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: 9,130,857 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 33,865 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 9,538, 228 more than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 293
Total UK deaths: 140,964
England Cases per 100,000: 432
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,025,020 – 87% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 45,731,565 – 79%
Daily 1st doses: 37,695
Daily 2nd doses: 19,214
Daily Booster doses: 273,453 (8,356,172 total booster doses)
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 46,949 to 2 November
Cases in the latest week: 1,293, 269 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 763 to October 22nd
Cases per 100,000: 440 per 100,000 week ending 29 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 29 October 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Shipping Boss: Christmas will be safe from shortages
Christmas trading will be safe from supply chain problems, the boss of shipping firm Maersk has told the BBC – adding, “at least that’s what I’m hearing from our customers”. The company handles almost 20% of the world’s shipping containers.
Chief executive Soren Skou, said the firm is chartering more ships, keeping ports open longer and has opened more warehouses to help. The firm is doing “everything” possible to alleviate the problems, he said. There have been recent warnings in the UK and the US that logjams at ports will lead to shortages at Christmas. Mr Skou said that a shortage of workers in the ports to unload ships and a lack of truckers was behind the problem.
A Road Haulage Association (RHA) survey of its members estimates there is now a shortage of more than 100,000 qualified drivers in the UK. That number includes thousands of drivers from European Union (EU) member states who were previously living and working in the UK. There are also shortages across Europe and the US.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport Council are keen for the borough’s Economic Plan to be co-designed by stakeholders in the local economy and have commissioned Hatch to facilitate its development and engage with local businesses. Businesses are invited to take part in a short 10-15 minute online survey to share their views on doing business in Stockport as part of the preparation for developing the plan. The survey has been designed to be as easy as possible to complete and will ask a series of questions relating to best understand the nature of the different businesses operating in the borough. All responses will be treated as confidential and in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requirements. The survey will run for approximately two weeks, but may be extended to gather additional responses, and can be accessed here.
Stepping Hill Hospital suspends in-patient visisting due to rise in cases of Covid
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust has announced it will be suspending visiting on inpatient wards at Stepping Hill Hospital in response to the challenges of high Covid-19 case rates in the hospital in the wider community. Routine hospital visiting will be suspended from today, 3rd November, for a minimum of two weeks, and it will be subject to regular review. Some visits, pre-arranged with nursing staff, may be allowed on a case-by-case basis on compassionate grounds, such as for those at end of life, and for relatives collecting patients being discharged. On the Children’s Ward and children’s emergency department, one parent or guardian can visit or stay with a child, except under special circumstances, pre-agreed with the nurse in charge. In maternity areas, mothers should nominate a single birthing partner or visitor to accompany them during their stay. For patients and any allowed visitors, face coverings also remain mandatory.
Have your say on Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Plan priorities
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has launched a public consultation on the next Greater Manchester Police and Crime Plan, which will set the direction for policing and community safety across the city-region for the next three years.
The public consultation began on 1st November and will run for four weeks until Tuesday 30 November. Responses to the consultation will be collated and feed into the final version of the next Plan, which will be published in January 2022.
Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Plan describes how the Mayor of Greater Manchester will work with the police and partners to achieve its priorities.
Over summer 2021, pre-consultation engagement was carried out with the city-region’s 10 Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs), Greater Manchester Police (GMP), young people, businesses, communities, health organisations and VCSE organisations ahead of refreshing the Plan.
COP26:
North West pension funds sign up to COP26 commitment
The Greater Manchester and Merseyside pension funds are part of a $130bn commitment to be invested in clean energy and climate projects by 2030
The deal was announced at COP26 in Glasgow by CEOs of Nordic and UK pension funds who will also report annually on the progress of their climate investments.
The Climate Investment Coalition (CIC) includes asset owners in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and the UK. The Greater Manchester Pension Fund and Merseyside Pension Fund have both signed up to the deal.
Low carbon planning for UK firms to hit 2050 net zero target
Today is finance day at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow and Chancellor Rishi Sunak is due to set out plans to encourage large firms to work towards the UK’s 2050 net-zero target. Under new Treasury rules most big UK firms and financial institutions will be forced to publish details, by 2023, of how they will move to low-carbon emissions. Though not mandatory, the government said the aim is to increase transparency and accountability. However, green groups say the proposals do not go far enough. This announcement comes as deals such as cutting methane emissions and boosting green technologies were agreed on Tuesday.
