UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,499,878 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 5,274 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 919 (2 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 18
Total UK deaths: 127,812
England Cases per 100,000: 32.4 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.0 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 39,758,428
Total 2nd doses: 26,422,303
Daily 1st doses: 172,763
Daily 2nd doses: 349,019
There have been almost 4.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 127,800 people have died. 18 new Covid-related deaths were announced in the UK on Thurday More than 66 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK and more than 39.7 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine – 75.5% of all adults.
Over 26 million people have had both their first and second jab, 50.2% of all adults.
People aged 28 and over are being invited to have a first jab and the focus has shifted to offer over 50s a second vaccine within 8 weeks rather than 12. The average number of daily infections in the UK is rising in some areas, fuelled by the Indian variant, with 4,330 new cases announced by the government yesterday, Wednesday.
The R value and growth rate in England
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19):
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is 0% to +3% per day as of 28 May 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:
Indian variant now dominant in the UK
The variant of coronavirus first identified in India is now the dominant strain in the UK, Public Health England (PHE) has said. The number of cases confirmed by laboratory analysis rose by 79% over the last week to 12,431. Scientists believe the variant, now known as Delta, has overtaken the Kent, or Alpha, variant.
They say that there may also be a higher risk of hospitalisation linked to the Delta variant. But that is based on early evidence, and PHE say more data is needed to have more confidence in the finding. “With this variant now dominant across the UK, it remains vital that we all continue to exercise as much caution as possible,” said Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency. “The way to tackle variants is to tackle the transmission of Covid-19 as a whole.”
Government minister forced to quarantine after trip to Champion League Final
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove had to abandon a meeting with the prime minister and leaders of the devolved nations yesterday after being pinged by the NHS Covid app. Mr Gove was notified that he may have come into contact with someone who had coronavirus during a trip to Portugal to watch Chelsea play Manchester City in the Champions League final.
Portugal relegated to amber travel list
Portugal has questioned the UK’s decision to remove it from the green list for overseas travel from next Tuesday, saying it doesn’t understand the logic behind changing its status to amber. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps says rising cases and a Covid mutation found in Portugal are behind the move, which means UK tourists should not visit and returnees must isolate for 10 days. But the travel industry isn’t happy and readers have voiced their frustration at being forced to cancel holidays, write off spending and postpone family visits.
Jet2 delays restart to its holiday schedule
Jet2 has taken the decision to delay the restart of flights and holidays until July following the government’s latest review of its travel advice. The company will restart ventures on 1 July 2021, excluding its Jersey programme which will restart on 24 June. In addition to that, because Turkey currently remains on the Red List, it has taken the decision to restart flights and holidays to Turkey on 22 July.
Affected customers will have their bookings cancelled and given a full refund.
Airport boss warns jobs at risk as Portugal removed from green list
Charlie Cornish, MAG CEO, said:
“We were told the traffic light system would allow people to travel safely, with the right measures in place to manage risk for different countries.
“But it is now clear the Government doesn’t trust its own system and that international travel is being unfairly scapegoated, with tens of thousands of jobs placed at risk in the process.
“Low-risk destinations continue to be left off the green list despite clear evidence they are safe to visit. With case rates lower than the UK, we simply cannot understand why the likes of the Balearics, the Canaries and some Greek islands do not fall into that category.
“If we followed the approach being taken across Europe, lots of other countries – like the United States, Germany and Italy – would also be classed as green.
“Instead, we’re stuck with a system that is clearly not fit for purpose and will deny people the opportunity to travel abroad safely this year.
“The lack of transparency is shocking and totally unacceptable. If the Government has information that supports its decisions, then it needs to publish it. We have repeatedly asked for this data, but we are being left in the dark about how it is making these choices, with no opportunity for scrutiny or challenge.
“That is not the way to go about limiting people’s freedoms and crippling the country’s travel and tourism sectors. With so much at stake, we need immediate transparency and urgent action to make this system of travel restrictions fit for purpose.”
Over half of UK adults vaccinated with second dose
Over half of UK adults have been vaccinated with a second dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, giving them the strongest possible protection.
