UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,362,150 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 2,762 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 3,536 (190 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 26
Total UK deaths: 126,862
England Cases per 100,000: 41 per 100,000 (daily change: 0)
R number in UK: 0.8 to 1.0
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 31,581,623 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 48,055
There have been more than 4.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly over 126,000 people have died. More than 31 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. The Government is confident everyone will have their second jab within 12 weeks. Data shows more than 4.1 million people have had their second jab. The average number of daily infections in the UK has continued to decline but is flattening. A further 4,502 confirmed cases across the UK were announced by the government yesterday, Wednesday, compared with 5,605 new cases a week ago. And the first Moderna jabs are due to arrive in the UK by late April, Oliver Dowden, Minister for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, confirmed on Sunday.
The R value and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R range for the UK is 0.8 to 1.0 and the growth rate range is -4% to 0% per day as of 2nd April 2021.
Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to include a summary of rule changes from 29th March
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
PM confirms easing of lockdown will continue on 12th April
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed during a televised press briefing that the easing of lockdown restrictions set out for the 12th April in his ‘roadmap’ will go ahead as planned. From Monday 12 April additional premises will be able to reopen – with the rules on social contact applying. Indoor settings must only be visited alone or with household groups, with outdoor settings limited to either six people or two households. Sectors of the economy that will reopen can be found HERE
PM statement at coronavirus press conference: 5 April 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement at the coronavirus press conference.
Recovery Loan Scheme launches today
A new government-backed loan scheme launches today (6 April) to provide additional finance to those businesses that need it.
5 million people in the UK receive second dose of COVID-19 vaccine
More than 5 million people in the UK have received their second dose of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.
Twice weekly rapid testing to be available to everyone in England
Everyone in England will be able to access free, regular, rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) testing from 9 April, the Government has announced.
HR professionals invited to Transition to Teach webinar
Transition to Teach, a Department for Education-funded service to support people into new careers in the teaching sector, is delivering a free webinar for HR professionals to learn more about how the organisation can help them with outplacement support. Taking place online at 12pm, Wednesday 21st April, the webinar is aimed specifically at HR professionals with redeployment responsibilities to learn how they can present teaching as an option for staff who may be facing redundancy. The session will be particularly salient during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and its economic consequences.
190,000 jobs lost in retail sector
The Government announcement to re-open non-essential shops comes as research finds almost 190,000 jobs have been lost in the retail sector since shops were first forced to shut their doors a year ago. The Centre for Retail Research data reveals that 188,685 retail jobs have vanished between the start of the first lockdown in 2020 and March 31 this year. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, has warned that unless the Government provides more support there will be further administrations in the months to come. She said the Government must provide firms which have been hardest hit by the pandemic with the “necessary support”. Ms Dickinson said: “This means extending the moratorium on aggressive debt enforcement, removing EU state aid caps on support grants, and providing targeted business rates support to those companies worst affected by the pandemic.” But which shops have fallen into administration in the last 12 months?
Retailers on course to shake off the impacts of the pandemic and mark their best ever year.
That’s the firm belief of Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association, which has been supporting the organisation’s thousands of members ahead of the easing of lockdown restrictions on April 12. Small and independent retailers have been under threat since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, with thousands falling by the wayside as a result of cumulative lockdowns. But with shoppers champing at the bit to get back in shops, the opportunity to make 2021 a success is ripe. “We really could see the best ever year,” Mr Goodacre said.
Stockport Plaza awarded 2nd pot of funding from the Culture Recovery fund
The Plaza in Stockport has received a grant from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help the organisation recover and reopen.
