:
Transport to school and other places of education: 2020 to 2021 academic year
What local authorities will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for the 2020 to 2021 academic year – added additional information about how close contacts may be identified on transport and about the availability of twice weekly testing for drivers and passenger assistants on home to school transport.
Special schools and other specialist settings: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – guidance updated on advice for those who are clinically extremely vulnerable, LFD testing in post-16 settings, Test and Trace support payments.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the coronavirus outbreak.
Households and bubbles of pupils, students and staff of schools, nurseries and colleges: get rapid lateral flow tests
Find out who is eligible for twice-weekly testing and how to get tested if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). This guidance is for people without symptoms – clarified related occupations who should get tested twice weekly.
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – reworked ‘Current activity’ section throughout to reflect our current plans to return to on-site inspection. Removed out of date content.
Education inspections in the summer term
Ofsted will not return to a full programme of graded inspections until September.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
New study finds strong immune response following COVID-19 vaccination
Study led by Sheffield and Oxford Universities finds that 99% of people have robust immune response against COVID-19 after one dose of Pfizer vaccine.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing recovery action plan
Government’s plan to prevent, mitigate and respond to the mental health impacts of the pandemic during 2021 to 2022.
Suicide prevention in England: fifth progress report
The fifth progress report of the Suicide Prevention Strategy for England details the steps taken to reduce deaths by suicide since January 2019.
Vaccination rates by socio-demographic characteristics, England: 8 December 2020 to 11 March 2021
Using linked to the data from the National Immunisation Management Service (NIMS) to the ONS Public Health Data Asset (PHDA), we analyse how the rates of vaccination vary by socio-demographic groups.
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 – update for week commencing Monday 29 March 2021 published.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available – Update to national lockdown rules.
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the outbreak.
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID Winter Grant Scheme: guidance for local councils
Information for local councils on the COVID Winter Grant Scheme funding to support vulnerable households – added COVID Winter Grant Scheme determination: April 2021. Updated the overview. Updated COVID Winter Grant Scheme guidance for local councils. Updated COVID Winter Grant Scheme management information spreadsheet.
MINISTRY of DEFENCE:
COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities – updated the: MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response page as of 26 March 2021.
SPORT:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Providers of grassroots sport and sport facilities – updated to include information on reasonable adjustments, changes to NHS Test and Trace regulations and changes to national restrictions from 29 March, as well as a new shorter format focussing on actions to make your workplace COVID-Secure.
TRANSPORT:
Get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you’re an HGV or van driver
COVID-19 testing for hauliers arriving in England and travelling from the UK – COVID-19 testing will be introduced for hauliers entering England from April 6.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer practice for international hauliers
COVID-19 rules for safer behaviour for hauliers making international journeys – ‘Stay in cab’ requirement for international hauliers in England.
Making a childcare bubble with another household
How you can get informal childcare for anyone under 14 from friends and family you do not live with – Updated to reflect new rules on what you can and cannot do from 29 March.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus. Under ‘Applying for a visa if your visa application centre (VAC) is closed’, the date by which you can use the alternative arrangements has been extended to 30 June 2021. (It was previously 31 March 2021.)
Foreign travel insurance
Wherever you’re travelling, it’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go – updated to reflect current COVID-19 travel guidance
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling abroad during the coronavirus pandemic, if they are legally permitted to travel under current UK COVID-19 restrictions – updated to reflect most current COVID-19 guidance
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from quarantine, passenger locator form or COVID testing requirements – Updated guidance to reflect new COVID-19 testing regimes for UK inbound passengers coming into force on 6 April 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): declaration form for international travel
Complete this form to confirm that you have a reasonable excuse to travel abroad from England – Requirement to stay at home ended. People travelling abroad from England still need to complete the form.
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:
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.
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.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
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. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert level: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
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.
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
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
New opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April