UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 3,959,784 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 14,104 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 29,326, 1,212 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 333
Total UK deaths: 112,798
England Cases per 100,000: 239
R number in UK: 0.7 – 1.1
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 12,294,006 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 278,988
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: 18,126 to 8th February
Current cases: 699 (62 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 595 to January 29th
Cases per 100,000: 238 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:
Over-70s urged to come forward for vaccine
People aged 70 or older in England who have not yet had their coronavirus vaccine but would like to are being asked to contact the NHS. A national booking system can be accessed on line or people can call 119 free of change between 7am and 11pm. Speaking at the Downing Street coronavirus briefing, Dr Nikki Kanani said it was important for those who had missed out to get vaccinated. The GP and medical director for primary care at NHS England, said: “If you are aged 70 and over, and haven’t yet received your vaccine, please come forward and make an appointment as soon as you can.”
Dramatic growth for Ocado as demand for online deliveries booms
Online grocery retailer Ocado has announced a revenue increase of more than a third in its latest annual report. In its full year results for the 52 weeks ended November 29th, 2020, Ocado saw retail revenue growth of 35 per cent. The rise in online shopping as a result of the pandemic has enabled the firm to gain a strong foothold in the groceries market, with online grocery market share in the UK nearly doubling over the last year according to Kantar.
Two tests for travellers after UK arrival
People arriving in the UK must have a negative test before entering the country. After arriving, they must self-isolate for up to 10 days – and, from 15 February, people arriving from Covid hotspots must pay to isolate in hotels. Now a third layer is being added – all arrivals will be tested twice during their isolation. It’s not known when the tests will take place – but it’s thought it could be on the second and eighth day of isolation. The government says the tests will “provide a further level of protection” and “give us even more opportunities to detect new variants”.
NHS COVID-19 app alerts 1.7 million contacts to stop spread of COVID-19
Over 1.7 million users have been asked to isolate as a result of a close contact since launch, helping to break chains of transmission.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
The only place in Stockport and Greater Manchester that may be a Covid-free area
Marple Bridge and Mellor, in the east of the borough, is the only place in Greater Manchester that is potentially Covid free. According to Public Health England it recorded between two and zero cases – the data doesn’t specify at this low level – during the week to February 2. It’s the first time the area has seen such low numbers of Covid cases since September. Read more at MEN
Surge testing to be deployed in areas around Manchester in connection to new variants
Further targeted areas will have additional testing made available to control and suppress the spread of COVID-19 variants. Four cases of a new mutation of the Kent coronavirus variant are confirmed in Manchester.
Stockport seeks employers’ views in National Apprenticeship week
Stockport’s Apprenticeships Store has launched a survey for employers in the borough to share their views on apprenticeships as the town marks National Apprenticeship Week. The service is looking for responses from all business sectors and sizes, regardless of whether an apprentice has been employed in the past. Responses to the anonymous online survey will help the Apprenticeship Store to most effectively continue to support both businesses and apprentices in the borough.
To share your views on how the Apprenticeship Store can best support your business with recruiting and supporting an apprentice, complete the survey here.
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
BREXIT:
If you move goods between the UK and countries in the EU, you need to follow new customs and tax rules.
Your business will be affected by the new rules if you:
- buy goods from an EU seller and bring them into the UK
- send goods you’ve sold to a buyer in an EU country
- haven’t exchanged money but need to move equipment that you use for your business, between the UK and the EU.
We know this means change for many businesses, and HMRC is here to help you in several ways. You can:
- watch our videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel to familiarise yourself with the new customs processes and what you need to do before you trade goods with the EU
- attend our webinars to help adjust to the new rules and keep your business moving
- use the trader checklist to make sure you’re familiar with the new rules that affect you
- use our updated guides to understand the new customs and VAT requirements when moving goods between the UK and EU countries
- sign-up to the Trader Support Service if moving goods between GB and Northern Ireland and use their suite of educational products – including online training modules and webinars for support with the Northern Ireland Protocol
- watch webinars and videos from other government departments to support you
- you can also sign up to our weekly email updates on ‘News and information about importing and exporting with the EU‘, providing hints and tips for businesses like yours, getting used to the new rules for importing and exporting.
