UK STATISTICS
There have been more than 9.3 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and sadly nearly 142,000 people have died, government figures show. More than 50 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, around 87% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. Around 79% have had their second and 17.5% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 9,333,891 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 32,322 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 8,966, 225 fewer than on previous day
New deaths across UK: 57
Total UK deaths: 141,862
England Cases per 100,000: 387
R number in UK: 1.1 to 1.3
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 50,2262,735 – 87% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 45,852,677 – 79%
Daily 1st doses: 25,840
Daily 2nd doses: 14,610
Daily Booster doses: 209,885 (10,302,544 total booster doses)
Latest Stockport data:
Total Stockport cases: 47,805 to 8 November
Cases in the latest week: 1,206, 62 fewer than previous week
Total deaths: 763 to October 22nd
Cases per 100,000: 410 per 100,000 week ending 4 November
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 83% of over 12s to 3 November
2nd dose: 77%
The R value and growth rate
The R range for England is 0.9 to 1.1 and the growth rate range for England is -1% to +2% per day as of 5 November 2021.
UK NEWS UPDATES:
Vaccines to be compulsory for frontline NHS staff in England
Frontline NHS staff in England will have to be fully vaccinated against Covid, the government is expected to announce later. A deadline will be set for next spring to give unvaccinated staff time to get both doses, Whitehall sources told the BBC.
Between 80,000 and 100,000 NHS workers in England were unvaccinated, said Chris Hopson, head of NHS Providers. Thursday is the deadline for care home workers in England to get vaccinated. The government’s decision follows a consultation which began in September and considered whether both the Covid and flu jabs should be compulsory for frontline NHS and care workers.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Stockport has highest rate of infection across Greater Manchester
Coronavirus infection rates have gone up in three boroughs of Greater Manchester but have fallen in seven areas, the latest figures show. Stockport now has the highest coronavirus infection rate in Greater Manchester, replacing Trafford.
The borough recorded a rate of 409.9 cases per 100,000 people in the week ending November 4, according to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency.
Under plans set out by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Transport Commissioner Chris Boardman, the city-region’s bus fleet will be 100% electric within a decade, reducing emissions by around 1.1 million tonnes CO2 annually, while the Metrolink tram network is already running on renewable energy. The first fleet of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network cycle hire bikes (pictured) – which will be one of the largest hire schemes outside London – will also be launched later this month in parts of Manchester, Salford and Trafford as part of a wider programme of initiatives to support active travel for short journeys.
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
Workers who want flexible work roles missing out
Three out of four jobs advertised in the UK still do not offer any kind of flexible work options, according to an annual survey of over five million ads.
This is set against a backdrop of vacancies soaring to a 20-year high of 1.1 million between July and September. Flexible work consultancy, Timewise, tracked millions of ads for 17 words or phrases, such as job-share. From this analysis they found that the proportion of ads posted with a flexible component was just 26%.
Over the last 19 months the coronavirus pandemic has delivered a seismic shake-up in many professions – flipping a large chunk of the workforce to remote-working overnight.
HMRC issue briefing: how HMRC will continue to support customers and the economy
This briefing sets out how HMRC will continue to support customers and the economy over the coming months – the issue briefing has been updated to reflect HMRC’s latest position on supporting taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic, incorporating information announced since April 2021 and updated figures.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Find out the date of applications we are processing and how to access our online services.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 vaccination: consent form for children and young people or parents
COVID-19 vaccination consent form for children and young people or parents and carers.
Finding and choosing a private coronavirus (COVID-19) test provider
Lists of and information about private test providers, to help you get the private COVID-19 tests you need.
COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
CONSTRUCTION:
Vistry warns on labour as materials shortages ease`
the firm warned that labour inflation looked set to continue into next year as the industry faced ongoing skills shortages. In an upbeat trading statement for 2021 this morning, chief executive Greg Fitzgerald, said: “We continue to see some pressure across the building materials supply chain resulting in extended lead times and inflationary price increases on certain products, although there are now some signs of improvement. “Working in close partnership with our suppliers we are actively managing this and have full visibility on our material requirements for FY21 completions.”
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus and changing attitudes towards vaccination, England: 7 to 16 September 2021
Changes in uptake and attitudes towards the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, amongst adults who previously reported they had declined the vaccine or were unlikely or unsure about having the vaccine if offered. This analysis is based on the COVID-19 Vaccine Opinions Study a follow-up survey to those who previously took part in the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN).
COVID-19 vaccination: easy-read leaflets
Easy-read guides providing information on coronavirus (COVID-19) and vaccination – added link to an audio version of the easy-read leaflet on COVID-19 vaccination for women who might get pregnant, who are pregnant or are breastfeeding their baby.
COVID-19 vaccination: booster dose resources
Information on the booster dose for eligible individuals.
PROPERTY:
House prices could grow by up to 35% according to leading agency
Strutt & Parker, says mainstream house prices throughout the country will grow by up to seven per cent next year. Although these figures would make a strong market by any observer’s standard, the agency says the market frenzy of 2021 will not recur next year. Guy Robinson, head of residential at Strutt & Parker, says: “The residential market has made a significant recovery in the last 12 months. This has been fuelled by high levels of demand across the market and attractive mortgage rates, while a rebound in the economy gave buyers and sellers confidence to trade up or down the housing ladder.
New laws and code to resolve remaining COVID-19 commercial rent debts
New laws and a Code of Practice are being introduced to resolve the remaining commercial rent debts accrued because of the pandemic.
RETAIL:
Primark admits struggles with rising costs
Discount fashion chain Primark has admitted it is struggling with higher costs and supply chain issues as it recovers from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Store closures during lockdowns hit the retailer’s annual sales, down by 12% on pre-Covid levels. Its parent firm, AB Foods, said Primark had lost one-third of its trading days in the 53 weeks to 18 September. But it added that it expected higher profits in the new financial year. It also announced big expansion plans, with new stores due to open in the US, France, Italy and Spain. Overall, it said its total store numbers would grow from 398 to 530 over the next five years, with the number of US outlets set to rise from 13 to 60.
TRANSPORT:
Haulier advice site locations
Find sites where HGV and coach drivers can get free COVID-19 tests and check their documents to transport goods to the EU – normal service resumed at Essex Arena and Thurrock Services.
TRAVEL:
Travel update:?new guidance for people vaccinated under WHO Emergency Use Listing and under 18s
From 4am Monday 22 November, COVID-19 vaccines on the WHO EUL will be recognised and all under-18s coming to England will be treated as fully vaccinated at the border. Travel to England from another country during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check what COVID-19 tests you need to take and the quarantine rules for travel to England – from 4am 22 November 2021, all children aged 17 and under will not have to quarantine on arrival in England.
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.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
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.
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
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.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
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.
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map
Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information. www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help.
You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate 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. Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
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