UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 3,945,680 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 15,845 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 29,326, 1,212 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 373
Total UK deaths: 112,465
England Cases per 100,000: 239
R number in UK: 0.7 – 1.1
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R range for the UK is 0.7 to 1.1 and the growth rate range is -5% to 0% per day as of 29 January 2021.
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 12,014,288 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 549,078
There have been nearly 4 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 112,000 people have died. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. More than 12 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Target to offer vaccine to 15 million people by mid-February
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 18,078 to 4th February
Current cases: 720 (35 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 579 to January 22nd
Cases per 100,000: 245 per 100,000
R number in North West: 0.8 – 1.1
The R value and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK – The R range for the UK is 0.7 to 1.0 and the growth rate range is -5% to -2% per day as of 5 February 2021.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Coronavirus cases are rising rapidly across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do – updated to clarify the guidance on campaigning for electoral events.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
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. The Treasury announced over the weekend that companies would be contacted from today, Monday, with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. Chancellor Rishi Sunak says some £45 billion has been borrowed by over 1.4m small companies getting sums from £2,000 to £50,000.
Under the existing scheme, firms get interest-free loans for the first year with many scheduled to start repaying in May. However, 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.
Chancellor eases burden on more than a million businesses through Pay as You Grow flexible repayment options
Businesses that took out government-backed Bounce Back Loans to get through Covid-19 will now have greater flexibility to repay their loans, the government announced today (8 February).
Boohoo acquires Arcadia Group’s Dorothy Perkins, Wallis and Burton
The deal is worth £25.2m and includes the brands’ digital and online assets. Up to 2,500 jobs will be lost as the deal does not include any of its physical stores.
John Lyttle, CEO of boohoo, commented: “We are delighted to announce the acquisition of the assets associated with the online businesses of the three established brands Burton, Dorothy Perkins and Wallis. Acquiring these well-known brands in British fashion out of administration ensures their heritage is sustained, while our investment aims to transform them into brands that are fit for the current market environment. We have a successful track record of integrating British heritage fashion brands onto our proven multi-brand platform, and we are looking forward to bringing these brands on board.” The brands will be integrated into the group’s platform by the end of February.
Government boost to rapid workplace testing
New government drive to increase workplace testing in sectors open during lockdown, to detect coronavirus (COVID-19) in people who are not showing symptoms.
Surge testing to be deployed in further areas in connection to new variants
More areas will have additional testing made available to control and suppress the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) variants.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport Council to launch one-off payment grant for Stockport micro-businesses that have not previously been in scope for Government Covid19 business grant support
Businesses that have so far not qualified for financial grant support during the national restrictions put in place since 04/11/2020 will be able to apply for a one-off grant payment of up to £1,000. Specifically aimed at micro-businesses without separate business premises, the new grant scheme will look at providing support for ongoing business-related overhead costs only. The scheme will not provide a wage subsidy or cover any expenses normally required to run a home, such as utilities.
Qualifying businesses are encouraged to apply as soon as the applications open this Thursday morning, February 11th, at 9am for grants of between £200 and £1,000. Grant levels awarded will be based on the amount of qualifying ongoing business cost overheads that are appropriately claimed and evidenced. The fund is capped at £1m and will be processed on a first-come-first-served basis until the funds run out. It is vital that businesses fully complete their applications and submit all evidence required as incomplete or incorrect applications will be rejected and businesses will have to reapply and consequently will be further down the list of applicants seeking to access the limited funding.
Applications will be online via Stockport Council’s website and further information about the scheme with the link to the application will be published in the next two days.
Contract win for WFEL brings120 new jobs to Stockport
Stockport-based defence sector manufacturer, WFEL, is set to bring 120 new jobs to the town once construction completes on a new multi-million-pound production facility. The new facility is being built to serve part of a £2.3 billion contract to manufacture Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicles (Boxer MIVs) for the British Army. WFEL will deliver prefabricated hulls for the vehicles; the firm already works on defence contracts, constructing Dry Support Bridges for armed forces worldwide. Work on the facility is currently underway, with construction being carried out by Cheadle Hulme based ACS Construction Group. The group recently shared video footage of progress on the project via the FactoryNOW initiative to promote the British manufacturing sector.