More than £300 million has been awarded to thousands of cultural organisations across the country including The Plaza in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today. Funding will continue to support the much loved Art Deco Super Cinema and Variety Theatre in the heart of Stockport. Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 20,654 to 1st April
Cases in the latest week: 213 (7 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 694 to March 19th
Cases per 100,000: 73 per 100,000 (England area avg: 39)
R number in North West: 0.7 – 1.0
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 142,494 people have received 1st dose vaccine
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport based Robinsons Brewery have responded to proposals requiring patrons to have vaccine passport in order to visit pubs. The Brewery have stated that the Prime Minister’s suggestion that over 16’s will be required to present vaccine certificates or ‘passports’ to visit the pub, is simply not workable. The suggestion again wrongly singles out pubs, and will deprive society of the opportunity to meet in safe and COVID-secure environments – most probably leading to an increase in uncontrolled meetings in parks and private houses. The brewery has welcomed the opposition to plans from many MPs. Oliver and William Robinson, Joint Managing Directors at Robinsons Brewery, commented HERE
Stockport has lowest coronavirus rate of infection in Greater Manchester
The coronavirus infection rate for Greater Manchester continues to fall slightly – although cases are rising in four boroughs. The weekly infection rate, whcih gives the best indication of the trend, is going up in Oldham, Rochdale, Manchester and Trafford. The lowest infection rate is in Stockport, where the rate is 69.2 cases per 100,000 people.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Stockport Council release 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.
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.
Eligible businesses:
Non-essential retail
These are businesses that are open to the public and used for retail sale or hire of goods or services. This includes businesses that:
- were required to close during national restrictions from January 2021
- sell directly to consumer
Hospitality
These are businesses that provide a venue for the sale of food and drink. This includes businesses that:
- offer in-person food and drink services to the general public
- provide food and/or drink to be consumed on the premises, including outdoors
Leisure
These are businesses that provide opportunities, experiences and facilities, in particular for culture, recreation, entertainment, celebratory events, days and nights out, betting and gaming. This includes businesses that:
- provide in-person experiences in addition to goods
- rely on seasonal labour
- operate with irregular hours during the day, night and weekends
Accommodation
These are businesses that provide lodging for holiday, travel and other purposes.
Gym and sports
These are businesses where physical exercise, training, group sporting and athletic activities takes place. This may be on an individual or group basis, using exercise equipment or open floor space. This includes businesses that:
- offer in-person exercise and sport activities to the general public
- are open to members of the public paying an entry or membership fee
- offer exercise classes or activities
Personal care
These are businesses that provide a service, treatment or activity for the purposes of personal beauty, hair, grooming, body care and aesthetics, and wellbeing. This includes businesses that:
- deliver in-person holistic, beauty and hair treatments
- provide services such as tattoos and piercings
Businesses are not eligible if they:
- do not have a business property and do not pay business rates
- are in liquidation, dissolved, struck off or subject to a striking off notice
There are also businesses in strand two that are not eligible, these include:
- takeaway premises
- coach tour operators and tour operators
- dental services, opticians, chiropractors, osteopaths and other medical/health services
How much will businesses will receive?
Strand one
The Restart Grant will support non-essential retail premises with one-off grants of up to £6,000.
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 two
The Restart Grant will also support hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym business premises with one-off grants of up to £18,000.
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
Discretionary Grant Scheme – Additional Restrictions Grant
The Council launched an Economic Recovery Fund on 26/03/21, which provides 5 new business grants through the Additional Restrictions Grant funding.
Applications for the current Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, and the Micro-Business grant scheme will close on 30/04/21 and no further applications will be accepted for these original ARG schemes after that date.
The new Economic Recovery Fund ARG schemes are:
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Boost Grant
This grant will be provided to businesses that have been successful in applying for the original ARG scheme for closed businesses that have separate commercial premises with ongoing costs. Businesses do not need to apply for this scheme as their details are already held and will be used to identify eligible businesses which will be contacted during April 2021 about their further grant payment under this scheme.
This grant is to support smaller, independent retail operators with premises in the market place and Underbanks area only, to reopen and restart their businesses.
This is a one-off fixed grant of £3,000 for each business that successfully applies.
Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Market Place & Underbanks Independent Retailer Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant
This grant is for supporting the reopening and restart of hospitality sector businesses with their own premises in Stockport.
This is a one-off fixed grant of £5,000 for each business that successfully applies. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Hospitality Sector Boost Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant
This grant is for businesses to apply for to make changes to premises and/or to buy additional kit to support reopening and operating in a covid secure way.
Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Covid Capital Grant. Applications for this grant scheme will close on 31/05/2021.
- The Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant
This grant is for district centre trading associations, or their equivalent, to bid in to for their local areas to run stimulus events to drive local footfall and customers into local areas to use local businesses that are reopening.
Where localities do not have training associations that can lead a bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that locality to lead as the single point of contact for their area.
There will only be one application accepted and one grant, if successful, provided per locality. Businesses that wish to apply should email skladgrants@stockport.co.uk asking for the eligibility and application guidance and application form for the Stockport Economic Recovery Locality Boost Grant.
Applications for this grant scheme will close on 17/05/2021 (please note this is earlier than for the other schemes).
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
HMRC: Claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) are currently open for pay periods in March?? ?2021.
Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar, Register here to find out about
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more
HMRC are also running webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Register here to get the latest information on:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to make a claim
- what you may be entitled to, and more.
During these interactive webinars you can ask questions using the on-screen text box and download handouts giving detailed examples and links to more information. Unfortunately, we are not able to give advice or discuss personal circumstances. Afterwards HMRC will send you a link to a video recording of the webinars, in case you’d like to see any of it again and continue to update webinars to reflect the latest information as it becomes available.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claims for furlough days in March 2021 must be made by 14 April 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The main updates include information about deadlines for CS applications, BPS applications, and CS and ES revenue claims.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Local Restrictions Support Grants and Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment closed to new applications on 31 March 2021. If you haven’t received your payment by 30 April 2021 please contact your local council.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
What to do if you or someone you employ is contacted by NHS Test and Trace, including self-isolation, sick pay and financial support – updated rules for businesses reopening, and for entering a venue.
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out what financial support you can get for your business – added Recovery Loan Scheme.
Coronavirus guidance for Companies House customers
How we’ve adapted the way we work to maintain our services for the public and protect the welfare of our employees – The automatic extensions granted by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act have come to an end.
COMMUNITY:
Get support if you’re clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus: privacy notice Privacy notice for the service providing coronavirus support to clinically extremely vulnerable people.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Accessing food and essential supplies
How to get food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic – updated guidance to reflect that if you’re clinically extremely vulnerable you’re no longer advised to shield.
(COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do
Coronavirus restrictions remain in place. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to clarify the rules on indoor mixing with members of your support bubble.
NHS Test and Trace: what to do if you are contacted
An overview of NHS Test and Trace, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
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
EDUCATION:
Households and bubbles of pupils, students and staff of schools, nurseries and colleges: get rapid lateral flow tests
Find out who is eligible for twice-weekly testing and how to get tested if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). This guidance is for people without symptoms – additional information on what to do if you test positive, and how to claim financial support.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated to include changes on positive Lateral Flow Device (LFD) test results.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes
How to protect care home residents and staff during the coronavirus outbreak – added link to what you can and cannot do from 29 March 2021.
COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing recovery action plan
Our plan to prevent, mitigate and respond to the mental health impacts of the pandemic during 2021 to 2022.
JUDICIARY:
MCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic – update for week commencing Monday 5 April 2021 published.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: business and charity support, council, public and community buildings, elections, local government finance and funding, national restrictions, parks and public spaces, public health, schools and education, shielding and volunteering, social care, testing, travel and vaccines.
TRAVEL:
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 requirements on testing.
Providers of day 2 and day 8 coronavirus testing for international arrivals
Information on the 2 tests you must book, pay for and take during your mandatory 10-day quarantine period after arriving in England, including how to book.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): declaration form for international travel
Complete this form to confirm that you have a reasonable excuse to travel abroad from England – clarification of reasonable excuses for international travel from the UK.
Countries added to red list to protect UK against variants of concern
The Philippines, Pakistan, Kenya and Bangladesh to be added to England’s red list from 9 April 2021.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Transition to Teach host webinar to aid HR with redeployment
Transition to Teach are delivering a free online presentation on Wednesday, 21st April at 12.00, aimed specifically at HR staff with redeployment responsibilities. Places can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/transition-to-teach-outplacement-support-tickets-145448523449?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
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.