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Help Stockport Council to improve the support they give to employers
Stockport Council is working with researchers at the Behavioural Insights Team to better understand the needs of employers to support youth employment. We will use your feedback to improve our services. Please click the button below to take part in the survey. The survey takes no more than 5 minutes. Take the survey here
Stockport saw a surge in unemployment figures for young people 16-25 years old in 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Stockport Council is already working with young people to get them ‘work ready.’ This research explores ways to increase the number of paid work placements for young people in Stockport. We will use your feedback to improve the support we give to employers.
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
Stockport Council launches new Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses facing continued challenges from impact of coronavirus
Stockport Council has opened applications for its Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, allowing businesses that remain negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic to access further financial support. The Additional Restrictions Grant supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. You can apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant if your trading levels continue to be negatively impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).
ARG Grant data as at 26/11/2021:
Applications received: 221
Applications allocated: 24%
Value of Grants issued: £174,500
Locality Boost Grant
The Council is also offering a further opportunity for businesses in local areas to access a Locality Boost Grant for their area if they did not do so in the first round of these grants. The Locality Boost Grant is for district centre trading associations or their equivalent. District centre trading associations can bid for your local area to run events to drive footfall that will support local businesses that are reopening. If the local area does not have a trading association that can lead the bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that area. They will then lead as the single point of contact for their area. Only one application for each local area will be accepted. Further information on the Locality Boost Grant and how to apply is available at this link Locality Boost Grant – Stockport Council”
Locality Boost Grant data as at 26/11/2021:
Applications received: 17
Applications processed / in process: 100%
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been more than 10 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly nearly 145,000 people have died, government figures show. Nearly 51 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 89% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 81% have had their second and 31% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 10,228,772 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 39,716 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,631, 221 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 159
Total UK deaths: 144,969
England Cases per 100,000: 447
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,963,718 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 81%
Daily 1st doses: 22,391
Daily 2nd doses: 26,092
Daily Booster doses: 318,671
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 51,032 to 30 November
Cases in the latest week: 1,119, 117 more than previous week
Total deaths: 791 to November 19th
Cases per 100,000: 388 per 100,000 week ending 30 November
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 84% of over 12s to 28 November
2nd dose: 77%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 26 November 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Government to buy 114 million additional vaccine doses for 2022 / 2023
The government has signed new contracts to secure the supply of our vaccine stock to future proof the country’s vaccine programme. The new contracts with Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna were accelerated in as part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the government is doing everything it can while scientists across the world learn more about Omicron. These future supply deals include access to modified vaccines if they are needed to combat Omicron and future Variants of Concern, to prepare for all eventualities. The agreements will see the government procure a total of 114 million additional doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for 2022 and 2023. This is in addition to the 35 million additional doses of Pfizer/BioNTech ordered in August for delivery in the second half of next year, and the 60 million Novavax and 7.5 million GSK/Sanofi doses expected in 2022.
Pfizer: Annual jabs for years to come
BBC: Annual Covid vaccinations are likely to be needed for many years to come, according to Pfizer chief executive Albert Bourla. He thinks this is needed to maintain a “very high level of protection” and says the jabs had helped save millions of lives during the pandemic. Mr Bourla was speaking to the BBC one year on since the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved in the UK. The UK has since signed contracts to buy 114 million additional Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna doses for 2022 and 2023.
Scientists uncover trigger for rare blood clots in AZ vaccine
Scientists believe they have found “the trigger” that leads to extremely rare blood clots after the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine.
The team – in Cardiff and the US – have shown in exquisite detail how a protein in the blood is attracted to a key component of the vaccine. They think this kicks off a chain reaction, involving the immune system, that can culminate in dangerous clots.
The vaccine is thought to have saved about a million lives from Covid.
However, concerns about rare blood clots shaped how the vaccine has been used around the world including an alternative being offered to the under-40s in the UK.
These clots, known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, have been linked to 73 deaths out of nearly 50 million doses of AstraZeneca given in the UK.
