UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,828,463 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 27,989 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 1,795, +73 on previous day
New deaths across UK: 22
Total UK deaths: 128,162
England Cases per 100,000: 122 (as of 2 July 2021)
R number in UK: 1.2 to 1.4
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 44,860,978
Total 2nd doses: 32,872,450
Daily 1st doses: 141,216
Daily 2nd doses: 175,749
The R value and growth rate in England
The R range for England is 1.2 to 1.4 and the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 21 June 2021. Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
European Union bring in Vaccine Passports for EU citizens
The EU’s vaccine passport – the Digital Covid Certificate – is being rolled out across all 27 member nations. It’s a way for citizens across the EU to prove they have:
- been vaccinated against Covid-19
- recently had a negative PCR test for the virus
- recently recovered from Covid-19
It’s available in, and recognised by, all 27 EU member states – plus Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. It’s free – and all EU citizens, as well as non-EU nationals legally staying or living in the member states (with the right to travel to other member states) can download it or obtain a paper copy. Some countries have already been using the certificate on a voluntary basis – but it’s being officially introduced from 1 July with a six-week phase-in period.
NHS plans booster jabs for all over 50s before winter
The NHS has been given the green light to start planning a Covid vaccine booster programme in the UK ahead of this winter. A bigger flu season than normal is expected, meaning extra protection against Covid is likely to be needed.
More than 30 million of the most vulnerable should receive a third dose, vaccine experts are advising. They will include all adults aged 50 and over, and anyone over 16 who qualifies for a flu jab. Health service bosses had previously said they needed lots of warning of an autumn Covid-19 booster rollout in order to plan the logistics alongside vaccinating millions of people against flu. Interim advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is that boosters will help maintain protection against Covid-19 and new variants for those most at risk, before winter comes.
RHA puts shortfall at 60,000 as driver shortage threatens sweet supplies!
Building materials, microprocessors, garden chairs – have all shown supply shortages lately but sweets? German confectionery giant Haribo says it is struggling to deliver to shops in the UK because there aren’t enough lorry drivers. The Road Haulage Association puts the shortfall at 60,000 truckers, estimating 30,000 HGV driving tests didn’t happen last year because of the Covid pandemic. Kate Shoesmith, of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, said last month many Romanian and Bulgarian drivers left when coronavirus struck and got jobs back home or “feel it’s not right to return to the UK, either because of Brexit or the pandemic”.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 24,505 to 1 July
Cases in the latest week: 750 (21 to 27 June), up 150 on previous week
Total deaths: 725 to June 11th
Cases per 100,000: 256 per 100,000 week ending 27 June
R number in North West: 1.1 – 1.4
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 82% of adults to 24 June
2nd dose: 61%
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Latest infection rates across Greater Manchester
Salford and Manchester have an infection rate of nearly 500 per 100,000 as coronavirus infection rates increase across the whole region. The infection rate for England continues to increase but the national average remains considerably lower at 172. In Greater Manchester as a whole, the infection rate is now 380 cases per 100,000 population.
Northern Powergrid to create 1,000 jobs with £3.2bn net zero drive
A UK power company has announced plans to invest £3.2bn into a net zero drive that is set to create 1,000 new jobs. Northern Powergrid has revealed plans to deliver a new electricity network across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire which will enable regional decarbonisation. The plans, which are proposed to take place between 2023 and 2028, will see investment increase by 36 per cent to more than £600m per year. The 1,000 new jobs expected to be created will be across the company’s network, supporting its goals for a net zero and greener energy future. The plans have been submitted to Ofgem for review.
Northern Powerhouse Rail is key to decarbonising the region’s transport network, according to leaders in the sector.
Not only will it improve journey times and connectivity between towns and cities in the region, but it has the potential to deliver clean, modern, electrified rail services, significantly reducing the environmental impact of operating the network. Speaking at the transport session at this week’s North West sustainability conference, In the Circle, Andy Brown, group corporate affairs director at MAG said schemes including NPR and HS2 were critical.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Monthly data on claims made by employers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – the claim data has been updated to include April 2021.
UKs furlough scheme on wind down
More than a million workers came off furlough in May as the economy reopened, leaving the scheme supporting the fewest people since the start of the pandemic.
At the end of May, 2.4 million people still relied on the scheme for their income, the latest HMRC figures show. The furlough measures are being phased out by the end of September. But with parts of the economy still limited by the virus, some firms are calling for an extension to the scheme.
Are you re-opening your business, or planning to do so shortly?
If you’re bringing back your employees part time, you can claim furlough flexibly for them under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. If you haven’t submitted your June furlough claims yet, you must do so by the deadline of Wednesday?? ?14?? ?July. You can now also claim for pay periods in Ju??ly. To help you plan ahead for future claim periods, the CJRS calculator is available to help you work out how much you can claim for employees up to the end of September.
