UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,516,892 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 5,341 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 932 (22 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 4
Total UK deaths: 127,840
England Cases per 100,000: 18 per 100,000
R number in UK: 1.0 to 1.2
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 39,758,428
Total 2nd doses: 26,422,303
Daily 1st doses: 172,763
Daily 2nd doses: 349,019
There have been over 4.5 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 127,800 people have died. 4 new Covid-related deaths were announced in the UK on Sunday. More than 66.5 million vaccine doses have been received across the UK and more than 40 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine – 76% of all adults.
Over 27 million people have had both their first and second jab, 50.2% of all adults.
People aged 28 and over are being invited to have a first jab and the focus has shifted to offer over 50s a second vaccine within 8 weeks rather than 12. The average number of daily infections in the UK is rising in some areas, fuelled by the Indian variant, with 4,330 new cases announced by the government yesterday, Wednesday.
The R value and growth rate in England
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19):
The R range for England is 1.0 to 1.2 and the growth rate range for England is 0% to +3% per day as of 4 June 2021. Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
Covid vaccine stickers come to UK dating apps
UK online daters will be able to choose to display a badge on their profiles to show if they have been vaccinated against Covid or support the jab drive.
However, there will be no way of verifying whether those displaying the badge have genuinely had the vaccine. Tinder, Match, Hinge, Bumble, Badoo, Plenty of Fish, OurTime and Muzmatch have all signed up to the scheme, in partnership with the UK government.
Covid restrictions are due to end in England on 21 June – but “a few more weeks rather than months” of social distancing may be needed to vaccinate more people before that can happen, a scientist suggests.
Ravi Gupta, a professor of clinical microbiology at University of Cambridge, tells BBC Breakfast options could include a modification of a full exit from lockdown, involving continued mask-wearing in workplaces, and remote working.
New G7 clinical trials charter to bolster global health defences
International health ministers agree new principles to share life-saving evidence and data to combat future pandemics.
Over 40 million people receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in UK
Over 40 million people in the UK have received their first dose of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.
Less than 30 days to apply for EU Settlement scheme
From today, there are only 30 days to go until the deadline of 30 June 2021for applications to be made to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS). All EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who were resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, should apply without delay so that they can continue to work, study, and access free healthcare and benefits in the UK after 30 June 2021.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 21,807 to 4 June
Cases in the latest week: 310 (25-31 May), +228 more cases than previous 7 days
Total deaths: 723 to May 21st
Cases per 100,000: 106 per 100,000 week ending 31 May
R number in North West: 1.0 – 1.2
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 74% of adults to 3rd June
2nd dose: 52%
Scroll down for the latest Coronavirus Grant news for Stockport based businesses
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
North West in UK’s top three regions for foreign investment projects
The North West’s attractiveness as an investment destination has grown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is now one of the UK’s top three locations for attracting inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) projects, EY’s latest UK Attractiveness Survey has revealed. The report published today (June 7) also showed that Manchester was the third best performing city in the UK for attracting FDI.
With 85 projects in 2020, the North-West overtook the South-East (72) to become the UK’s third largest FDI location, behind Greater London and Scotland.
Data from payment provider, Dojo, has revealed shoppers in Stockport were among some of the UK’s biggest spenders following the reopening of non-essential retailers on April 12th.
Data collected by the firm, which supplies contactless card payment terminals to retailers, identified the towns and cities across the UK with the highest average spend per card transaction. Dojo found shoppers in Stockport were the North’s biggest spenders, with an average transaction spend of £106.82 during the period from 12th to 29th April. The borough ranked third overall, behind Portsmouth and Coventry. Manchester ranked 7th, with the average spending transaction coming in at £91.76, with Dojo’s leaderboard dominated by large towns and smaller cities, suggesting consumers are still opting to stay local for their shopping.
More than 90% of new Stockport Covid cases new Delta variant
Currently, 105.6 infections per 100,000 residents have been recorded in Stockport. The figure was as low as 24.9 last week. “As with many places across the rest of Greater Manchester, the north-west and nationally, the Delta variant is increasingly of concern having become the dominant Covid strain,” Dr Connolly said. “It is now estimated to account for around 90 to 95 percent of all Covid cases in Stockport and can be found across all areas of the borough.
Statement from the Director of Public Health – Stockport Council
Coronavirus rates are rising sharply due to the dominance of the Delta variant are currently at 141.4 cases per 100,000*, an increase of more than five times that of 24.9 cases per 100,000 last week. There are around 59 new cases each day, up from 14 last week. The latest published data can be found here.
This week the statement focuses on the prevalence of the new Delta variant, the importance now more than ever of sticking to Government Guidance around Hands, Face, Space Fresh Air, the need to have regular LFT testing and self-isolating if found to be positive and the importance of getting vaccinated.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Daily contact testing study
Information for employers of people taking part in the NHS Test and Trace daily contact testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) study – change in eligibility. People who live in areas with a variant of concern (VoC) or variant under investigation can now take part in the study.
HMRC: Are you re-opening your business, or planning to do so shortly?
If you’re bringing back your employees part-time, you can claim furlough flexibly for them under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), part of the UK Government’s Plan for Jobs. Claims are currently open for pay periods in May and June. For the latest information, join our live webinar. You can ask questions throughout using the on-screen text box, although we can’t discuss personal circumstances.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar – Register here
We’ll look at:
- who can claim
- who you can claim for
- how to calculate what you can claim
- how to apply.
