UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 2,889,419 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 52,618 new cases
New deaths across UK: 1,162
Total UK deaths: 78,508
People in hospital: 30,370 – an decrease of 137 on previous day
England cases per 100,000: 518 average
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 1.5 million
Latest weekly figure: 333,224
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 13,780
Current cases: 1,164 (455 new cases on previous week)
Total deaths: 493 to December 25th
Cases per 100,000: 397 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 more than 78,000 people have died, government figures show.
However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus and other measures suggest the number of deaths is higher.
Although the new variant is now spreading more rapidly than the original version, it is not believed to be more deadly.
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 7 January 2021
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave a statement at the coronavirus press conference.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
BBC Breaking news: Third vaccine approved in the UK
It is made by the company Moderna and works in a similar way to the Pfizer one that is already being offered on the NHS. Supplies of the new jab are not expected to be available until the Spring however. The UK has pre-ordered 7 million doses.
Around 1.5 million people in the UK have had at least one dose of Covid vaccine so far. How does the Moderna vaccine compare?
Moderna vaccine becomes third COVID-19 vaccine approved by UK regulator
The vaccine has been approved after meeting the required safety, quality and effectiveness standards.
UK: International passengers required to provide negative Covid test result
All international passengers will be required to provide a negative Covid-19 test resultbefore travelling to England or Scotland by plane, boat or train. Arrivals, including UK nationals, will have to take a test up to 72 hours before leaving from abroad. “With new strains of the virus developing internationally we must take further precautions,” says Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. The measures are expected to come into effect in England early next week, and “as soon as possible” in Scotland, while officials are said to be working closely with the devolved administrations on similar measures for Wales and Northern Ireland.
Mandatory COVID-19 testing introduced to bolster border measures
International arrivals required to prove negative COVID-19 test result before departure for England.
8.4% revenue drop for Marks and Spencer under Q3 “Covid clouds”
Retailer Marks and Spencer has reported a decrease in revenue during its third quarter alongside new lockdown measures. In a trading statement covering the 13 weeks up to December 26, the firm saw a drop in group revenue of 8.4 per cent. The company has attributed the dip to the national lockdown and increased restrictions introduced in England in November last year. Despite the overall decrease, Marks and Spencer saw a 47.5 per cent rise in online sales of its clothing and homeware.
South Africa travel ban extended to Indian Ocean destinations
The government has extended its South Africa travel ban to a range of countries across southern Africa, as well as several destinations in the Indian Ocean, while Israel and Jerusalem have also been removed from England’s quarantine-free travel corridor list.
FT: Arthritis drugs found to reduce the risk of death in severe Covid-19 cases
Immunosuppressants tocilizumab and sarilumab also reduce stays in intensive care by 7-10 days. Scientists have found that the two drugs, used in the treatment of arthritis, cut the risk of death by 25% following research studies conducted by researchers at Imperial College London and Utrecht university in the Netherlands.
NHS patients to receive life-saving COVID-19 treatments that could cut hospital time by 10 days
Clinical trial results show the drugs reduce risk of death by 24% for critically ill patients and time spent in intensive care by up to 10 days.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Alderley Park Lighthouse Labs process 6 millionth sample
Scientists at the Alderley Park Lighthouse Labs have reached a new milestone in processing coronavirus tests after processing over six million samples.
After handling the six millionth sample over the festive period, scientists at the Cheshire lab have now conducted the equivalent of nearly one test for every 10 people in the UK. The site is one of three special testing facilities set up across the UK in response to the coronavirus pandemic, and now has capacity to process over 500,000 tests for the virus each day. The facility is operated by Medicines Discovery Catapult (MDC). Professor Chris Molloy, CEO of MDC and who led the formation of the Lighthouse Labs which first opened in Alderley Park in April 2020 described reaching the milestone as the epitome of the team’s can-do attitude and 10 months of hard work.
