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UK NEWS UPDATES:
New film shows Martin Kemp as Father Christmas in vaccine drive
Former soap star and member of Spandau Ballet Martin Kemp has joined the national effort to get people vaccinated – by appearing as Father Christmas in a new film released today (Tuesday 7 December). The video shows Martin preparing for Christmas – booking the sleigh in for an MOT, polishing his boots, getting his beard in shape, and most importantly, getting his COVID-19 vaccine. The film is part of the government’s ongoing campaign to remind people of the importance of getting booster and flu jabs to ensure they are protected as soon as they are eligible.
Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1UYmnjdzF4
The Health and Social Care Secretary has given a statement to Parliament on the COVID-19 pandemic and action being taken to tackle the Omicron variant
There are now 261 confirmed cases in England 71 in Scotland and 4 in Wales bringing the total number of confirmed cases across the UK to 336. This includes cases with no links to international travel and it is highly likely that there is now community transmission across multiple regions of England.
Nigeria has been added to the travel Red List, anyone who’s not a UK or Irish citizen, or resident who’s been in Nigeria for the previous 10 days will be refused entry.
From 4am Tuesday 7th December anyone travelling to the UK from a country that’s not on the Red List must also show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test. This applies to any vaccinated travellers aged 12 and above.
The government is deploying about 350 military personnel in England this week to support the vaccine booster programme and there’s already over 100 personnel in deployed in Scotland supporting their vaccination efforts. We’ll have over 1,500 pharmacy sites putting jabs in arms across England along with new hospital hubs and vaccination centres.
NEW Omicron travel rules now in force
People aged 12 and over must show proof of a negative PCR or lateral flow test for coronavirus, taken within 48 hours of travelling to the UK, as rules to limit the spread of the Omicron variant take effect.Private test providers must be used – not the free NHS lateral flow kits – and the measures apply whether or not people are vaccinated. All contacts of suspected Omicron cases are also required to self-isolate for 10 days. People arriving in the UK already had to self-isolate until they received a negative PCR test on day two after their arrival. Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said the Omicron variant is spreading in the community in multiple areas of England, with 336 confirmed cases across the UK
GOV & BBC UK daily data:
There have been 10.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 145,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 51 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 89% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 81% have had their second and 36% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 10,515,239 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 51,459 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 7,268, 115 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 41
Total UK deaths: 145,646
England Cases per 100,000: 493
R number in UK: 0.9 to 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 51,118,266 – 89% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 81%
Daily 1st doses: 21,955
Daily 2nd doses: 27,166
Daily Booster doses: 290,165
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Latest Covid 19 rates across Greater Manchester
Stockport recorded 1230 coronavirus cases, which is 87 more than in the previous seven days. The latest infection rate in Stockport is 418.1 cases per 100,000 people and that is up eight per cent week-on-week. The Greater Manchester weekly total has increased by 303 cases compared to the previous week, which means the infection rate was up 3 per cent in the last week. The infection rate is lower than the national average in all ten local authorities in Greater Manchester.
300 SPAR stores in the North hit by cyber attack
The supermarket chain Spar has been forced to close scores of stores following a cyber attack. The outage, which first struck on Sunday, has left more than 300 shops unable to receive credit card payments or use email. Many branches were forced to shut, although some sites have managed to stay open by accepting cash.
A spokesman for the retailer said that only stores across the north of England which are run by distribution partner James Hall & Company were impacted, with the company supplying products to almost 600 of Spar’s stores.
New isolation rooms enhance safety at Stepping Hill Hospital
Several new isolation rooms in Stepping Hill Hospital’s critical care unit are now in use to enhance patient safety in the area. Patients in the hospital’s critical care unit, which cares for those who are more seriously ill, may have infections which mean they should be kept isolated from others for a period. With four separate new rooms (or ‘pods’), these patients now have more space in which to recover and receive the treatment they need. With the number of isolation areas increased from one to four, clinical staff in the unit now have improved capacity to provide care, beds can be used more flexibly, and patient flow in the hospital as a whole will be improved.
STOCKPORT GRANT SCHEMES:
Stockport Council launches new Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) for businesses facing continued challenges from impact of coronavirus
Stockport Council has opened applications for its Additional Restrictions Grant scheme, allowing businesses that remain negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic to access further financial support. The Additional Restrictions Grant supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed. You can apply for the Additional Restrictions Grant if your trading levels continue to be negatively impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19).
ARG Grant data as at 26/11/2021:
Applications received: 274
Applications allocated: 33%
Value of Grants issued: £236,500
Locality Boost Grant
The Council is also offering a further opportunity for businesses in local areas to access a Locality Boost Grant for their area if they did not do so in the first round of these grants. The Locality Boost Grant is for district centre trading associations or their equivalent. District centre trading associations can bid for your local area to run events to drive footfall that will support local businesses that are reopening. If the local area does not have a trading association that can lead the bid, an equivalent lead accountable body or local business will need to be agreed by businesses in that area. They will then lead as the single point of contact for their area. Only one application for each local area will be accepted. Further information on the Locality Boost Grant and how to apply is available at this link Locality Boost Grant – Stockport Council”
Locality Boost Grant data as at 26/11/2021:
Applications received: 17
Applications processed / in process: 100%
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 52,148 to 6 December
Cases in the latest week: 1,230, 87 more than previous week
Total deaths: 791 to November 19th
Cases per 100,000: 418 per 100,000 week ending 2 December
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 84% of over 12s to 2 December
2nd dose: 77%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 3 December 2021.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS & ECONOMY:
HMRC: For businesses affected by Full Customs Controls from 1st January
If you move goods between Great Britain (GB) and countries in the European Union (EU), you might be affected when full customs controls come into effect on 1??? January??? ?2022. If you have a specific question about importing, exporting or customs reliefs, call HMRC Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300??? ?322??? ?9434. The helpline is open from?? ?8am to 10pm??? ?Monday to??? ?Friday and from?? ?8am to??? ?4pm at weekends.
