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 and more than 15% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 9,208,219 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 37,269 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 9,311, 237 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 214
Total UK deaths: 141,395
England Cases per 100,000: 429
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,112,295 – 87% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 45,770,452 – 79%
Daily 1st doses: 41,242
Daily 2nd doses: 17,965
Daily Booster doses: 359,834 (9,012,676 total booster doses)
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 47,269 to 4 November
Cases in the latest week: 1,292, 235 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 763 to October 22nd
Cases per 100,000: 439 per 100,000 week ending 31 October
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 83% of over 12s to 3 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:
SKY: Pfizer’s new pill cuts hospitalisation or death by 89%, trial results indicate
Pfizer’s new experimental COVID-19 antiviral pill cuts the risk of hospitalisation or death by 89%, the company has announced. The results appear to surpass those seen with Merck & Co Inc’s pill Molnupiravir, which was shown last month to halve the likelihood of dying or needing hospital treatment for COVID-19.
Full trial data is not yet available from either company. Pfizer plans to submit the interim trial results to the US Food and Drug Administration as part of an emergency use application.
The Licensed Private Hire Car Association (LPHCA) estimates the industry is short of 160,000 of the previously 300,000-strong workforces. Many drivers left the industry during lockdowns as demand plummeted. The shortage has prompted concerns over the safety of women, students and night- time workers struggling to get home. A backlog in costly licensing and registration of vehicles, as well as criminal and medical checks for drivers, have led to what the LPHCA have called “a perfect storm”. A taxi driver must apply to their local council for a licence, which can cost up to £600 a year. Drivers must also obtain a criminal record and full medical check, as well as the famous “Knowledge” examination in some cases.
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:
APS Group hail ‘pivotal’ 2021 as confidence grow for 2022
Stockport-headquartered APS Group has posted a turnover of £163.6m for the 12 months to January 31, 2021, while its pre-tax profits totalled £4m. An international marketing firm, which has worked with the likes of Adidas, Ford and Philips, has hailed 2021 as a “pivotal” year and it is looking towards 2022 “with confidence” after reporting its latest full-year results. Those figures compare to a turnover of £83.3m and profits of £2.7m in the prior seven-month accounting period.
Stockport clothing company expands creating 50 new jobs
Creative Apparel is set to open the new state-of-the-art facility in Stockport, a mile away from its current base, in 2022. It is investing in full factory digitalisation where a central IT system drives and measures smart machinery, linking production through to its customers and supply chain.
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.
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.
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:
COP26: What is the Glasgow climate conference, why is it important and what’s been agreed so far?
For this conference – called COP26 – 200 countries have been asked for their plans to cut emissions by 2030. They all agreed in 2015 to make changes to keep global warming “well below” 2C – and to try aim for 1.5C – so that we avoid a climate catastrophe. This is what’s known as the Paris Agreement. It means countries have to keep cutting emissions until reaching net zero in 2050.
New Duke of Edinburgh-style climate award to be launched
It’s the turn of young people to have their say on how to address climate change, so expect a very different feel to the summit from earlier in the week, when the average age in the room was 60. As well as youngsters explaining how climate change is affecting them, UK government Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi will set out a series of measures aimed at further embedding climate change in the English schools curriculum. The plans include a Climate Leaders award recognising efforts to protect the environment. Follow the latest from the summit via our live page
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. What exactly is hydrogen energy and how could it be used as an alternative to fossil fuels?
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
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.
Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Monthly data on claims made by employers through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
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:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 5 November 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN) to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
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.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction sector pwers ahead as supply shortages ease
The IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI Total Activity Index registered 54.6 in October, up from 52.6 in September. The index has now posted above the crucial 50 no-change value in each of the past nine months and hit a peak of 66.3 in June. Work increased across all sectors as materials and staff shortages eases slightly. Buyers reported another steep rise in input costs but the rate of inflation slipped to a six-month low.
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.
Review of time in school and 16 to 19 settings
A review looking at the time spent in school and 16 to 19 settings in England and the impact this could have on helping children and young people to catch up.
School-led tutoring grant
How schools and academy trusts should plan and deliver the national tutoring programme’s school-led tutoring to help pupils catch up on missed learning.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines adverse reactions
A weekly report covering adverse reactions to approved COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers
Genomically confirmed case numbers for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: 5 November 2021
Estimates for?England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.?This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency and?Wellcome?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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing
Find out what a COVID-19 antibody test can tell you and how testing helps research. Antibody tests check whether a person has had the virus before or been vaccinated.
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.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England)
Experimental statistics from the NHS Test and Trace service and related documents.
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating.
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the pandemic.
TRAVEL:
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU – haulier advice is now available on some cross-Channel ferry routes and at the Hook of Holland port.
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