New Stockport depot underway for Cadent
Gas distribution network, Cadent, has announced work is now underway on a new depot in Stockport. The £650,000 project will see the UK’s largest gas distribution network open a new depot in Stockport, as part of a £1 million investment in its operations. The company oversees 21,000 miles of gas distribution infrastructure from 15 depots in the North West of England. Cadent has agreed a 10-year lease on a 26,600sq ft facility on Corrie Way, Bredbury Industrial Estate.
Insider: Northern Powerhouse ‘upbeat’ about 2021 investment plans
The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF) has vowed to continue supporting businesses across the region as they look to “navigate through the turbulence ahead and the challenges that brings”, a senior figure has told Insider. Sean Hutchinson also discussed why he is optimistic about 2021 and which sectors he expects to thrive in the year ahead. NPIF is operated by British Business Financial Services, which is wholly owned by British Business Bank.
Sean Hutchinson, a senior investment manager at both the British Business Bank and the fund, has spoken to Insider about how the region navigated the pandemic and what lies ahead for those eyeing investment:
“Working with our fund managers, we have been impressed with the economic resilience and ability to adapt to new economic restrictions demonstrated by small businesses in the region,” he said.
Message from Elise Wilson, Leader of Stockport Council:
We are now seeing a small decline in our rates of coronavirus in Stockport and across Greater Manchester. Rates now stand at 233 per 100,000. The latest published data can be found here. However, these rates are still much higher than we want to see and there is still a huge amount of pressure on our NHS. We all need to continue doing our bit to ensure our hospitals are not overwhelmed, as sadly hospital admissions and deaths are still very high.
The good news is that more than 55,000 people have now had their first dose of the vaccine in Stockport which has taken an incredible effort – so a big thank you to everyone who has worked hard to make this happen. Please continue to be careful even when you have had the vaccine as you can still catch or spread Covid. It takes time for antibodies to develop in your immune system, so you will not be fully protected. For information on how you might look after your health and wellbeing, please visit our Health and Wellbeing pages or for ways to remain healthy, please visit Healthy Stockport. If you are finding things difficult at the moment, there is lots of help and support available. Learn more.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Support Scheme for Stockport’s large strategic employers
26th January: Grants of up to £150,000 per business are available, with applications required by 28th February 2021. Businesses will be considered if they are based in Stockport with over 50 employees and have a strategic impact on the local economy (businesses with less than 50 employees will be considered in exceptional circumstances where there is exceptional contribution demonstrated to the economic vibrancy locally). Please consider the application guidance and check the eligibility criteria on the following web page: www.stockport.gov.uk/support-scheme-for-large-strategic-employers
Stockport Council expands eligibility for Discretionary Grant Schemes
27th January: Stockport Council has announced it is expanding its discretionary grant schemes to support a greater range of businesses affected by the pandemic.
The support will see businesses outside of the hospitality, leisure and retail sectors become eligible for both the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme and the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses, affecting organisations that were impacted during the lockdown from 5th November to 2nd December, and subsequent periods of lockdown. Support will be backdated to the first date of eligibility. The discretionary schemes allow councils to support businesses that have missed out on other support as they do not have a business rates liability. Stockport Council is adding a number of sectors to those already eligible for the schemes. Details here To be eligible for the Stockport Additional Restrictions Grant scheme bus also meet specific criteria – details here Businesses will need to be able to demonstrate that they have fixed property costs and demonstrate a loss in income as a result of the pandemic. Some businesses have not been eligible to receive a grant, and this continues to be the case – find out more here
Please note: The Council has now received funding for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme for the period following the end of the lockdown on 2nd December 2020.