£500m of new investments from life science sector announced
The Prime Minister welcomes nearly £500m of new investment from the Biopharmaceutical sector today. The investment aims to create at least 420 high-skilled jobs and drive economic prosperity across the UK. Also, the Prime Minister will today convene the Biopharmaceutical CEO Roundtable of global industry leaders – including AstraZeneca, GSK and Pfizer. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“With scientists around the world working tirelessly to learn more about the Omicron variant, we have never been more indebted to the extraordinary power of Life Sciences. Today I am bringing global industry leaders together to discuss our renewed efforts against Covid-19, while ensuring we are better equipped to tackle future healthcare challenges.
“As we press ahead with our goal to become a science superpower, the new investments made today will help us forge life-changing breakthroughs against other diseases, such as cancer and dementia, while creating hundreds of high-skilled jobs across the country.”
UK marks one year since approving COVID-19 vaccine with Boost Day
The UK is marking one year since it became the first country in the world to approve Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine with a “Boost Day” call. The one-off event to mark the milestone will see a series of adverts on major TV and radio stations. Partnerships with leading brands, including Uber, Red Driving School and Neighbourhood Watch, will encourage eligible people to get their top-up jabs to protect themselves and their loved ones ahead of Christmas, including through support for boosters on social media.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Halfords to buy Stockport based National Tyres & Autocare
Halfords Group Plc has agreed to buy Axle Group that operates under three brands: National Tyres & Autocare, Viking Wholesale Tyres and Tyre Shopper. The £62m deal will see the cycle retailere shift its focus to motoring services that will account for more than 70% of the company’s revenue.
GM Mayor: “There’s no need to cancel events”
Andy Burnham has called on people to keep their Christmas bookings and hotel reservations amid the on-going Omicron uncertainty.
The mayor of Greater Manchester added that there was no need to overreact to the new variant. Speaking to journalists at a virtual press conference, Mr Burnham said there had “already been an impact” on bookings for Christmas bookings, and hotels in Greater Manchester. The mayor said: “We don’t believe given the current evidence that there is a need for people to overreact, people should get in the habit of taking regular later flow tests, but there’s no need to cancel events and we would encourage people not to do that as long as they’re taking the right precautions.”
His comments come after Health Secretary Sajid Javid also said that people should carry on with their plans for Christmas. He added that partygoers should take a Covid lateral flow test before attending events.
Aer Lingus takes off on first direct flight Manchester to New York
Irish airline, Aer Lingus, has celebrated the launch of its first direct flight from Manchester to New York JFK Airport as the airline expands its direct transatlantic services from the UK. Aer Lingus will launch a second direct route to the USA from Manchester, with its inaugural Orlando flight taking off for Florida on 11th December. The two new routes form part of an ambitious plan for the airline to expand its schedule in 2022, with the airline having launched its first direct transatlantic link from a UK airport earlier this year.
Small Business Saturday takes place on 4th December – Find out all the ways you can get involved on Small Business Saturday website. This year HubSpot are supporting Small Business Saturday – to aid in helping as many businesses as possible to achieve their dreams and accelerate businesses growth. To do this, they have created a one-stop shop for everything small businesses to get your business online. In Essential Resources to Digitalise your Business, you can access 15+ resources to aid in growing your marketing, sales and customer service efforts, all for free.
Are you a big business and interested in supporting Small Business Saturday? If so, please do get in touch.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS & ECONOMY:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spreading in your workplace – shops, branches, and close contact services – Information added on new measures introduced in response to the Omicron variant. See ‘What’s changed’ for details.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is required to self-isolate. This includes being contacted by NHS Test and Trace, self-isolation rules and financial support – updated with guidance on Omicron variant.
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 to reflect changes around face covering guidance.
CARE:
COVID-19: stepdown of infection control precautions and discharging patients to home settings
Advice on appropriate infection prevention and control precautions for stepdown in hospital or discharge to home or residential settings for COVID-19 patients – updated guidance for contacts of people identified as a suspected or confirmed case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and on PCR testing.
COMMUNITY:
Hardship arrangements for those unable to pay for managed quarantine or testing
Details of financial support if you can’t afford the managed quarantine and testing fees associated with travel. Find out who is eligible and how to apply – added another example of what counts as ‘essential travel’ (if you travelled to a country abroad before it was added to the red list and now need to return to the UK).
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
COVID-19 vaccination: resources for children and young people
Information for eligible children and young people on COVID-19 vaccination – updated COVID-19 vaccination: a guide to a second dose for young people aged 16 to 17.
