UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 2,836,801 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 62,332 new cases
New deaths across UK: 1,041
Total UK deaths: 77,346
People in hospital: 30,451 – an increase of 1,705 on previous day
England cases per 100,000: 518 average
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 1.3 million
Latest weekly figure: 303,423
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 13,601
Current cases: 1,116 (444 new cases on previous week)
Total deaths: 493 to December 25th
Cases per 100,000: 380 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.9 – 1.1
There have been more than 2.8 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and over 75,000 people have died, government figures show.
1 in 50 people in England now 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 in England attained a new high at 606.9 cases per 100,000. In London, the infection rate is now above 1,000 per 100,000 cases, a week-on-week increase of 25%. A record further 62,332 confirmed new cases on Wednesday, the highest daily figure reported since wider testing became available.
The number of cases of coronavirus are continuing to rise sharply across Greater Manchester where the number of cases has gone up by 73% to 352 cases per 100,000. Wigan has seen cases double in a week where a total of 1,329 people tested positive week ending January 2nd 666 more than the previous week. In Stockport, the number of positive cases increased by more than 60% in a week. Hospitals across the region are braced for a post-Christmas surge in patients.
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority in England – latest data added for coronavirus cases by local authority.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine rollout begins today
BBC: The Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine will be rolled across GP surgeries across England from today. More than 700 local sites will administer jabs, with another 180 GP-led centres, 100 new hospital sites and a pilot scheme with pharmacies opening this week. It comes after the UK reported its highest daily death toll since April, with 1,041 people dying within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus, and a record 62,322 new cases. About one million people have received the Pfizer jab, according to NHS England’s Dr Nikki Kanani. The figure for Wales is more than 35,000, while 100,000 people in Scotland and 40,000 in Northern Ireland have had a first dose. The Oxford vaccine is seen as key to protecting housebound people and those in care homes, as it does not require ultra-cold storage.
FT: China blocks WHO team investigating origin of Covid pandemic
Beijinghas barred the entry of a 10-member World Health Organization team investigating the origins of the coronavirus pandemic after their visas were not approved. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said he was “very disappointed” after China blocked the arrival of the virologists. “Two members [of the team] had already begun their journeys and others were not able to travel at the last minute,” Mr Tedros said. He added that the WHO had been in contact with Chinese officials who said they would expedite the visa approvals procedure. More than 86m people have been infected worldwide by coronavirus, which has claimed over 1.8m lives. Huang Yanzhong, a senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, said: “This is certainly a bad omen for the upcoming WHO investigation in China. It’s not like the arrival was unexpected.” China maintains that it welcomes the investigation, which will primarily focus on identifying when, where and how the Sars-Cov-2 virus that causes Covid-19 made the jump from animals to humans.
Ryanair calls for faster vaccine rollout amid “draconian” travel restrictions
Budget airline Ryanair has called on the UK and Irish governments to accelerate their COVID-19 vaccination programmes. The airline, which has reported that it now expects January traffic to fall to under 1.25 million passengers as a result of the new lockdown measures in both countries, has labelled the travel restrictions as “draconian”. The firm has also estimated that the new restrictions could also reduce February and March traffic to 500,000 passengers each month. In response, Ryanir plans to ‘significantly’ cut its flight schedules from January 21, which will see “few, if any” flights being operated to and from the UK and Ireland until restrictions are lifted.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock presents the case for tier 5 restrictions to Parliament
As England moved into a period of tighter restrictions in a bid to slow infection rates and lessen the burden on an already stretched NHS, Matt Hancock presented the case to MPs in the House of Commons. The Office for National Statistics has reported that 1 in 50 of the population has the disease – some with symptoms, some without.
“The latest figures show that we have 30,074 COVID patients in UK hospitals – and that the NHS is under significant pressure. Admissions are now higher than at any point in the pandemic. And so, on Monday, all 4 UK Chief Medical Officers recommended we move the country to COVID-19 alert level 5. In practice, this means they believe that, without action, there is a ‘material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed’. It’s for this reason that we have placed England into a national lockdown, alongside action taken in each of the devolved nations.
