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: 9,172,660 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 41,299 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 9,517, 47 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 217
Total UK deaths: 141,181
England Cases per 100,000: 432
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,071,683 – 87% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 45,752,487 – 79%
Daily 1st doses: 46,663
Daily 2nd doses: 20,992
Daily Booster doses: 296,670 (8,652,842 total booster doses)
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 47,131 to 3 November
Cases in the latest week: 1,297, 251 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 763 to October 22nd
Cases per 100,000: 441 per 100,000 week ending 30 October
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 82% of over 12s to 2 November
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:
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted 7-2 in favour of no change.
Rates were cut to their current level in March last year in response to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. But the reopening of the economy has fuelled price rises, prompting expectations that the Bank would increase borrowing costs.
The Bank has signalled it will raise interest rates in “coming months” as it warned of a two-year cost-of-living squeeze for households.
First pill to treat Covid gets approval in UK
The first pill designed to treat symptomatic Covid has been approved by the UK medicines regulator. The tablet – molnupiravir – will be given twice a day to vulnerable patients recently diagnosed with the disease. In clinical trials the pill, originally developed to treat flu, cut the risk of hospitalisation or death by about half.
Health secretary Sajid Javid said the treatment was a “gamechanger” for the most frail and immunosuppressed. In a statement he said: “Today is a historic day for our country, as the UK is now the first country in the world to approve an antiviral that can be taken at home for Covid.”
First oral antiviral for COVID-19, Lagevrio (molnupiravir), approved by MHRA
The antiviral was found to be safe and effective following a stringent review of the available evidence.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport’s Merseyway shopping centre is set to offer opportunities for small businesses to test the high street with a new pop-up retail space.
This winter, retail consultancy Barker Proudlove will open a new pop-up initiative in the precinct, allowing small businesses to sell from a Merseyway shop front for up to 6 weeks. The pop-up will give budding retailers the opportunity to build a customer base, create brand awareness and promote shopping locally in Stockport.
The pop-up will occupy 88 Merseyway, opposite Waterstones, and can be rented at an all-inclusive weekly cost, including fit-out, bills and rate, with the first retailer able to move in from the 15th November 2021.
New changes proposed to Stockport’s political boundaries
The Local Government Boundary Commission has revealed a new proposed political map of Stockport that will redraw local council ward boundaries across the borough.
The new boundaries aim ensure Stockport’s councillors all represent equal sized electorates, with the new map also taking into consideration responses from a consultation earlier this year to ensure they reflect how residents identify with their neighbourhoods. While the council will continue to be divided into 21 wards, each represented by three councillors, 16 have seen changes to their boundaries, with wards encompassing Cheadle and Cheadle Hulme seeing the greatest changes. The Stepping Hill ward will also be renamed to Norbury, following comments from residents.
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 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
Routine hospital visiting has been suspended for a minimum of two weeks. Some visits, pre-arranged with nursing staff, may be allowed on a case-by-case basis on compassionate grounds. 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.
COP26:
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has set out plans for the UK to become the world’s first Net Zero aligned financial centre.
Speaking on Finance Day at the COP26 summit, Sunak also welcomed climate commitments from private companies covering $130trn of financial assets, as he convened the largest ever meeting of finance leaders on climate change. The Chancellor set out the UK’s “responsibility to lead the way” and unveiled a fresh push to decarbonise our world-leading financial centre. Under the proposals, there will be new requirements for UK financial institutions and listed companies to publish net zero transition plans that detail how they will adapt and decarbonise as the UK moves towards to a Net Zero economy by 2050.
Major coal-using countries including Poland, Vietnam and Chile are among those to make the commitment. But some of the world’s biggest coal-dependent countries, including Australia, India, China and the US, did not sign up to the pledge.
Coal is the single biggest contributor to climate change. Signatories to the agreement have committed to ending all investment in new coal power generation domestically and internationally. They have also agreed to phase out coal power in the 2030s for major economies, and the 2040s for poorer nations, the UK said.
Dozens of organisations also signed up to the pledge, with several major banks agreeing to stop financing the coal industry.
Hydrogen hope – what is hydrogen energy and why is it so important?
Its chemical symbol is H and it’s once again been hitting the headlines. Hydrogen is being mooted as a clean fuel source that could help curb greenhouse gas emissions to net zero. So what exactly is hydrogen energy and how could it be used as an alternative to fossil fuels?
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Agents change working hours to encourage greater staff wellbeing
Early results from a survey into wellbeing suggest that agents are changing their working practices to help staff have a greater work/life balance and improved mental health. ‘The New Normal’ survey, run by PropTech operators tmgroup and mio, has so far had 300 responses from a range of property professionals.
So far, 44 per cent of respondents have stated they’ve introduced flexible working hours; 20 per cent have regular wellbeing calls to those working from home; 21 per cent have increased social events; and 20 per cent have encouraged staff to spend time outdoors.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme late claims
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has published guidance on how to make a late claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. The guidance can be found here and here.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: 4 November 2021
Time series and statistics as at 30 September 2021 on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with analysis by scheme size, sector, geography, age, gender, estimated annual pay and flexible furlough.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: November 2021
The number of individuals claiming the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant up to 7 October 2021 by age, gender, industry sector and geography.
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme – added links to 2 Official Statistics publications ‘Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: 4 November 2021’ and ‘Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: November 2021’.
Measuring error and fraud in the COVID-19 schemes
Our approach to and measurement of error and fraud for each of the main COVID-19 support schemes – the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and Eat Out to Help Out.
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme – added links to 2 Official Statistics publications ‘Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme statistics: 4 November 2021’ and ‘Self-Employment Income Support Scheme statistics: November 2021’.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme – added ‘5 tips to fill your Kickstart vacancy swiftly and successfully’ document.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read leaflets
Easy-read guides providing information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccination – Added Easy-read guide to the COVID-19 booster vaccination.
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
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 – updated to confirm that from 3 November, questions on school-led tutoring will be included on the form every 3 to 6 weeks.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test kit instructions: ACON Flowflex
How to do an ACON Flowflex rapid nose-only test for COVID-19 and report the results. This test is only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 – added information on ordering a rapid lateral flow test. Updated all translations. Added Dari and Pashto translations.
Latest REACT-1 study findings show rise in COVID-19 infection rates
Interim findings from the latest report of REACT-1, one of the largest studies into coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in England, have been published today.
Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK: 4 November 2021
Estimates of the prevalence of self-reported “long COVID” and associated activity limitation, using UK Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey data.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – first published
RETAIL:
Superdry optimistic despite decining revenue
Superdry has seen its group revenue decline by 2.4 per cent year-on-year in the first half of its financial year. In the 26 weeks to October 23, store revenues rose by 21.7 per cent while online sales declined by 30 per cent. In its latest trading statement, the Gloucestershire-headquartered retailer said Covid was continuing to impact its stores but added that it had seen an improvement in trading across its retail channels in the eight weeks to October 23. Superdry founder and chief executive Julian Dunkerton said: “Superdry is recovering well from the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic, and I am really pleased with the start to the autumn/winter 2021 season, despite the ongoing disruption around the world.
TRANSPORT:
Claiming the Bus Recovery Grant
Information on how to claim support from the Bus Recovery Grant.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): cruise ship travel
Guidance on cruise travel during the coronavirus outbreak – added information about COVID-19 testing and the UK passenger locator form.
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