UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 9 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 140,000 people have died, government figures show. Around 87% of people in the UK aged 12 and over have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine and around 79% have had their second. A booster campaign is also underway.
Total UK Cases: 9,057,629 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 38,009 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,983, 57 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 74
Total UK deaths: 140,632
England Cases per 100,000: 435
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 49,955,853 – 87% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 45,697,856 – 79%
Daily 1st doses: 33,763
Daily 2nd doses: 24,908
Daily Booster doses: 361,428 (7,925,851 total booster doses)
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 46,769 to 28 October
Cases in the latest week: 1,269, 302 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 763 to October 22nd
Cases per 100,000: 431 per 100,000 week ending 28 October
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 82% of over 12s to 31 October
2nd dose: 76%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 1.1 to 1.3 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 15 October 2021.
COP26:
More than 30 financial institutions to end funding deforestation
More than 100 leaders will commit to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030 at an event convened by the Prime Minister at COP26 today. The pledge is backed by almost £14bn ($19.2bn) in public and private funding.
In addition, CEOs from more than 30 financial institutions with over $8.7tril of global assets – including Aviva, Schroders and Axa – will also commit to eliminate investment in activities linked to deforestation. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to say at the Forest & Land Use event at COP26 today leaders have signed a landmark agreement to protect and restore the earth’s forests.
Green investment brings big opportunities for construction sector
The COP26 conference and the renewed commitment by the UK and other governments to hasten the move towards net zero will have a major impact on key construction markets. Whilst the messages coming from Glasgow will add fresh urgency to the UK construction industry’s actions to cut emissions, it will also highlight the potential for additional new work particularly in housing repair and maintenance, building refurbishment and electricity generation and distribution.
The growth of electric vehicles has doubled over the past year to 280,000 and is set to rise dramatically in coming years ahead of the phasing out of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. The Government has pledged to invest £1.3 billion to speed up the roll out of charging infrastructure, with rapid charge points on motorways and major roads and more on-street charge facilities. Yet there are already big opportunities in the sector. Glenigan has identified around 5,000 projects that include electric charge points over the past year, ranging from home installations to major new business and residential schemes.
In a video message on Monday, the Queen urged leaders attending the summit to “rise above the politics of the moment” to create a “safer, stabler future” for the planet.
Naturalist Sir David Attenborough urged delegates to “turn tragedy into triumph”
US President Joe Biden said the summit represented an “incredible opportunity” but warned: “None of us can escape the worst… if we fail to seize this moment”
India pledged a net-zero target for 2070 – 20 years later than the summit target – while China failed to make major new commitments
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Committee chairs will also be asked to take a stronger role in ensuring MPs comply with coronavirus rules. A parliamentary spokesperson said that “recent increases in Covid across the country… are also being reflected in Parliament”.
The measures will be reviewed in two weeks’ time. Last week, face coverings became mandatory for staff employed by the House of Commons, unless they have a legitimate exemption – but it was left up to individual MPs to decide whether to cover their faces or not. MPs are not employed by the Commons authorities and cannot be forced to wear masks – although they have been encouraged to do so by the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and unions representing parliamentary workers.
Over eight million people in the UK receive COVID-19 booster jabs
More than 820,000 boosters have been administered in the last three days, as the government urges people to get their booster as soon as possible
Boosters available at walk-in-sites across UK
Boosters are now being given at walk-in vaccination sites with no appointment needed as the NHS aims to ramp up jabs uptake ahead of a “challenging” winter. People are advised to use the NHS online walk-in finder to check where their nearest centre is and whether it is offering boosters, vaccines for 12-15 year-olds, or anyone aged 16 and over.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone – funding for HGVs opens 30th November
From 30 November 2021, applications will be open for financial support to upgrade or retrofit HGVs. Applications for all other impacted vehicle types opens late January 2022. A new online checker is now available on cleanairgm.com/prepare to enable vehicle owners to find out if their vehicle would be subject to a charge to drive in the CAZ, if it is whether they would be eligible for an exemption/discount/financial support to upgrade to cleaner vehicle, and to sign up for updates. Early application is encouraged to ensure applicants are well-placed to access the available funding.
