UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 2,774,479 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 60,916 new cases
New deaths across UK: 830
Total UK deaths: 76,305
UK Cases per 100,000: 481 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.3
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 13,471
Current cases: 1,028 (406 new cases on previous week)
Total deaths: 486 to December 18th
Cases per 100,000: 350 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.1
It is now believed that 1 in 50 people in England have the coronavirus and cases are now rising fast again, driven by a new variant of the virus thought to be much more easily transmissible than other strains. The UK infection rate increased by 70% in the two weeks to 30 December. A record further 60,916 confirmed cases were announced by the government on Tuesday, the highest daily figure reported since wider testing became available. Across England, a further 582 patients have died aged between 29 and 103 years old; all except 25 (aged 56 to 101 years old) had known underlying health conditions.
A further 43 people have died in Greater Manchester’s hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus. Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport recorded another 9 deaths taking the current total number of people who have lost their lives to 355.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
BBC: UK Arrivals could soon require negative test
Travellers to the UK from abroad could soon be required to prove they have had a negative coronavirus test. The Department for Transport (DfT) said the measure is one of several being considered to “prevent the spread of Covid-19 across the UK border. Additional measures, including testing before departure, will help keep the importation of new cases to an absolute minimum,” the department added.
It is thought that haulage drivers coming through ports would be exempt.
However, the DfT said full details are still to be agreed and will be set out in “due course”. Any such measure would be a devolved issue, so the the DfT would need to agree a path forward with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to make it UK-wide. A spokesperson said: “With a new strain of the virus on the loose in South Africa and a more infectious variant already widespread in the UK we need to do more.”
BBC: Greggs announces first annual loss amid plans to open 100 stores
Greggs expects up to a £15m loss for the year, which would be its first annual loss since it listed its shares on the stock exchange in 1984. The bakery chain said it does not expect profits to return to pre-Covid levels until 2022 at the earliest.
Despite Greggs making 820 job cuts at the end of last year after its sales were hit by coronavirus lockdowns and restrictions, the chain still plans to forge ahead with plan to open 100 new stores, on a net basis, over the year head.
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 5 January 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a statement at the coronavirus press conference.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 5 January 2021
Slides on coronavirus presented by Professor Chris Whitty and Sir Patrick Vallance.
Coronavirus cases in England: 5 January 2021
Epidemiological data and hospitalisation metrics used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Northern leaders share hopes for 2021
Following a challenging year for many in the region, business and political leaders representing Northern England have shared their optimism and hopes for the coming year. In a New Year’s message, devolution-focused public affairs agency, DevoConnect, shared the hopes for 2021 of a number of regional leaders from Northern England. Greater Manchester Andy Burnham hoped that inequalities between regions exposed by Covid-19 would begin to be resolved in the coming year as Northern Powerhouse Partnership Vice-Chair, Lord Jim O’Neill shared his thoughts. Read more here
Stockport Care Home residents get first dose of vaccination
Care home residents in Stockport have begun receiving their Covid-19 vaccines following the roll-out of the jabs to healthcare staff and other vulnerable people in the community. Residents of Brinnington Hall care home, on Middlesex Road, were among the first to be given a dose of the Pfizer/BioNtech immunisation on 30th December. Community vaccination rollout is being managed by Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, which has had to overcome the transportation and storage challenges for the vials of the Covid-19 vaccine.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Dates and Trigger Points of Additional Restrictions Grant, Local Restrictions Support Grants and Christmas Support Payments for wet-led pubsDownload the Grant Matrix
Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown
Dates and Trigger Points of Additional Restrictions Grant, Local Restrictions Support Grants and Christmas Support Payments for wet-led pubs
Download the Grant Matrix
There are a number of business grant schemes available that cover different periods of time and different situations, such as being under national lockdown.
Updated with info for businesses to check on eligibility etc. to the new grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-restrictions
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
It is anticipated that there will be a high volume of applications and contacts to be processed so it will not be possible for members of the team to respond to individual enquiries at this time.
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
BREXIT:
A deal with the EU has been reached and businesses should take action now.
A deal with the EU has been reached and businesses should take action to ensure that their business operations can run smoothly as new rules apply. Businesses should prioritise taking any actions as soon as possible in the new year.