COVID-19 vaccination: booster dose resources
Information on the booster dose for eligible individuals – COVID-19 vaccination: a guide to booster vaccination for individuals aged 18 years and over and those aged 16 years and over who are at risk.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): student sponsors, migrants and short-term students
Guidance for student sponsors, migrants and short-term students on temporary concessions in response to the coronavirus pandemic – updated “Coronavirus (COVID-19): student sponsors, migrants and short-term students” to reflect changes to the rules – see the “Changes since last publication” section for a complete list. Added accessible version of the document.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read leaflets
Easy-read guides providing information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccination – updated easy-read guide to the COVID-19 booster vaccination.
MHRA approves Xevudy (sotrovimab), a COVID-19 treatment found to cut hospitalisation and death by 79%
This monoclonal antibody – the second to be authorised by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency – is for people with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at high risk of developing severe disease.
COVID-19 variants identified in the UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in the UK – added breakdown of cases by local authority to latest update.
Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK: 2 December 2021
Estimates of the prevalence of self-reported “long COVID” and associated activity limitation, using UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey data.
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.
COVID-19 vaccination: for people with a weakened immune system
Information on the third dose for people with a weakened immune system – updated the COVID-19 vaccination guide for people with a weakened immune system.
Vaccination status of deaths and hospitalisations
Information on the vaccination status of COVID-19 deaths and hospitalisations
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer public places – managing public outdoor settings
Guidance for local authorities, owners and operators to support the safe use and management of outdoor public places while the risk of COVID-19 transmission remains – updated to reflect new rules in response to Omicron variant.
COVID-19: guidance for providers of accommodation for asylum seekers
Guidance aimed at all staff involved in the support of asylum seekers in all accommodation settings.
PROPERTY:
House prices hit 10% annunal growth
Annual house price growth hit 10.0 per cent last month – and is now tracking close to the level seen before the 2007 crash. Prices rose 0.9 per cent in month-on-month terms, after taking account of seasonal effects, says the Nationwide. As a result, house prices are now almost 15 per cent above the level prevailing in March last year when the pandemic struck the UK. Although the Nationwide added that there have been some signs of cooling in housing market activity in recent months. For example, the number of housing transactions was down almost 30 per cent year-on-year in October.
RETAIL:
Bensons for Beds buck trend with eight new stores
North-West based Bensons for Beds is forging ahead with its expansion and transformation plans by opening eight new stores this month. The nationwide bed and mattress retailer is opening three brand new stores and relocating another five into state-of-the-art premises. The new openings mark another big step in the transformation of Bensons for Beds which restructured to become a standalone company in June 2020, after receiving new investment.
TECHNOLOGY:
Get help with technology: conditions of internet access and device grants
Information about the eligibility criteria and payment process for connectivity and device funding – updated the Get help with technology: conditions of internet access grants page.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators and people who work in or from vehicles
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations, and people who work in or from vehicles, including couriers, mobile workers, lorry drivers, on-site transit and work vehicles. The public must wear face coverings when travelling inside a public transport vehicle and when in indoor transport hubs in England, unless they are exempt or have a reasonable excuse.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVs
Actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus. You must wear a face covering when travelling in taxis and private hire vehicles in England, unless you are exempt or have a reasonable excuse.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – face covering guidance for England updated.
PM rejects Commons call for tighter travel restrictions
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday (1 December), the SNP’s leader at Westminster, Ian Blackford, said: “We find ourselves at another very difficult moment in this pandemic”, adding leaked advice from Sage, the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, suggested current international travel restrictions would identify “significantly fewer cases”.
US set to tighten travel rules
The US government is poised to tighten its travel rules to guard against the spread of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, according to reports in the US press. Changes would apply to all prospective arrivals, vaccinated and unvaccinated, regardless of point of departure. It is also reported that travellers could be required to be re-tested for Covid-19 three to five days after their arrival.
Omicron: What are the new Covid rules for travelling to the UK?
New rules around international travel follows concerns about the newly identified Omicron variant of Covid, which has also led to quarantine being reintroduced for travellers from some African countries.
Covid-19 Webinars:
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.