You can also send us your questions or contact us by webchat.
The Export Support Service is a new helpline for UK businesses to get answers to practical questions about exporting to Europe. The service is a ‘one-stop shop’ and brings together UK government information, making it easier for exporters to access advice and support.
HMRC’s YouTube channel has videos and recorded webinars about customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU.
Watch our Rules of origin recorded webinar to understand the process and what you need to do if you buy from, send or sell goods to the EU.
We’ll explain existing guidance and answer general questions about the content.
You can find webinars and videos from other government departments about trading with the EU.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus Community Support Fund Learning Hub Reports
Signposting to the Coronavirus Community Support Fund (CCSF) Grantholder Learning Hub.
How to do a coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow test at home or at a test site
Find out how to do a rapid lateral flow test for COVID-19 and report the results. Rapid tests are only for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 – updated wording to clarify that this guidance is for how to do a rapid test at home or at a test site. Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need – updated the general list of providers.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services – updated processing dates table and removed ‘Renewing a driving licence’ section.
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread
Find out how to stay safe and help prevent the spread of coronavirus – added information on Nigeria being added to the red list at 4am on 6 December and new rules on pre-departure testing for people travelling to England. Removed Suffolk as a local authority area receiving an enhanced response to COVID-19.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction output shows fastest rise in four months
The bellwether IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI Total Activity Index hit 55.5 in November – up from 54.6 in October. There were also signs that the worst phase of supplier delays may have passed, with the portion of survey respondents citing longer delivery times falling to 47% in November compared with a peak of 77% in June. A steeper rise in commercial construction (index at 56.5) helped offset a sight showdown in house building growth (54.7, down from 55.4). Civil engineering was the weakest-performing area in November (53.9), although the latest rise in activity was the largest since August.
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 7 December, questions will be updated to reflect the new guidance on the use of face coverings and requirements to self-isolate.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the COVID-19 pandemic – updated this guidance to reflect the changes that were made to schools’ guidance as part of the government’s response to the Omicron variant, and to reflect changes to the selection process now that the autumn term is ending.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Deaths registered weekly in England and Wales, provisional: week ending 26 November 2021
Provisional counts of the number of deaths registered in England and Wales, in the latest weeks for which data are available.
PROPERTY:
2021 on course to be strongest year for house purchases since 2007
This year is likely to be the strongest for home buying activity since at least 2007, according to a trade association representing mortgage lenders and other financial firms. Home mover activity fell away somewhat following the ending of a recent stamp duty holiday, but has remained positive, with activity being strongest away from the South of England, UK Finance said. It said that, provided there is not a full reversal of activity as the year draws to a close, “purchase activity in 2021 is likely to reach the highest level since 2007”.
Knight Frank: Omicron throws housing market stability into doubt
Knight Frank says that while most of the world is hoping that positive early anecdotal evidence is matched by what comes out of laboratories in coming weeks, until there is certainty it’s difficult to predict what this means for the industry.
The new variant could produce a delay in the anticipated interest rate rise, which most analysts previously felt was a dead cert when the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee meets next week. “We had expected rising rates (along with growing supply) to start applying downwards pressure on prices from next year. However, if the Omicron variant proves to be serious, it may affect supply and demand as well as the timing of a rate rise. It’s a frustratingly uncertain outlook” says a statement from Knight Frank.
RETAIL:
Record UK & Ireland results for JYSK
Despite a challenging time for retail, Danish retailer JYSK, which has its UK & Ireland headquarters in Hazel Grove, has announced a second-year record results for the region in the 2020-21 financial year. While traditional retail has been impacted by repeated lockdowns and store closures, the furniture and homewares brand has seen customer numbers increase 30%, thanks to focused marketing campaigns and the opening of a number of new stores, including in Stockport, and now has 25 outlets in the UK. Total sales in the UK and Ireland topped a record €68.9 million, an increase of 67% on the previous year, and has seen all staff rewarded with a bonus of almost £2400.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and developing faster indicators of transport activity
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode.
TRAVEL:
Using your NHS COVID Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England
How to use the NHS COVID Pass to demonstrate your coronavirus (COVID-19) status when travelling abroad and domestically at venues and settings in England – added information about how to store your NHS COVID Pass in Google Pay Wallet.
How to quarantine at home after international travel
What to do when you need to quarantine at home or in the place you’re staying after you arrive in England from abroad – added a reference to the new rules on pre-departure testing before travelling to England which come into force on Tuesday 7 December, with a link to the relevant guidance page for further details.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – people transiting through England need to take a COVID-19 test before travel to England.
Red list of countries and territories
Check the COVID-19 testing and quarantine rules for countries and territories on the red list for international travel to England – requirement to take a COVID-19 test changed from within 3 days of travel to England to within 2 days.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing before you travel to England
You need proof of a negative COVID-19 test to travel to England from abroad – people aged 12 years and over must take a?COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad.
Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check what COVID-19 tests you need to take and the quarantine rules for travel to England – people aged 12 years and over must COVID-19 test before they travel to England from abroad.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – guidance updated – you cannot use the ‘priority service’ or ‘super priority service’ if you’re applying from a country or territory on the red list for international travel.
Approved COVID-19 vaccines and countries and territories with approved proof of vaccination
Approved vaccines and list of countries and territories with approved COVID-19 proof of vaccination for travel to England – Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Latvia and Ukraine can use EU DCC to add proof of vaccination status in the UK passenger locator form.
Covid-19 Webinars:
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
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