UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
UK STATISTICS
Total UK Cases: 4,223,232 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 4,712 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 10,898 (601 fewer than previous day)
New deaths across UK: 65
Total UK deaths: 124,566
England Cases per 100,000: 52 per 100,000 (daily change: 3 fewer)
R number in UK: 0.6 to 0.9
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 22,377,255 – latest daily figure
Daily 1st doses: 164,143
There have been over 4.2 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly 124,566 people have died. However, these figures include only people who have died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus. More than 22.3 million people have had their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.
Cases declining – the number of daily infections in the UK continues to decline, with strict lockdown measures just starting to ease
A further 4,712 confirmed cases across the UK were announced by the government on Monday. This is down from 5,455 cases last Monday.
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 0.6 to 0.9
Following the announcement of plans to ease of lockdown, the roadmap can be found in full here.
National lockdown: Stay at Home
Find out what you can and cannot do
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
HEADLINES & UPDATES:
Nightingale Hospitals to close in April
The Nightingale hospitals set up to cope with a surge of Covid-19 cases will close in April, the NHS has said. Established last spring amid fears that the NHS might be overwhelmed, the temporary hospitals in England were largely not needed. Some were used as rehab centres and the sites in London and Sunderland will stay open for vaccinations. Seven Nightingale hospitals were built in England, starting in April 2020 with the 4,000-bed facility at London’s ExCel centre. Another was set up in Belfast, while Scotland and Wales had their own temporary hospitals.
Deliveroo reports £223m loss as it aims for London Stock Exchange launch
Food delivery company Deliveroo has reported that it suffered a six-figure loss over the past year. This comes as the company, which is based in London, confirms its intention to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO). Its loss for 2020 hit £223.7m, compared to £317.3m in 2019 – nearly a £100m improvement.
The company’s gross transaction value increased by 64.3 per cent in the period, from £2.5bn in 2019 to £4.1bn in 2020. The IPO will allow customers and investors to purchase stock in the company.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 19,856 to 8th March
Cases in the latest week: 252 (226 fewer cases than previous week)
Total deaths: 650 to February 19th
Cases per 100,000: 86 per 100,000, 26th to 4th Mar
R number in North West: 0.7 – 0.9
Number of 1st dose of vaccine: 100,944 to 28th Feb
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Are you getting what you’re entitled to? Does your business qualify for a grant?
FREE webinar this Thursday! Since the start of the pandemic back in March 2020, there has been a number of grants introduced by the Government to provide financial support to businesses impacted by the coronavirus. Over that time, some grant schemes have been closed, replaced or realigned to help more businesses affected directly or indirectly by periods of lockdown. The changes to the grant schemes and understanding the qualifying criteria can be confusing. To help you understand what is available, what you are entitled to receive and to ensure that you apply for the correct funding, Stockport based businesses are invited to a Grant Funding webinar. Richard Mortimer – Head of Economy, Work & Skills for Stockport Council – is leading on administering the grant payments on behalf of Stockport Council. Richard will explain the full range of grants available and be on hand to answer any questions you may have. Please join us and ensure that you aren’t missing out on what you are entitled to.
This Thursday 11th March, 10.30 to 12 noon.
To reserve a place please visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/145002292761
Major repairs to M60 in Stockport between Junctions 1 and 2
Highways England will begin repair work on the M60 through Stockport from 10th March 2021. The clockwise carriageway of the M60 will be subject to a full weekend closure for two weekends in March.
CORONAVIRUS GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES IN STOCKPORT:
Support Scheme for Stockport’s large strategic employers
The scheme is now closed for applications
Stockport Council expands eligibility for Discretionary Grant Schemes
Stockport Council has announced it is expanding its discretionary grant schemes to support a greater range of businesses affected by the pandemic.
The new Micro-business support scheme 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.