Webinars to register for now:
Exporting: what you need to do to keep your goods moving: 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 – zero-rated VAT, customs declarations, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader, if you choose to use an intermediary to complete import or export declarations for your business. These are complex and an intermediary can save you a lot of time. Please register if you’re planning to import or export.
Customs Import Declarations: An overview: If your business or a business you represent, needs to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and on non-controlled goods by the end of June 2021, our webinar helps you to understand what’s needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: What you need to know about Staged Controls: This webinar takes 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.
Insider Events: How can you avoid paying extra taxes on trade with the EU
We’ve only been out of Europe for a few weeks, but already there are problems. How can you ensure your business is not caught up in small print, delays and new customs red tape? Insider’s forum will focus on the new practicalities of trade with Europe. Our experts will take you through the fundamentals, answer questions on specific issues and suggest how to overcome them. We’ll look at important topics such as Incoterms, documentation, tariffs, taxes and rules of origin. We’ll also look at the practicalities of transporting goods across these new borders. This is your opportunity to discover how to maintain a simple and prosperous trading relationship with the EU. Registration is FREE here
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020. You can pay now or get ready to join the VAT deferral new payment scheme – information added about how to join the VAT deferral new payment scheme – the online service is open between 23 February and 21 June 2021.
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.
Frequently asked questions about the CJRS
Where can I get further support?
Apply for a coronavirus Bounce Back Loan
The Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) enables smaller businesses to access finance more quickly during the coronavirus outbreak – a repayment holiday of up to 6 months is now possible once at any point during the term of a Bounce Back Loan.
Making your Self Assessment payments including Class 2 National Insurance contributions
Check how to pay your Self-Assessment payments including your Class 2 National Insurance contributions – information about payment of Class 2 National insurance contributions through a Time to Pay arrangement has been added and the Pay in instalments section has been updated.
COMMUNITY:
Public urged to consider work in adult social care
The public are being called upon to apply for short-term and long-term opportunities in the adult social care sector.
Short-term paid work in adult social care
How to register your interest in taking up short-term paid work in adult social care.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Our online services have not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are running as normal.
Information on what to do if your driving licence expires on or after 1 January 2021.
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:
Build to Rent project pipeline jumps up 22%
Every region of the UK recorded positive growth in future supply. With 32,395 build-to-rent homes – complete, under construction or in planning – the North West still boasts the largest number of build-to-rent homes outside of London. While build-to-rent homes under construction in the North East, North West and South West slowed in the final quarter significant increases in the number of homes in planning, suggests a healthy future pipeline for the sector in these regions.
EDUCATION:
Disapplication notice: school attendance legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues seventh notice to disapply offences for non-attendance in schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added the disapplication notice and cancellation of disapplication notice February 2021.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information on the return of students and NHS Test and Trace channels – removed ‘Student movement and plans for the end of term’ HTML document – this guidance no longer applies as the winter break has now ended.
COVID-19 vaccination: British Sign Language resources
British Sign Language (BSL) videos on COVID-19 vaccination.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March 2020 to 4 February 2021’.
Laptops and tablets progress data as of 9 February 2021
Information about how many laptops and tablets that have been delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts.
Responsibility for exams
Guidance for schools and colleges on who should enter students for exams, the health arrangements for exams and the support DfE is providing – added information to ‘Public health guidance to support exams from January 2021’ about scheduled assessments in February and March.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 in England, 9 February 2021
This release provides data about the characteristics of people testing positive for COVID-19 from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester, and Public Health England.
PPE deliveries (England): 1 February to 7 February 2021
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added British Sign Language resources.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
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 – amended to say that the tests are MHRA registered.
PROPERTY:
Covid is forcing rental market into a ‘once in a lifetime’ change
The fallout from Coronavirus is forcing the rental market into a once in a lifetime change as tenants reassess priorities. This is the view from Zoopla which says the consequence is felt most acutely in the growing disparity between inner city and outer city residential rents. The portal, in its latest lettings sector snapshot, says changing patterns in working and commuting, leisure and tourism, have eased rental demand in city centres across the UK, building on a fall in rents that actually began before the pandemic.
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:
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.
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
1. Extending the length of the loan from six years to 10;
2. Making interest-only payments for six months, then repaying the principal on a phased basis with other interest-only periods; 3. Delaying repayments entirely for up to six months.
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