The links below provide more information to support business:
- Use the Brexit checker tool for a personalised list of actions.
- Sign up here for business readiness bulletins to receive important updates for your business.
- If you move goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland, check the latest Northern Ireland Protocol guidance here.
- For guidance on Rules of Origin see here.
- For details of the new arrangements for hiring workers from the EU see here.
- For travelling to Europe check here and for passports here.
- For Data Protection and Data Flows check here.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
“Businesses must not be allowed to fail now”: Industry leaders react to national lockdown
Business leaders from across the UK have called for more support from the government as a new state of lockdown is implemented. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday (4 January) that the country would be re-entering lockdown for the foreseeable future, prominent figures from businesses across the UK have commented on the effect the news will have. While many support the decision to go into lockdown, some have questioned the lack of business support outlined by the government so far.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum) supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions. Businesses that have been required to close due to national restrictions imposed by government as of 5 January 2021 may be eligible for a one-off grant of up to £9,000.
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 – information about if your employee is unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) has been updated.
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible, and how much your employer can claim if they put you on temporary leave (‘furlough’) because of coronavirus (COVID-19 – information about if you have caring responsibilities has been added.
HMRC: Claim for December Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough)
You can now submit your claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for periods in December. These must be made by 14?? January?? 2021.
Information for employers on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable advised to shield
As you will have seen, those who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEVs) living in lockdown areas in England have been advised to shield. The guidance states that CEVs are strongly advised to work from home and if that is not possible then they should not attend work. Full guidance HERE
Getting financial help and staying safe at work
Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support if you’re working less or not working – and find out how to stay safe at work.
Coronavirus data informing local and national decision-making
The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) provides evidence-based, objective analysis to inform local and national decision-making in response to COVID-19 outbreaks.
“Businesses must not be allowed to fail now”: Industry leaders react to national lockdown
Business leaders from across the UK have called for more support from the government as a new state of lockdown is implemented. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement yesterday (4 January) that the country would be re-entering lockdown for the foreseeable future, prominent figures from businesses across the UK have commented on the effect the news will have. While many support the decision to go into lockdown, some have questioned the lack of business support outlined by the government so far.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum) supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions. Businesses that have been required to close due to national restrictions imposed by government as of 5 January 2021 may be eligible for a one-off grant of up to £9,000.
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 – information about if your employee is unable to work because they have caring responsibilities resulting from coronavirus (COVID-19) has been updated.
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible, and how much your employer can claim if they put you on temporary leave (‘furlough’) because of coronavirus (COVID-19 – information about if you have caring responsibilities has been added.
HMRC: Claim for December Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (furlough)
You can now submit your claims under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for periods in December. These must be made by 14?? January?? 2021.
Information for employers on Clinically Extremely Vulnerable advised to shield
As you will have seen, those who are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEVs) living in lockdown areas in England have been advised to shield. The guidance states that CEVs are strongly advised to work from home and if that is not possible then they should not attend work. Full guidance HERE
Getting financial help and staying safe at work
Get coronavirus (COVID-19) support if you’re working less or not working – and find out how to stay safe at work.
Coronavirus data informing local and national decision-making
The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) provides evidence-based, objective analysis to inform local and national decision-making in response to COVID-19 outbreaks.
UK COVID-19 alert level methodology: an overview
Explains the criteria used to move between the alert levels set out in the UK government’s COVID-19 recovery plan.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings – updated to reflect 4 January announcement of national lockdown for all England.
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
Guidance for those managing council buildings – updated to reflect 4 January announcement of national lockdown for all England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information – quick read’ and ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information’. In both documents, under ‘What personal data we collect’, added: ‘vaccination status’; under ‘Purposes your data will be used for’, added: ‘sharing your vaccination status with Public Health England (if you live in England) to understand the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, including their effectiveness against different strains of the COVID-19 virus, and, where appropriate, to ask you to do a repeat test and/or an antibody test’.
CONSTRUCTION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Planning Inspectorate guidance – updated 4th January 2021
In response to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), The Planning Inspectorate has published guidance on site visits, hearings, inquiries and events – we are currently reviewing the guidance below in the light of the Government’s announcement made on 4th January 2021.