And every single citizen needs to take steps to control this new variant, and this personal responsibility is important, and to give the NHS a fighting chance to do its vital work – of saving lives – it is on all of us to support them. These regulations set out that everyone must stay at home, save for a limited number of reasons permitted in law, including:
- essential shopping
- work – if you cannot reasonably do so from home
- education or childcare – if eligible to attend
- medical needs – including getting a COVID test or getting vaccinated
- exercise
- escaping domestic abuse
- and for support bubbles, where people are eligible
These regulations are based on the existing Tier 4 regulations, with some additional measures, which reinforce the stay at home imperative. Read the full statement
Oral statement on new COVID-19 regulations
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do.
Prime Minister’s statement to the House of Commons on COVID-19 regulations: 6 January 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a statement to the House of Commons.
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:
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.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 7 January 2021
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
COVID-19: guidance for food businesses
Advice for food businesses in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the UK – updated guidance in line with national lockdown and updated guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable.
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.
Deadline for December furlough claims to HMRC Thursday??? ?14 January.
For December payments you can claim before, during or after you process your payroll but claims must be submitted no later than Thursday 14th December.
As a reminder, the UK Government will pay 80% of employees’ usual wages for the hours not worked, up to a cap of £2,500 per month, until the end of April 2021.
What you need to do now:
- Check if you’re eligible and work out how much you can claim using our CJRS calculator and examples, by searching ‘Job Retention Scheme’ on GOV?.UK.
- Submit any claims for December no later than Thursday?? 14?? January.
- Keep records that support the amount of CJRS grant you claim, in case HMRC needs to check them. ?
If you have already submitted your claims for December but find you need to make a change because you didn’t claim enough, you can do this until Thursday?? 28?? January. To find out how to amend your claim, Get help with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme on GOV??.UK. You can find everything you need to know about CJRS on GOV???.UK by searching ‘Job Retention Scheme’. For further support watch HMRC live webinars which offer more support on changes to CJRS, and how they affect you. To book online, or to view updated guidance, go to GOV????.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’. If you’re booked on a webinar but no longer able to attend, please cancel your place where possible to allow space for others to register. The quickest way to find the support you need is on GOV????.UK.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Providers of grassroots sport and sport facilities – Updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January.
COMMUNITY:
New skills campaign set to boost nation’s prospects
A number of the UK’s leading employers have put their weight behind the An Hour to Skill campaign, encouraging the nation to dedicate an hour a week to online learning through the government’s Skills Toolkit scheme. An Hour to Skill is a new campaign which aims to boost the nation’s skills and job prospects by inspiring people to set aside just one hour a week for online learning by taking a free course from The Skills Toolkit. These online courses aim to further develop skills that employers are looking for, such as communicating effectively at work and practical maths, as well as boosting digital skills or building a professional online presence.
COVID-19: Guidance for managing beaches, the countryside and coastal areas
Guidance for the owners and operators of beach, countryside and coastal destinations during COVID-19 – updated to reflect 4 January announcement of national lockdown for all England.
Guidance on searching for archaeological finds in England during COVID-19
Guidance for members of the public (including metal-detectorists) searching for archaeological finds in England during the COVID-19 pandemic – updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Worker, Temporary Worker and Student sponsors
This is advice for Worker, Temporary Worker and Student sponsors in the UK who are sponsoring those affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – altered guidance surrounding students deferring their studies for periods in excess of 60 days.