There are useful handouts for you to download and we’ll also send you a link to a recording after the live webinar. If you’re a small or medium-sized employer with under 250 employees, you may also be eligible for the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. View our recorded webinar about the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme on HMRC’s YouTube channel, for further guidance on the scheme, including who you can claim for, how to claim and what you may be entitled to. We’ll continue to review our webinars to give the most up-to-date information, and welcome your feedback at the end of the session too.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak – under ‘Making alternative arrangements for care’, removed reference to shielding.
Visit someone in prison during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Information and guidance about visiting prisons in England and Wales.
Private providers of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing
Lists of and information about private providers who have self-declared that they meet the government’s minimum standards for the type of commercial COVID-19 testing service they offer – updated the general list of providers.
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
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction buyers report ‘phenomenal’ month in May
Construction buyers saw output growth at its strongest since September 2014 last month as new order volumes increased at the fastest pace for a quarter of a century.
At 64.2 in May – up from 61.6 in April – the bellwether IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI Total Activity Index registered above the 50 no-change value for the fourth consecutive month and signalled the strongest rate of output growth for just under seven years. House building (index at 66.3) was the best-performing category of construction activity in May, followed by commercial work (64.4).
EDUCATION:
Pupils’ progress in the 2020 to 2021 academic year: interim report
Research reports presenting findings from analysis into the progress pupils have made during the 2020 to 2021 academic year – added Understanding progress in the 2020 to 2021 academic year: reports 2 and 3.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Independent health providers: accessing lateral flow tests
Independent health providers can access lateral flow testing kits directly from NHS Test and Trace replacing the ordering route provided by NHS England and NHS Improvement – updated ‘A testing service for independent health providers in England’ to reflect that telephony staff in IHPs can access the testing service.
Coronavirus and vaccination rates in people aged 70 years and over by socio-demographic characteristic, England : 8 December 2020 to 9 May 2021
First and second COVID-19 vaccination rates among people aged 70 years and older who live in England, both in private households and communal establishments. Includes estimates for the population as a whole by age and sex, and for ethnic minorities, religious groups, those identified as disabled and by area deprivation and local authority district.
PROPERTY:
Rents soar outside of London where rates are steady
The latest rental market snapshot produced by HomeLet shows average rents outside of London soaring to higher levels and dropping in the capital itself.
The average rent in the UK is now £997, up by 4.0 per cent on the same time last year and another record-high average price. Every region bar London saw a rise in rent prices year on year – when excluding London, the average rent in the UK is now £854, up by 6.4 per cent on last year. Rents in London continued to drop to a typical £1,583, down by 0.9 per cent on last year. East of England saw the most significant price rise of 8.5 per cent since this time last year, while Scotland saw the most significant monthly price rise, with the average price rising 2.6 per cent to £707 a month in May.
TRAVEL:
Greek islands aim to go ‘Covid-free’ to welcome back tourists
Greek islands aim to go ‘Covid-free’ to welcome back touristsClose Greece’s islands have an ambitious plan to lure back visitors this summer – by vaccinating all local residents. The goal of “Operation Blue Freedom” is to turn the country’s islands, such as Milos, into “Covid-free” travel destinations. Many of Milos’ locals rely on tourism and welcome the plan to reopen. But not everyone is as optimistic.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Applications for the Economic Recovery Fund ARG Localities Grant closed 31st May
Discretionary Grants summary:
As at 27/05/2021
- Received: 2,845
- Processed: 2,786 (98%)
- Grants Funding Issued: £9,716,939
Stockport Council details of Government’s Restart Grant
The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care and accommodation sectors with a one-off grant, to reopen safely as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Applications close on 30 June 2021
The Restart Grant will be split into two strands:
– Strand one will be for non-essential retail businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £6,000.
– Strand two will be for hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care and gym businesses that may be entitled to a one-off cash grant of up to £18,000.
Strand 1 Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000
- of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000
Strand 2 Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £8,000
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £12,000
- of £51,000 or more on 1 April 2021 will receive a payment of £18,000
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.
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
Useful Government links for easing out of lockdown:
- Roadmap – Spring 2021: including the easing of restrictions from 29 March
- Covid-19 Vaccine
- Workplace Testing
- Back To School translations
- Stay Home translations
Coronavirus Roadmap out of lockdown – what and when?
From 29 March:
- People will be allowed to meet outside, either with one other household or within the “rule of six”, including in private gardens
- The stay at home rule will end, but the government will urge people to stay local as much as possible
- Outdoor sport facilities will reopen, including golf courses and tennis and basketball courts, and formally organised outdoor sports can restart
- Weddings attended by up to six people can take place in any circumstances
Stage two (no earlier than 12 April):
- All shops allowed to open, along with close-contact services, including hairdressers and beauty salons (including in people’s homes)
- Restaurants and pubs allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors Gyms and spas can reopen, as can zoos, theme parks, libraries and community centres
- Members of the same household can take a holiday in the UK in self-contained accommodation
- Weddings attended by up to 15 people can take place
Stage three (no earlier than 17 May):
- People can meet in groups of up to 30 outdoors
- Six people or two households can meet indoors
- Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors
- Up to 30 people can attend weddings or other life events, like christenings
- Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can open
- Indoor entertainment such as museums, theatres, cinemas and children’s play areas can open
- Performances and large events can restart, but with limits on audience numbers
- Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can reopen
- International leisure travel may resume
- Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes can restart
Stage four (no earlier than 21 June):
- All legal limits on social contact will be removed
- No legal limits on the number of people who can attend weddings, funerals and other life events
- Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen
Publishing information about your claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV???.UK.
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
- Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
- Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods;
- Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
Check if you’re eligible for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs
Financial support for businesses during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020.
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Coronavirus – Guidance for employees and employers in Stockport: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate SchemeFrom Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.