Stockport Care Home resident first in region to receive Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine A care home resident in Stockport has today (7 January) become among the first people in the borough and the region to receive the Oxford/Astra Zeneca vaccine. Pauline Dickens, aged 84, was one of 29 residents at Wellcroft care home, on Church Road, in Gatley, to be given their first dose of the vaccine as part of the largest NHS vaccination programme in history. Councillor Jude Wells, Stockport Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health, said: “It is great news that residents from Wellcroft care home will be the first in Stockport to receive the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccination today. The rollout of vaccinations using the Pfizer vaccine started at care homes last week and this, along with the vaccination of all staff working in care homes across Stockport, is a significant step forward in our local efforts to ensure that our most vulnerable residents and the staff who support them have the vaccination as early as possible.”
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
AGRICULTURE & FORESTRY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read this page for regular updates – update following national lockdown from 5 January 2021.
Forestry Commission operational update: coronavirus
Update to include information on how we are dealing with the national lockdown staring on 4 January 2021.
BREXIT:
The Brexit transition period has now ended – what has changed?
Changes have now come into effect for businesses that trade goods with Europe or represent businesses who do. Register on our webinars to find out what you need to do now to keep trading with the EU. The free trade agreement announced on 24 December is the first that the EU has ever reached based on zero tariffs and zero quotas. We have always been clear that this means there will be new customs processes on goods moving between GB and the EU. By registering for our webinars below, or watching our videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel you can familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU. The trader checklist is also still available on GOV????.UK to help you ensure you’re familiar with the new rules that affect you.
Webinars to register for now:
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. 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. 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.
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
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.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure –
The visitor economy, Hotels and other guest accommodation – updated guidance covering national restrictions in England from 6 January.
How to treat certain expenses and benefits provided to employees during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out about taxable expenses and benefits when they are paid to employees because of coronavirus and how to report them to HMRC – added information about ‘coronavirus (COVID-19) tests’
COVID-19 critical worker status
Clarification on when a security operative is considered to be a “critical worker”.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 8 January 2021
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 23 December 2020 to 3 January 2021 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This guidance applies to people moving into homes in England, whether as owner-occupiers, private or social renters – updated to reflect 4 January announcement of national lockdown for all England.
CONSTRUCTION:
Firms told to notify PHE of outbreak of 5 or more cases of coronavirus in 14 days
The Construction Leadership Council has published the latest update of the industry’s Site Operating Procedures for new lockdown protocols.
Changes in Version 7 are minor, including updated guidance on self-isolation and shielding and the removal of the requirement to display a QR code in site canteens. But contractors must now take action if five or more cases are identified within 14 days, under new Public Health England guidance. A flowchart setting out action contractors must take if a worker has Covid-19 or needs to self-isolate have also been updated to reflect the latest guidance.
EDUCATION:
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information on the return of students from January 2021 and NHS Test and Trace channels – new guidance which reflects the national lockdown restrictions announced 5 January 2021.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) contingency framework for education and childcare settings
How settings can prepare for restrictions to help contain community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated information for boarding schools, special schools and special post-16 institutions. Removed the implementation guidance as this no longer applies. Different education restrictions apply during the national lockdown.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care
Funding and financial support available for education, childcare and children’s social care organisations – updated to reflect the extension of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to 30 April 2021.
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 – added guidance for schools on restricting attendance and other actions to be followed during the national lockdown.
Mass asymptomatic testing: schools and colleges
Find out how to administer testing which will begin in January 2021 – updated to reflect latest information.
Fund schools to let pupils retake school year
The Education Secretary should put extra funding in place to let pupils resit this school year, says the Social Mobility Commission.
Get laptops and tablets for children who cannot attend school due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
How schools, colleges, academy trusts and local authorities can access digital devices for children who are learning remotely.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated with additional guidance for early years education and childcare settings during the national lockdown from 5 January 2021.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out what you’ll need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to maintain provision – added guidance for further education providers on restricting attendance and other actions to be followed during the national lockdown.