Less than 30 days to apply for EU Settlement scheme
From today, there are only 30 days to go until the deadline of 30 June 2021for applications to be made to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, should apply without delay so that they can continue to work, study, and access free healthcare and benefits in the UK after 30 June 2021.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 21,600 to 2nd June
Cases in the latest week: 235 (23-29 May), 174 more cases than previous 7 days
Total deaths: 723 to May 21st
Cases per 100,000: 93 per 100,000 week ending 30th May
R number in North West: 1.0 – 1.2
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 73% of adults to 1st June
2nd dose: 52%
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
New North-West £210m AI and quantum computing centre to create ‘jobs of the future’
New jobs are set to be created by the launch of a multi-million-pound artificial intelligence and quantum computing centre. The government has teamed up with IBM to launch a new £210m centre in North-West England in a bid to cement the UK’s status as a ‘science superpower’. Based in the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Daresbury Laboratory in the Liverpool City Region, The Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation (HNCDI) will create vacancies for an additional 60 scientists. Science Minister Amanda Solloway commented:
“Artificial intelligence and quantum computing have the potential to revolutionise everything from the way we travel to the way we shop. This fantastic new partnership with IBM will not only help businesses get ready for the future of computing but create 60 jobs in the region – boosting innovation and growing the economy as we build back better from the pandemic.”
Latest coronavirus rates across Greater Manchester
The UK’s downward trend has continued in Bolton, whose rate continues to fall after a peak driven by the Indian variant, now also referred to as the Delta variant.
However, case numbers continue to rise all in all other boroughs across Greater Manchester. Tameside, Stockport and Salford have all seen big increases.
As has Bury, its rate has risen by more than 100 percent week-on-week and is now the third highest in the region. The region’s average rate is now 131, four times the national average. It comes as several areas, including Stockport, have opened up pop-up vaccination clinics and increased testing in hotspots to try and tackle the rise in cases.
Parfetts announce a board-level changes to create a platform for further growth.
The Stockport-based wholesaler and symbol group operator has appointed Guy Swindell and Noel Robinson as joint managing directors (designate), taking up their full roles on January 1, 2022. Guy Swindell is promoted from retail director, where he has led the company’s expansion in recent years. Noel Robinson joins Parfetts from Bestway, where he has spent the past three years successfully relaunching Bestway Vans and taking responsibility for Best Pets.
Citizens Advice Stockport is urging EU, EEA or Swiss citizens to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before the 30 June deadline
For EU, EEA or Swiss citizens to continue living and working in the UK, they must apply to the EU Settlement Scheme online through the GOV.UK website. Applying to the scheme is free. Applicants must have been resident in the UK by 31st December 2020 to be eligible.
Stockport Central Library set to reopen
Stockport’s historic Central Library is preparing to reopen, subject to the national easing of coronavirus restrictions which are planned for later this month.
The library has been closed since March last year, as despite the easing of restrictions, the nature of the historic building has meant it has been unable to create a Covid-safe environment for library users. Other libraries in the borough have been able to reopen, and temporary library services, including book borrowing and IT provision, have been offered from the One Stockport Hub in Merseyway; ebook and audiobook lending via online portals have also been available throughout the pandemic. The Hub has proved to be extremely popular and will continue to operate as a cultural and community space once Central Library reopens.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Find examples to help you calculate your employees’ wages
Check examples to help you calculate your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions and pension contributions if you’re claiming through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Job vacancies soar as skills shortage bites
Demand for staff rose at its fastest rate for 23 years in May, as Covid restrictions eased, according to a monthly survey of recruiters. But with the number of staff available declining at the fastest rate for four years, according to accounting firm KPMG, many companies are struggling to fill vacancies. Hospitality, in particular, has seen a shortage of waiters and chefs since the sector reopened.
Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Monthly data on claims made by employers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – updated the employer claim data from December 2020 to March 2021
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Apply for the Zoo Animals Fund
Apply for an animal welfare grant of up to £730,000 for your zoo or aquarium affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated the ‘How to apply’ section to say that the deadline for applications has now passed.
Economic activity and social change in the UK, real-time indicators: 3 June 2021
Early experimental data and analysis on economic activity and social change in the UK. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
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.
COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read leaflets
Easy-read guides providing information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccination – added links to translated versions of the leaflets.
How to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Advice for everyone to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated easy read in line with meeting friends and family guidance, which came into effect on 17 May 2021.
By working in collaboration, Stockport can become united and encouraged to build a better future for everyone by supporting the local economy, connecting communities and promoting health & wellbeing. Find out more at www.onestockport.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION:
McLaren on course to return to pre-Covid profit levels
The contractor published its latest results today revealing the impact of the pandemic and the cancellation of an infrastructure contract which caused an exceptional charge of £19.4m. The exceptional charge resulted in a pre-tax loss for the year to July 31 2020 of just over £13m compared to a pre-tax profit of £3.5m last time on turnover down to £525.8m from £650.8m. McLaren’s property division recorded a strong performance during the year thanks to continuing success in the student accommodation sector which resulted in a £13.7m profit allowing the group to record overall profitability of £0.7m across its property and construction companies.