A system to make automated repeat payments for qualifying businesses based on their initial applications is being used and so there is no need for businesses to reapply after their first application for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme. Funds will be paid to businesses and an email will be sent to each business stating that in accepting the funding they are confirming that they meet the qualifying conditions and statements set out in the email.
If you have not yet applied for the Local Restrictions Support Grant for Open Businesses scheme, you will need to make an initial application before you can be considered to be eligible to receive any automatic payments for further qualifying periods. Further information on the schemes will be updated on the Stockport Council website.
Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown
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.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
6th February: News from John Ashcroft, Saturday Economist
No more talk of QE, the target for the stock of purchases is currently set at £875 billion. The Chancellor’s £1trillion pound bank note is in reach. Monetary financing of the fiscal deficit is set to continue.
The Bank upgraded the expected out turn for 2020 slightly with an estimated drop in GDP of 10% from a previous 11%. Forecasts for the current year were downgraded, as a result of the lock down in the first quarter. The Bank now expects a progressive recovery from the second quarter onward. Growth in the year as a whole, is expected to be 5% this year and over 7% in 2022.
The unemployment rate is expected to peak at around 6.5% this year before falling to current levels by the end of the following year. Inflation is expected to move to the 2% target by the end of the year, pushing slightly above target range in 2022.
HMRC: Making claims for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
January claims – submit your claims by the deadline of Monday?? ?15 February.
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. You and your employees do not need to have benefitted from the scheme before to make a claim, if you and your employees meet the eligibility criteria. 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.
- Keep records that support the amount of CJRS grant you claim, in case HMRC needs to check them. ?
Checking your claims for variable pay if you’ve used the HMRC calculator:
HMRC CJRS calculator on GOV???.UK contained a software error, which is now corrected. If you used it before 21 January to work out January claims for your employees that are not on a fixed-salary, you’ll need to re-calculate your claimsif:
- you used an employee’s pay for January 2019 as reference pay, instead of 2020, and
- their pay was different in January 2019 to January 2020.
If you used your employee’s January 2020 pay you do not need to take any action.
If after you have made your re-calculation you find out your claim was incorrect and:
- you have claimed too much, you should amend this in your next claim or let us know as soon as possible and make a repayment online, through our card payment service or by bank transfer – go to ‘Pay Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back’ on GOV??????????.??????UK.
- you claimed too little, please call the helpline to amend this by 1?? ?March.
Go to GOV???.UK and search ‘Get help with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ for more information on how to amend your claim.
Publishing information about your claims
In January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV???.UK. Starting from 25?? ?February, on a monthly basis HMRC will publish the names and Company Registration Numbers (for those who have one) of employers who make CJRS claims for periods starting on or after 1?? ?December, together with an indication of the value of their claims.
HMRC will not publish the exact amount of your claims, but rather the band within which your claims fall; for example, £0 – £10,000, £10,000 – £25,000, or £25,000 – £50,000. To find the full list of these bands, search ‘Employers who have claimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme’ on GOV?????????.UK. The details we publish will not include information about your employees.
Details of CJRS claims will now be published monthly as part of HMRC’s commitment to transparency and to deter fraudulent claims.
If you think publishing these details would result in a serious risk of violence or intimidation to you or others, you can request that details of your claims are not published. Your employees will also be able to check if you have made a CJRS claim on their behalf through their online Personal Tax Account from 25?? ?February. If they do not already have a Personal Tax Account, they can set one up by going to GOV??????.UK and searching ‘Personal Tax Account: sign in or set up’.
Frequently asked questions about the CJRS
Where can I get further support?
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak – updated the personal protective equipment (PPE) section with guidance about recommended PPE for unpaid carers who do not live with the person or people they care for.