Face coverings in education
Guidance on the use of face coverings for schools and other education institutions that teach people in years 7 and above in England – updated to reflect the national lockdown.
HEALTH, CARE & WELL-BEING:
Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund: round 2
Sets out the infection control measures that the new infection control fund will support, including information on the distribution of funds and reporting requirements – guidance’ has been updated: providers should ensure that staff who need to attend work or another location for the purposes of being vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 are paid their usual wages to do so, and any costs associated with reaching a vaccination or testing facility.
Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on health – updated data
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
NHS Test and Trace told a record number of people to self-isolate over Christmas week
During the week of 24 to 30 December, 684,747 people who had tested positive, and their contacts, were reached and told to self-isolate.
List of private providers of coronavirus testing
Information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Regulatory approval of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca – published a new version of the Information for UK healthcare professionals, adding new information in Section 6.6 allowing for an additional dose to be taken if there is sufficient for a further full dose to be taken from the vial.
First people to receive Oxford University/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine today
The first people will receive the Oxford University/AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine today (4 January 2021) as the NHS rapidly expands COVID-19 vaccination programmes across the UK – amended to correct policy on vaccination of Care Home residents
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 – updated guidance for the period of national lockdown.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added link to the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1-S [recombinant]) PGD.
Access Consortium regulators pledge support to tackle COVID-19
The Access Consortium regulatory authorities have pledged our collective support in countering the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Access Consortium statement on COVID-19 vaccines evidence
The medicine regulators from Australia, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (Access Consortium) have discussed the regulatory evidence requirements for COVID-19 vaccine approvals and considerations for post-market pharmacovigilance.
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA – updated list of devices with exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) weekly insights: latest health indicators in England, 8 January 2021
This article brings together data about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in England. Exploring how these measures interact with each other can improve understanding of the severity and spread of the pandemic. This weekly summary gives a general overview of the current situation and explores variations for different age groups and regions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: UK: 8 January 2021
Estimates for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England, and Wellcome Trust.
LOCAL AUTHORITIES:
Get help with technology during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for local authorities, academy trusts and schools on devices and support available to provide remote education and access to children’s social care – updated to reflect school closures.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated to reflect national restrictions guidance, including school attendance and provision, risk assessments, alternative provision, respite care and Ofsted inspections.
PROPERTY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): temporary measures to support customers
HM Land Registry: How we are delivering our services during the coronavirus outbreak – added a statement to advise we do not expect our services to be impacted as a result of the public health guidance announced on 4 January 2021.
What will influence house builders and house buyers in 2021?
In this guest piece, Andrea Fawell, sales & marketing director of award-winning property developers Kebbell, tackles many of the important factors that may affect house buyers and housebuilders in 2021. This ranges from Brexit and land buying to house prices, the increase in working from a home, a skills shortage, the end of the stamp duty holiday and changes to Help to Buy.
RETAIL:
8.4% revenue drop for Marks and Spencer under Q3 “Covid clouds”
Retailer Marks and Spencer has reported a decrease in revenue during its third quarter alongside new lockdown measures. In a trading statement covering the 13 weeks up to December 26, the firm saw a drop in group revenue of 8.4 per cent. The company has attributed the dip to the national lockdown and increased restrictions introduced in England in November last year. Despite the overall decrease, Marks and Spencer saw a 47.5 per cent rise in online sales of its clothing and homeware.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus testing for hauliers to continue following decision by French government
Requirement for hauliers needing to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours of leaving the UK for France to continue.
TRAVEL:
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.
Travel restrictions update: South Africa ban extended, Israel (and Jerusalem) removed from Travel Corridors list
From 4am Saturday 9 January, people arriving in England from Botswana, Israel (and Jerusalem), Mauritius or Seychelles will need to self-isolate.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate. Botswana, Israel (and Jerusalem), Mauritius and Seychelles will be removed from the exempt list at 4am Saturday 9 January.
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.
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