COVID-19: guidance for those leading a nomadic way of life
Information on coronavirus (COVID-19) for those leading a nomadic way of life – updated guidance in line with the national lockdown announced on 3 January.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Meeting with others safely (social distancing)
Information on social distancing
EDUCATION:
School attendance: guidance for schools
Updated to reflect the temporary disapplication of offences for non-attendance in schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Disapplication notice: school attendance legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues fifth notice to disapply offences for non-attendance in schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Education Secretary statement to Parliament on national lockdown
Gavin Williamson statement to Parliament on closure of education settings during national lockdown
Education Secretary outlines plans to support young people
Pupils to receive set number of hours of remote education each day and Ofsted to inspect where it has concerns
HEALTH, CARE & WELL-BEING:
COVID-19 vaccination: consent form and letter for social care staff
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form and letter templates for social care staff.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing for homecare workers
Sets out how homecare agencies in England can order regular tests for their homecare (domiciliary care) staff.
Prioritising the first COVID-19 vaccine dose: JCVI statement
Statement from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) about increasing the short-term impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Priority groups for coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination: advice from the JCVI, 30 December 2020
Advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the groups that should be prioritised for vaccination – update to footnote 2: the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorised in those aged 16 years and over. The AstraZeneca vaccine is only authorised for use in those aged 18 years and over.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to reflect guidance on shielding: clinically extremely vulnerable people should now shield at home.
COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
Guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol – updated guidance in line with national lockdown and updated guidance for the clinically extremely vulnerable.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – updated ‘Care home testing guidance for residents and staff: PCR and LFD (England)’ to add information on using handheld scanners and registering tests in bulk.
NHS Test and Trace (England) statistics: 24 December to 30 December
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 31 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
Updated to reflect changes in the reporting of positivity rates and lateral flow tests.
NHS Test and Trace: privacy information
Sets out how the NHS Test and Trace programme in England uses personal data and what your rights are.
JUDICIARY:
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.
Keeping court and tribunal buildings safe, secure and clean
This page provides details about security, cleaning and social-distancing arrangements in court and tribunal buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
MILITARY:
Number of COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces 2020
Summary on the number of defence personnel who have had a COVID-19 test; and for the UK Armed Forces, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 – added the COVID-19 tests in defence and positive cases in the UK Armed Forces for 7 January 2021.
PROPERTY:
Boris Johnson confirms eviction ban is “under review”
The Prime Minister has told MPs that the eviction ban effectively in place now but scheduled to expire on January 11 is officially “under review.” Boris Johnson made the commitment to the review yesterday afternoon after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demanded the government to extend the eviction ban “which is due to run out in just five days”. Johnson offered no further details of the review nor when it would be concluded and how it might be put in place.
SPORT & LEISURE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): grassroots sports guidance for the public and sport providers
This guidance sets out information for the public and sport providers on how to participate in grassroots sport and physical activity during COVID restrictions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): grassroots sports guidance for safe provision including team sport, contact combat sport and organised sport events
This guidance sets out information on grassroots sport and physical activity during COVID restrictions including the team sport framework, contact combat sport framework, and advice on organised sport participation events – updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January.
COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms
Guidance for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms to enable their use while minimising the transmission risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect 4 January announcement of national lockdown for all England.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Performing arts – Updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and border readiness checks before transporting goods to the EU. 7 more haulier advice and information sites are now offering COVID testing: Charnock Richard Services northbound, Truck Haven (Carnforth), the Stockyard Truckstop Rotherham, Woodall northbound, Leicester Forest East northbound, Beaconsfield and Sutton Scotney northbound.
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 – COVID testing is now open at more haulier advice sites.
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode – latest data table added.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Vehicles – updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January. See the ‘What’s changed’ section for more information.
TRAVEL:
Government confirms travel agents eligible for lockdown grant payments
The government has confirmed retail travel agents are eligible for Localised Restrictions Support Grants (LSRGs), a move Abta hopes will end the “post code lottery” some agents experienced when seeking support during the previous Covid lockdown. New government guidance explicitly references retail travel agents as being among businesses required by law to close in areas of England subject to Tier 4 Covid lockdown restrictions, which came into law on Wednesday (6 January).
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 – added information on Occupational Structured Clinical Examination deadline extension.
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.