Applications for the above scheme are now open and may be accessed here
Micro-business support grant – Stockport Council
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
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
Check if your business is eligible for the coronavirus Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment
The Closed Businesses Lockdown Payment (CBLP) supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national lockdown that began 5 January 2021 – grant scheme closing date and details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national lockdowns (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) Addendum) support businesses that have been required to close due to national lockdowns – grant scheme closing date and details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.
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 – details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.
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 – grant scheme closing date and details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG (Closed) and LRSG (Closed) Addendum: Tier 4) support businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions – grant scheme closing date and details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.
Late payment penalties for Self-Assessment waived until 1 April
HMRC has announced that Self-Assessment taxpayers will not be charged a 5% late payment penalty if they pay their tax or set up a payment plan by 1 April.
Click here for the full story
Online service opens for VAT deferral scheme
HMRC has announced that businesses that deferred VAT payments last year can now join the new online VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme to pay it in smaller monthly instalments.
Click here for the full story
HMRC clarifies off-payroll rules
HMRC has published a briefing on its approach to the changes to off-payroll working rules, commonly known as IR35, which will be introduced on 6 April 2021.
Click here for the full story
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – February claims to be made by 15th March
You have until 15?? ?March to claim under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for pay periods in February ?2021. Make sure you have the latest information by joining the live Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme webinar: Register here
HMRC are running webinars on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme. Register here
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: British Sign Language resources
British Sign Language (BSL) videos on COVID-19 vaccination.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing unpaid care
Information for people who are caring, unpaid, for friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to include guidance for young carers.
COVID-19: letter to people identified as high risk – aged 70 and over
Reference-only version of letter to people identified as high risk by COVID-19 population risk assessment model, aged 70 and over.
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:
Glenigan: Construction projects to aid Covid recovery
Following the investment and opportunities for the construction industry announced in the budget last week, here we dive into the detail of what some the investment will actually deliver and provide unique Glenigan insight into the detail of projects that we know about now.
– The first ever UK Infrastructure Bank, located in Leeds, will finance the “green industrial revolution”. It will launch this spring with £12bn and should support at least £40bn of total investment in infrastructure
– The Treasury will establish a “new economic campus” in Darlington, and said there would be more than £1 billion for 45 new towns deals.
– The Treasury North hub is expected to see 750 jobs relocate from London to the town, saying: “redrawing our economic map means rebalancing our economic investment”.
Structural steel prices rises again
British Steel has increased the price of structural steel for the sixth time since July. The latest £30 rise has been imposed with immediate effect and means that steel prices have risen by £260 a tonne since last July. The speed of the rise is unprecedented and has been blamed on sharp rises in raw material costs, quotas and scrap availability. Rebar prices are also being pushed through the roof in the concrete frame sector.
EDUCATION:
Critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings
List of critical workers (key workers) and vulnerable children and young people who can access full-time education provision in the case of future restrictions on education during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – information updated to confirm the return of pupils and students to school and college from 8 March. The list of vulnerable children and critical workers remains the same.
January 2021: further education and skills providers
An operational note for Her Majesty’s Inspectors carrying out inspection activity of further education and skills providers from January 2021 – updated to reflect changes coming into force from 15 March. Ofsted will carry out new provider monitoring visits to new providers that have not yet received one. We will discontinue progress monitoring visits except in exceptional cases.
Higher education providers: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information on the return of students for the spring term and HE operational guidance – updated the guidance on ‘students returning to, and starting, higher education in the spring term’ to include advice on students travelling home for their Easter break and updated guidance for new and returning students travelling from overseas.
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – removed the guidance ‘Restricting attendance during the national lockdown: schools (applies until 8 March)’ as no longer applies.
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 – guidance updated to clarify FE sector guidance and the use of reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils and students.
Laptops and tablets progress data as of 9 March 2021
Information about how many laptops and tablets that have been delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19 vaccination: consent form and letter for adults
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form and letter templates for adults who are able to consent.