For the latest information, join our live webinar. You can ask questions throughout using the on-screen text box, although we can’t discuss personal circumstances. We’ll look at: who can claim, who you can claim for, how to calculate what you can claim, how to claim, bringing your employees back from furlough. Register here
If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with fewer than 250 employees, you may also be eligible for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. View our recorded webinar about the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme on HMRC’s YouTube channel, for further guidance on the scheme, including who you can claim for, how to claim and what you may be entitled to.
You can also find out what other financial support may be available for you and your business as part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs, by searching ‘find coronavirus financial support’ on GOV??.UK. We’ll continue to review our webinars to give the most up-to-date information, and welcome your feedback at the end of the session too.
CARE:
Adult social care extension to Infection Control and Testing Fund 2021
Sets out the measures that the extension to the Infection Control and Testing Fund supports, including distribution of funds, conditions and reporting requirements. We’ve extended the fund until 30 September 2021.
COMMUNITY:
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.
Coronavirus and vaccine hesitancy, Great Britain: 26 May to 20 June 2021
Hesitancy towards the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, based on the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 26 May to 20 June 2021.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 2 July 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 23 to 27 June 2021 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
CONSTRUCTION:
50,000 new homes built in England in Q1 of 2021
The number of new homes being built across the has continued to rise in the first three months of 2021, the latest government housebuilding figures have revealed. There were 49,470 completed homes in the first quarter of 2021, with work starting on a further 46,010 new properties across England. These two figures represent the highest numbers in 20 and 15 years respectively, and an increase of 4% and 7% on the previous quarter. The number of houses being built was also increased on the previous quarter, with houses making up 81% of new builds: the highest proportion since 2000.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report published
National coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine surveillance report, including estimated number of hospitalisations and deaths prevented.
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: the green book, chapter 14a
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination information for public health professionals.
Updated with clarification around the schedule following the emergence of Delta variant, advice on cautions and contraindications, and co-administration advice. More evidence also added on vaccine effectiveness and mixed schedules.
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.
New Variant Assessment Platform
The New Variant Assessment Platform (NVAP) is an offer of UK capacity and expertise to detect and assess new variants of SARS-CoV-2 around the world.
COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers
Genomically confirmed case numbers for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in UK.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Contain Outbreak Management Fund: 2021 to 2022
The Contain Outbreak Management Fund (COMF) provides funding to local authorities in England to help reduce the spread of coronavirus and support local public health – added ‘Local authority Test and Trace Contain Outbreak Management Fund grant determination 2021 to 2022: No 31/5518’. The letter from Dr Carolyn Wilkins OBE on 8 April 2021 (‘Update on funding from the COMF’) is now available as Appendix A in ‘Contain Outbreak Management Fund: guidance – financial year 2021 to 2022’.
MANUFACTURING:
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK – updated the ‘Outcome of the evaluation of rapid diagnostic assays for specific SARS-CoV-2 antigens (lateral flow devices)’ document to add lateral flow devices that have passed 3a validation.
PROPERTY:
Stamp Duty Bonanza – record sales across every sector last month
Knight Frank claims that the number of UK property transactions in June is on track to be the highest on record. Although more whole-market data will come in over time, Knight Frank says the eventual figure is likely to be a record. The agency says this applies across all major sectors – prime central London, the London suburbs and the rest of the UK, including the country house market. The second highest month on record was March 2021, the month of the original stamp duty holiday deadline, which was deferred until the end of June.
Call for extended Airbnb tax to offset damage to rental market
A fund instituted by Airbnb to help compensate for the effects of short let accommodation should be extended, local politicians say. In a bid to buy off criticism of the shift of rental accommodation from long term to short term, Airbnb in August will contribute £5 to local causes for every booking made in the city during August in an effort to “rebalance tourism.”
SCIENCE:
COVID-19 surveillance and immunity studies
An overview of national surveillance programmes to understand how COVID-19 is present and affecting the wider population – added link to Schools Infection Survey research findings: round 5.
COVID-19 vaccine surveillance reports
Data on the real-world effectiveness and impact of the COVID-19 vaccines – added COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report: 1 July 2021 (week 26).
TRAVEL:
Jet2 suspends flights to amber countries until 18th July
The airline and tour operator said the decision had been made with the expectation that the UK government’s next review of the traffic light system would be on or around 15 July. The move does not affect flights and holidays to destinations on the green list which Jet2.com and Jet2holidays resumed operating on Thursday (1 July).
All flights and holidays to Turkey, which is currently on the UK’s red list, have also been suspended up to and including 21 July.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Applications for the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant closed 31st May
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 01/07/2021
- Received: 2,911
- Processed: 2,911 (100%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £10,493,716
Restart Grants summary:
Grant allocation: £14,652,603
Number of businesses eligible: 1,816
Number received a grant: 1,738
Total value of payments made: £12,408,150
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.
Applications closed on 30 June 2021
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 to June 21st
- 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 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April