EDUCATION:
Critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings
List of critical workers (key workers) and vulnerable children and young people who can access full-time education provision in the case of future restrictions on education during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
A message from Simon Lebus, Chief Regulator, on exams in 2021
Simon Lebus, Interim Chief Regulator, responds to the Prime Minister’s announcement of 4 January.
GCSE subject-level conditions for 2021
Conditions and requirements, and corresponding guidance, applying to GCSE qualifications being awarded in 2021 – GCSE PE updated to reflect an updated activity list published by the Department for Education.
ENVIRONMENT:
Environment Agency waterways: Coronavirus (Covid-19) update
Guidance for users of all Environment Agency waterways, including the River Thames, Anglian waterways and the Upper Medway Navigation.
HEALTH, CARE & WELL-BEING:
Exemptions from Devices regulations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How to get fast-track approval of medical devices during COVID-19.
Updated to add information about CE, CE UKNI and UKCA markings due to the end of the Brexit transition period.
List of private providers of coronavirus testing
Information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Regulatory approval of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca – publication of Public Assessment Report for AztraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
Safety of COVID-19 vaccines when given in pregnancy
Guidance for health professionals to share with pregnant women immunised with COVID-19 vaccines – updated information on COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy.
List of private providers of coronavirus testing
Information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Supported living services during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for providers of supported living settings – updated guidance to reference the new national lockdown.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and prisons
Guidance for families and friends of people in prison in England and Wales during the coronavirus pandemic – updated with information about prison social visits being suspended due to the current national lockdown.
HMCTS 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. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm – edited opening paragraphs following the Prime Minister’s latest national lockdown announcement.
HMCTS 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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.
LEGAL:
How to register an EPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you need to register an EPA now, you can do so as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, and National Lockdown rules.
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, and observe National Lockdown rules – changes due to Lockdown 3
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 outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response
This page provides guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus outbreak. It will be updated when new information is available – changes due to Lockdown 3
PROPERTY:
Tell HMRC about an option to tax land and buildings
Use form VAT1614A to tell HMRC of an option to tax land or buildings. The time limit has been extended from the date the decision to opt was made. This now applies to decisions made between 15 February 2020 and 31 March 2021.
Extension to bailiff & eviction ban “extremely likely” warns trade body
That’s the view of the National Residential Landlords Association, which says on its website that although courts remain open and – for now at least – possession orders can still be granted on paper, bailiffs cannot enforce warrants under a deal which runs until January 11. However, that deal was struck back in November so the NRLA warns that, in the light off the new lockdown in England, “it is extremely likely there will be a further announcement on this in the coming days.”
RETAIL:
1,500 jobs at risk after Paperchase set to appoint PwC as administrator.
The stationery chain, which has 127 stores and 45 concessions, was hit by a round of store closures at the end of 2020. Before that it had undergone a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in early 2019. A spokesman said:
“The cumulative effects of lockdown 1.0, lockdown 2.0 – at the start of the Christmas shopping period – and now the current restrictions have put unbearable strain on retail businesses across the country.”
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): taxis and PHVs
Actions that drivers, operators and owners of taxis or private hire vehicles (PHVs) can take to protect against coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – added national lockdown information.
COVID-19 testing for HGV drivers using the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel
How HGV drivers get their COVID-19 test before leaving the UK for France.
Drivers of HGVs carrying certain types of dangerous goods must get tested for COVID-19 before arriving in Kent.
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV drivers can get free COVID tests and border readiness checks before transporting goods to the EU – Rownhams northbound is offering COVID-19 testing from 6am until 10pm.
TRAVEL:
Foreign travel insurance
Wherever you’re travelling, it’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance before you go.
Updated to reflect latest UK COVID-19 restrictions.
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, if they are legally permitted to travel internationally.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): General Aviation
Guidance on General Aviation (GA) flying during the coronavirus outbreak – National lockdown update.
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.
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:
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.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
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. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
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: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
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.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
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.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
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.
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
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
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.
New 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
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
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.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
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
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help 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
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
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.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
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
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
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
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
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.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
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.
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.