Private providers of coronavirus testing
Lists of and information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added ‘Priority groups for phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme: advice from the JCVI’.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) made in the UK as at 1 December 2020
The volume of PPE supply that the Department of Health and Social Care sourced from UK manufacturing for the 3 months from 1 December 2020.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Check if your nightclub, dance hall or adult entertainment business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Sector)) supports businesses that have been closed due to the national restrictions – grant scheme closing date and details of new subsidy allowance confirmed.
How the National Theatre tackled the COVID-19 challenge
As part of the British High Commission Cyprus’ webinar series, senior producer Flo Buckeridge discusses how the National Theatre (NT) managed to keep in touch with their audience.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
May 2021 Elections – Joint statement from the UK Government, Scottish Government and Welsh Government
A joint statement from the UK Government, Scottish Government and Welsh Government on the elections taking place in England, Scotland and Wales on 6 May 2021.
MEDIA:
ITV revenue hit by impact of coronavirus
ITV’s full year revenues have been hit by the pandemic but CEO Carolyn McCall, remains positive. Total external revenue was down 16 per cent to £2.7bn for the year to December 31, 2020. This includes a 25 per cent drop in revenues at ITV Studios, impacted by the disruption to the majority of ITV productions from March 2020 when the first UK lockdown was declared. However, online viewing was down 5 per cent due to the lack of big hitters including Love Island, fewer soaps and no major sporting events.
PROPERTY:
Transactions and prices to boom over next five years – forecast
Transactions and house price forecasts for the mainstream housing market are being revised upwards by Savills following the Budget. The new predictions follow an unexpectedly strong market in 2020, which Savills says was the first time in modern history that house prices rose in a recession. After a 7.3 per cent mainstream housing market price rise in 2020, Savills now forecasts: a 4.0 per cent rise in 2021, followed by 5.0 per cent in 2022, then 4.0 per cent again in 2023, then 3.5 per cent in 2024 and finally 3.0 per cent in 2025. That means the average price of a UK home, currently at £230,920, will soar to £279,644 after five years.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus: driving tests
Find out how driving tests are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) and what changes to expect when you take your driving test – corrected the dates in the table under Dates when driving lessons and tests can restart in England for the following types of test: Car and trailer driving tests – 12 April at the earliest. Tractor and specialist vehicle training – 29 March at the earliest Tractor and specialist vehicle tests – 29 March at the earliest.
Coronavirus: driving theory tests
Find out how theory tests are affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) and what changes to expect when you take your theory test – updated with information about the earliest date theory tests will restart in England.
Get a coronavirus (COVID-19) test if you’re an HGV or van driver
You must take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test before you leave the UK for some countries – check which countries require them and how to get a free test – added information on COVID-19 test timeframes for round-trips between the UK and France, and the time-stamped document you’ll receive to help verify how much time you’ve spent in the UK.
TRAVEL:
Johnson: Vaccine certificates could be a ‘feature of our lives’
Johnson made the comments during a government coronavirus briefing on Monday afternoon (8 March), acknowledging the concept wouldn’t be new to some international travellers. However, he said the government was still getting its head round how vaccine certification would work domestically, with a review being led by Michael Gove. Taking questions from the public, Phoebe from Leeds asked the prime minister: “I’ve been hearing a lot about vaccine passports to allow British tourists to travel again. But I’m just wondering how this is going to work for under-16s? I can imagine this is a question on a lot of people’s minds, and we’re all just so eager to start booking our holidays again.”
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 claimsIn January HMRC published the list of employers who claimed under the CJRS for periods from December onwards, on GOV???.UK.
Repayment period for Bounce Back Loans extended to ten years
Businesses that took out government Bounce Back loans to help them through the Coronavirus crisis now have more time to repay. Companies will be contacted with options to extend the length of the loan from six to 10 years as part of a new ‘pay-as-you-grow’ initiative. The new proposals give businesses three new options:
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