New online checker for Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone
In May 2022, Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) will be implemented across the city- region to improve air quality now and for future generations. From 30 November 2021, applications will be open for financial support to upgrade or retrofit non-compliant HGVs, and for all other affected vehicle types funding opens late January 2022. Early application is encouraged to ensure applicants are well-placed to access the available funding. A new online checker is now available on cleanairgm.com/prepare to enable vehicle owners to find out if their vehicle is affected by the Clean Air Zone and whether they are eligible for financial support. Sign-up for updates to stay up to date at cleanairgm.com If you require further information about Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone, please contact info@cleanairgm.com
North-West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC) launches Cyber Security Guide for Small Businesses
The North-West Cyber Resilience Centre (NWCRC) has launched a new Cyber Security Guide for Small Businesses based in the North-West. The new guide helps small business owners to improve their knowledge of cyber security and significantly reduce the chances of businesses becoming victims of cybercrime. In today’s increasingly digital-first world, small businesses face lots of risks operating online. Cybercrime can impact a business through lost time, financial losses or reputational damage. Without the correct precautions in place, cyberattacks on small businesses are wide-reaching.
Coronavirus rates fall across Greater Manchester, by 19% in Stockport
In Stockport, the latest infection rate is 431.3 cases per 100,000 people and the number of cases has gone down by 19 per cent. A total of 1,269 people tested positive for Covid in Stockport over the seven days ending on October 28, which is 302 fewer than the week before.
Stockport awarded £90,000 from government funds to support engagement
Stockport Council has been awarded £90,000 from the government’s PropTech Engagement Fund to adopt new technology into the planning system and help support engagement with the Local Plan. Stockport is one of 13 local authorities selected for the funding stream from the Department of Levelling up, Housing and Communities. The £90,000 awarded to Stockport Council will allow the creation of a mapping tool to bring their Local Plan to life when it goes out to formal public consultation, allowing people to explore and comment on specific aspects of the plan more easily. It is hoped that this interactive, more visual approach will appeal to a wide audience and increase engagement, especially with younger people and those that may have experienced barriers in engaging with consultations in the past.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BREXIT:
If you move goods between Great Britain (GB) and countries in the European Union (EU), you might be affected when full customs controls come into effect on 1??? January??? ?2022.
If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs, call our Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300??? ?322??? ?9434. The helpline is open from?? ?8am to 10pm??? ?Monday to??? ?Friday and from?? ?8am to??? ?4pm at weekends. You can also send us your questions or contact us by webchat The Export Support Service is a new helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a ‘one-stop shop’ and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support. Visit our HMRC YouTube channel – Our HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos and recorded webinars about customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU. Watch our Rules of Origin recorded webinar to understand the process and what you need to do if you buy from, send or sell goods to the EU.
BUSINESS:
Return to your claim for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
Use the online service to check the status of your payment, update your details, see how much you were paid or if you think the grant amount is too low – section added with links to guidance for the fifth grant and previous grants. A link to guidance on how to pay back a grant has also been added.
Tell HMRC and pay back a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant
Find out what to do if you need to pay back some or all of a SEISS grant.
If you’ve received a letter from HMRC you may need to pay back some or all of the grant. A new section has also been added called ‘Check how to tell HMRC and pay money back’. You can use the service to check whether you need to tell HMRC and pay back a grant.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services.
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 surrounding shielding requirements and to provide more information on vaccines.
EDUCATION:
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March 2020 and early years settings since Thursday 16 April 2020 – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – 23 March 2020 to 28 October 2021.’
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus and clinically extremely vulnerable people in England: 11 October to 16 October 2021
Analysis of clinically extremely vulnerable people in England during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including their behaviours and mental and physical well-being.
MANUFACTURING:
Shortages of semi-conductors impacts UK car manaufacturing – worst since 1982
UK car production fell -41.5% in September, the third consecutive month of decline, with 67,169 cars manufactured – the worst performing September since 1982 – according to the latest figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Output continues to be hampered by the production stoppages caused by the ongoing global shortage of semiconductors as well as the loss of production capacity arising from the closure of one of the UK’s larger plants. While yesterday’s Budget confirmed £817 million of funding for the transition in automotive manufacturing and business rate relief on renewable energy, the industry continues to battle against the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
PROPERTY:
Average rents dip but still showing annual hike
the average rent in the UK is now £1,059, down a modest 0.2 per cent from a month ago. However, the annual figure is still up by 8.7 per cent. The biggest regional change over the past year is in Wales with a huge 12.9 per cent increase.
Chris Turner, head of business development for Homelet and Let Alliance, says:
“In normal market conditions, we might see spikes in rental values for desirable or emerging areas, but we’re still seeing a really high demand for all property in the lettings market; that’s now the case in most parts of the UK. With fewer new properties coming up to rent when compared to pre-pandemic levels, we can expect the trends we see continuing throughout 2022.”
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.
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.
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.
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