DEFRA:
Coming to the UK for seasonal agricultural work on English farms
Advice for seasonal agricultural workers coming to England to pick fruit and vegetables on farms, and their employers – updated with new guidance on travelling from a country or territory listed as red, amber or green.
EDUCATION:
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – updated the guidance on paediatric first aid certificates.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines
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 ‘Validated technology’ table in ‘National technical validation process for manufacturers of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) tests’ to add 3 new tests: Certest Biotech Viasure qRT-PCR, Randox Rapid PCR and Thermo Fisher Taqpath PCR.
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.
COVID-19 vaccine surveillance reports
Data on the real-world effectiveness and impact of the COVID-19 vaccines – added COVID-19 vaccine surveillance report: 3 June 2021 (week 22).
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site security
Sets out the primary security considerations that vaccination sites should take into account when developing and reviewing their site security provisions.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 variants identified in UK
Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in UK.
Government and life science industry join forces on 100 Days Mission for future pandemics
Landmark collaboration to protect against future pandemic threats and slash time to develop and deploy new diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines to 100 days.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes
How to protect care home residents and staff during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to reflect the change in procedure of reporting COVID-19 cases and outbreak management in care homes.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are producing guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals and patients covering the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added “The MHRA concludes positive safety profile for Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in 12- to 15-year-olds” to the ‘vaccines and vaccine safety’ collection
PROPERTY:
CBI: ‘Occupiers and landlords of commercial property should partner on a path towards full economic reopening by taking decisive action to address commercial rent challenges.’
The CBI believes commercial property tenants should resume paying rents as normal when emergency coronavirus legislation protecting businesses from evictions and statutory demands ends on June 30, except in cases of extreme financial difficulty caused by this year’s lockdown measures. The CBI proposes the hardest hit sectors should be protected for a further 6 months where companies can demonstrate lockdown-related falls in revenue of more than 30% in 2021.
TRANSPORT:
Apply for the COVID-19 bus service support grant
Information on applying for COVID-19 funding support for commercial bus operators in England – added information on how to report fraud, bribery, theft or corruption associated with the COVID-19 Bus Service Support Grant (CBSSG).
TRAVEL:
Portugal moved to amber list to guard public health against variants of concern following first traffic light review
Cautious approach to reopening international travel to protect public health and the vaccine rollout.
Red, amber and green list rules for entering England
Countries rated as red, amber or green for Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the rules you must follow to enter England. Portugal will move from green to amber list 4am, 8 June. Afghanistan, Bahrain, Costa Rica, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Trinidad and Tobago will move from amber to red list.
Data informing international travel traffic-light risk assessments, 3 June 2021
A summary of key data used by the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) to inform country risk assessments.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.
Staycations dominate as 74% opt for UK holidays
Britain is bracing for a boom in summer staycations due to the pandemic, according to data released by location technology specialist TomTom. Some 74% intend to stay local or travel within the country, compared to 27% who are likely to travel in Europe and only 16% outside of the continent. Unsurprisingly, Covid-19 is the main driver of changing holiday habits. Without the pandemic, 61% claimed they would have travelled abroad this year, and 67% said the pandemic has made them concerned to visit another country.
Passenger COVID-19 charter
Passenger rights, responsibilities and reasonable expectations for travel while coronavirus (COVID-19) measures remain in place – minor edits to clarify wording, and additional useful links for further information.
Booking and staying in a quarantine hotel if you’ve been in a red list country
How to book a quarantine hotel and coronavirus (COVID-19) tests if you’ve been in a red list country in the 10 days before you arrive in England – unaccompanied minors section – new email address
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Applications for the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant closed 31st May
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 27/05/2021
- Received: 2,845
- Processed: 2,786 (98%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £9,716,939
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 close on 30 June 2021
The Restart Grant will be split into two strands:
– Strand one will be for non-essential retail businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £6,000.
– Strand two will be for hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000.
Strand 1 Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000
- of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000
Strand 2 Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £8,000
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £12,000
- of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £18,000
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time to view webinar
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
Useful Government links for easing out of lockdown:
- Roadmap – Spring 2021: including the easing of restrictions from 29 March
- Covid-19 Vaccine
- Workplace Testing
- Back To School translations
- Stay Home translations
Coronavirus Roadmap out of lockdown – what and when?
From 29 March:
- People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
- The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
- Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts, and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
- Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances
Stage two (no earlier than 12 April):
- All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons (including in people’s homes)
- Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation
- Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
Stage three (no earlier than 17 May):
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors
- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
- Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- International leisure travel may resume
- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart
Stage four (no earlier than 21 June):
- All legal limits on social contact will be removed
- No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
- Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV???.UK.
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
- 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.
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