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:
SME contractors targeted in Covid testing drive
Construction companies employing more than 50 employees are being encouraged to offer regular testing for workers. The government is expanding its offer of rapid workplace testing for people who are not showing symptoms beyond the current minimum of 250 employees. The offer is open to “organisations across different sectors that are vital to the running of our country and where employees cannot work from home during lockdown” An online portal has been set up here for companies to order rapid lateral flow tests for employees.
EDUCATION:
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term – updated ‘Introduction’ section to reflect correct position for early years provision over half-term and ‘Remote education’ section to reflect a duty for schools to publish their remote education offer on their websites by 12 February.
Reported coronavirus (COVID-19) notifications by registered early years and childcare settings
This data is published fortnightly. It gives the number of registered early years and childcare providers reporting one or more confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by week – added data for weeks beginning 11 and 18 January 2021.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Vaccine rollout and variant mitigation
Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi explains why the current vaccine rollout is vitally important for protecting the healthcare system.
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’ to reflect changes to police and isolation and self-testing and reporting. Added new laboratories (13 to 15) to ‘Annex 6: list of data processors’ of ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information’.
HOSPITALITY:
PM in favour of scrapping ‘substantial meal’ rule when pubs reopen
Rules which force pubs to serve ‘substantial meals’ with alcohol could be scrapped when lockdown restrictions are eased, it has been reported. Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to get rid of the rule, which has left customers and landlords angry and confused, according to The Times. The turnaround in the tight restriction on the hospitality trade has emerged as the Mr Johnson prepares to lay out his roadmap for lifting restrictions – set to begin with reopening schools at the start of March.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS online event, 21 January 2021: Court safety for legal professionals
This event provides information on the arrangements in place at courts and tribunals to meet the Government’s COVID-secure requirements and Public Health guidelines.
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 – update for week commencing Monday 8 February 2021 published.
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:
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 – added information about consent and medical treatment such as the COVID-19 vaccination
MANUFACTURING:
British manufacturer SureScreen Diagnostics to supply 20 million rapid lateral flow
New contract secured with Derby-based manufacturer for validated lateral flow antigen tests, ensuring supply for UK over coming months.
MINISTRY of DEFENCE:
COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities – updated: MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response page as of 5 February 2021.
PROPERTY:
Free online academy launched to help agents create video viewings
A free digital training academy has been launched to guide agents on getting the best out of virtual viewings. Holofy Spaces, a PropTech supplier of an app which agents can use to help them create video tours via a smartphone, says its academy is split into three modules – basic, advanced and expert. The basic covers the fundamentals of successful video creation – essential preparations like clearing space before filming, turning on lights and making sure the phone’s camera lens is clean and the microphone unobstructed. It goes on to discuss how to pick a ‘hero video’ – a short preview which packs the biggest punch – before graduating to an accomplished two-minute tour.
TRAVEL:
Foreign travel insurance
From 15 February you will need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel if you arrive in the UK from countries on the travel ban list.
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 – from 15 February you will need to quarantine in a government-approved hotel if you arrive in the UK from countries on the travel ban list.
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 – updated guidance for ‘If you’re applying for a visitor visa, visa in transit or direct airside transit visa (DAT)’. Added guidance for ‘If you’ve remained outside the UK for over 2 years and due to coronavirus travel restrictions, your indefinite leave has lapsed’. Added guidance for those who have already obtained a Returning Resident visa because their indefinite leave lapsed on or after 24 January 2020.
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:
Business Growth Hub webinars – click on the links to register your interest:
The Business Growth Hub webinars are designed to help businesses navigate through the new legislation, rules and procedures brought about by Brexit
EU Exit Webinar New rules and procedures for EU Trade (Importing & Exporting)- Focusing on Goods
Date: 14th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar Regulation & Compliance
Date: 20th January 2021, 2:00pm -4:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – Food & Drink Labelling
Date: 26th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
EU Exit Webinar – New rules and procedures for EU Trade- focusing on services
Date: 27th January 2021, 10:00am – 12:00pm
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:
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.
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.
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