What is net zero? What is the UK and other countries doing?
Net zero means not adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Achieving it means reducing emissions as much as possible and balancing out any that remain by removing an equivalent amount.
This is important because greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) are released when we burn oil, gas and coal for our homes, factories and transport. This causes global warming by trapping the sun’s energy. Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, 197 countries agreed to try to keep temperature rises “well below” 1.5C to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Experts say that to achieve this net zero must be reached by 2050.
During COP26, nations are setting out the steps they are taking.
South Africa’s deal to end coal reliance
To help end its reliance on coal, South Africa is set to receive $8.5bn (£6.2bn) from wealthier nations in what President Cyril Ramaphosa says is a “watershed moment”. The deal could have global and local implications as the country is a major emitter of greenhouse gases, which cause the planet’s temperature to rise. South Africa uses coal to generate electricity.
EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and US President Joe Biden made the announcement at the COP26 summit on Tuesday. The Global Methane Pledge aims to limit methane emissions by 30% compared with 2020 levels. It is one of the most potent greenhouse gases and responsible for a third of current warming from human activities. More than 100 countries have signed up to the initiative. The main focus of efforts to curb global warming is carbon dioxide (CO2), which is emitted as a result of human activities such as generating power and clearing forests.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
CARE:
Workforce Capacity Fund for adult social care
Information for local authorities and adult social care providers on the £120 million Workforce Capacity Fund during coronavirus (COVID-19) – added 3 attachments: ‘Workforce Capacity Fund: outcomes and findings, October 2021’, ‘Local authority spending data (WCF)’ and ‘Feedback survey results (WCF)’.
Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund for adult social care
Information for local authorities and adult social care providers on the £162.5 million Workforce Recruitment and Retention Fund.
Review of the adult social care COVID-19 winter plan 2020 to 2021
The Social Care Sector COVID-19 Support Taskforce’s independent review of the government’s winter plan 2020 to 2021 for the adult social care sector in England.
EDUCATION:
How to complete the educational setting status form
This data will help the government monitor the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on settings, focus support more effectively and keep children safe – addition of questions into the ‘Questions for schools: educational settings status form’, including questions on tutor funding.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: letter to patients on end of shielding programme
Reference-only version of letter from the government to patients on the end of the shielding programme.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19, 3 November 2021
Characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency and?Welcome?Trust.?This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse Laboratory to collect and test samples.
COVID-19: guidance on protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from coronavirus (COVID-19).
PROPERTY:
HMRC debt-chasing as thousands of property firms hit ‘financial distress’
Despite the roaring housing market, a new report says that no fewer than 70,500 real estate and property businesses are showing ‘significant financial distress’.
The construction industry – which is separately classified – is faring even worse with around 72,500 businesses in the same predicament. The figures relate to the third quarter of this year and comes from specialist insolvency consultancy Begbies Traynor, which monitors the financial health of UK businesses.
Across all sectors it has recorded 562,550 businesses in ‘significant financial distress’ with a 139 per cent uplift in County Court Judgments in the past year. However, despite this gloomy total, the overall number of businesses in significant financial distress has fallen 14 per cent since earlier this year.
RETAIL:
Next warns on stock availability issues despite sales rise
Next has recorded an uplift in sales for the third quarter but has warned on demand slowing down and availability issues for the remainder of its financial year.
The fashion retailer saw a 17 per cent increase in sales in the 13 weeks to October 30 compared with 2019 levels, with sales in the final five weeks of the period up 14 per cent on pre-pandemic levels. This is ahead of the retailer’s forecast of a sales rise of 10 per cent on pre-pandemic levels during its third quarter.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
Haulier coronavirus testing
To monitor the number of tests delivered and the positivity rate of the tests.
TRAVEL:
NHS COVID Pass
How to get the NHS COVID Pass and demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at events and venues in England – added information about COVID-19 booster vaccinations: The NHS COVID Pass for travel does not currently include COVID-19 booster vaccinations. You do not need a COVID-19 booster vaccination to get an NHS COVID Pass for domestic use in England. Also updated to reflect the UK linking with the EU Gateway. Your NHS COVID Pass can be scanned to check and validate your COVID-19 vaccination status in venues in over 40 countries, including those in the EU.
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