Latest data:
Testing: 583,496 people have now been tested for the virus
UK Cases: 138,078 133,495 have tested positive, + 4,583 on previous day
Loss of life: In hospital, 18,738 people have died + 638 on previous day
In Stockport: there are 699 cases of Covid-19, + 28 on previous day
Government Daily Briefings
Thursday 23rd April
The Secretary of State for Health & Social Care Matt Hancock led the briefing in which he detailed the ‘test, track and trace’ programme, including tests for essential workers and their families from Friday, 24th April and 18,000 people being hired for the trace programme.
- Important not to lift measures too soon
- On target to test 100,000 per day by end April
- Tests available for all essential workers and their families / households
- ‘Huge enthusiasm’ from 25,000 people taking part in ONS and Oxford University study to understand the spread of the virus
- Track & trace – new NHS app being trialled
- 18,000 being employed for the tracing programme
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 23 April 2020
Press conference slides and datasets used by Sir Patrick Vallance and Professor John Newton
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Greater Connected is a fully funded programme that has been operating since 2016 via GC Business Growth Hub’s digital, creative and tech service. It helps businesses to define or refine their business plans, plot a clear route to their objectives, and gain greater knowledge of core business fundamentals. Recognising the new challenges businesses face, the programme has revised its content to help businesses stabilise, adapt and grow.
In keeping with Government guidelines on social distancing, the structure has also been re-modelled to offer support via different virtual delivery methods.
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’?
Many businesses have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and are currently unable to trade due to Government restrictions in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus, to keep us safe and to protect the NHS.
But there are businesses in Stockport who are allowed to continue to trade and are operating safely in compliance with the Government’s rules and guidance on social distancing measures. We want to ensure that support is provided to those businesses too and to let everyone know that, in part, Stockport is still open for business. Perhaps you have an online business? Or you have a food store. Are you offering a delivery service? Or perhaps you have a restaurant and are now offering take-aways? Whatever your business, we want to support you. And it’s free!
Follow the link, fill in the form and we will add you to our directory:
CHARITIES:
BBC BIG Night In raises more than £27million for charities and good causes
The stars of shows such as Doctor Who, The Vicar of Dibley and Miranda have sent messages of thanks and hope on BBC One charity special The Big Night In. More than £27m was donated during the three-hour event, with the government promising to double the total. The show saw Children in Need and Comic Relief join forces for the first time.
Generous donors urged to give safely to registered charities this Ramadan
Regulator offers advice on ensuring charitable contributions reach the intended cause, including when giving online
COMMUNITY:
Dame Louise Casey writes to Local Authority homelessness managers and rough sleeping coordinators
Dame Louise Casey, who is spearheading the government’s response on rough sleeping, thanks those who have worked to support 5400 rough sleepers off the streets in the past month.
CONSTRUCTION:
Coronavirus update for construction: Friday April 24
This short briefing has been prepared on behalf of the UK construction sector to brief companies and individuals on the ongoing repercussions of the Covid-19 crisis for our sector.
Persimmon latest house builder to re-start sites
“In the period since 25 March 2020, working closely with our colleagues, sub-contractors and suppliers, we have therefore developed and tested a range of new site protocols to enable work to recommence, while ensuring that the necessary social distancing restrictions are strictly enforced.”
Second major brick maker resumes production
Ibstock Brick has become the latest brick maker to resume production as house builders like Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon and Vistry begin to re-open sites.
EDUCATION:
Ofqual consultation on awarding vocational and technical qualifications in summer 2020
We’re seeking views on the exceptional arrangements we have set out for awarding vocational and technical qualifications, and general qualifications (other than GCSEs, AS and A levels).
Coronavirus: emergency grant funding needed to support vulnerable adult learners
Council-run adult education providers should be eligible for urgent grant funding in the same way schools and colleges are in order to scale up the number of courses they deliver remotely, the LGA says.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students, managing premises through Covid-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Added guidance for children’s social care services during the coronavirus outbreak to advice for staff in educational settings, parents and carers, pupils and students.
Councils given flexibility with free childcare funding
Councils can move free entitlements funding between settings in exceptional cases to meet demand during Coronavirus outbreak
Digital minister urges parents to follow new guidance to keep children safe online during lockdown
The government has today (Thursday 23 April) published new advice to help people, particularly children, stay safe online during the coronavirus outbreak.
What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak
Updated sections on closures, transport, vulnerable children, critical workers and resources in information for parents and carers about educational provision for critical workers, school closures, exams, free school meals and home schooling.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESSES / FINANCE
Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support grant funding – guidance for local authorities
Updated guidance with clarification of whether grants are subject to tax – for local authorities setting out details of the Small Business Grants Fund (SBGF) and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF).
Banks have agreed less than half of applications made under the government’s Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS).
While £2.8bn of loans have been agreed compared with the £1.1bn approved up to last week, banks are wading through a large backlog. Only 16,624 applications have been approved out of 36,000. Many small firms have told the BBC they require quick access to cash in order to survive.
£2.8 billion provided to SMEs through Coronavirus lending scheme
The banking and finance sector has provided over £2.8billion of lending to SMEs so far through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), as part of a broad package of support for UK businesses, according to the latest data1 published by UK Finance.
Total lending under CBILS has doubled in the week from 14 April to 21 April, with an increase of £1.45 billion. Over 9,000 loans have been provided in the same period, with the total number approved increasing by almost 120 per cent to over 16,600.
Economic Indicators:
IBISWorld has further downgraded Real GDP growth for FY2020. Although it is expected that GDP will make a strong recovery across the year, GDP is falling faster rate than the financial crisis.
The business rates holiday will result in ?14bn reduction in tax receipts. This will result in increases in government borrowing and an increase to long-term public sector net debt.
Although there is no government data yet for unemployment in March/April 2020, IBISWorld predicts that unemployment rates could rise to as high as 10% in a worst-case scenario. Recovery however is expected to be fast barring any exogeneous shocks.
How HMRC works out total income and trading profits for the Self-employment Income Support Scheme
HMRC will assess your eligibility for the grant based on your total income and trading profits and will use the figures on your tax returns for your total trading income (turnover), then deduct any allowable business expenses and capital expenditure.
Reminder – Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Employers can claim online for a grant for 80% of their furloughed employees’ salaries, up to a maximum of £2,500 per employee per month.More than 285,000 businesses have already applied for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme since it went live on Monday 20 April.
You will need to complete an application online; it will take approximately 6 working days from making an application to receive the money. Please keep a note or print-out of your claim reference number as you won’t receive a confirmation SMS or email. HMRC have produced this step by step guidance on how to make a claim. There is also a calculator to help you work out your claim. A guide is also available to view on YouTube
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Stockport Council have administered a total of £45,055,000 across 3,880 qualifying businesses and 70.9% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020. If your business qualifies for a grant, please complete the online application form.
If you have any queries please email business.rates@stockport.gov.uk
Webinars and videos from HMRC are now available, advising businesses on how to deal with the economic impacts of coronavirus, and how to access support.
ACAS runs a series of webinars on employment law and employment relations
Covid-19 Business Grant Funding Documentation
EMPLOYMENT / RECRUITMENT:
Adult social care recruitment care campaign launched to boost workforce
A new national adult social care recruitment campaign has been launched to boost the adult social care workforce in England as part of a wider plan to attract more staff into the sector.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus testing extended to all essential workers in England who have symptoms
Up to 10 million essential workers in England and members of their households who are showing symptoms of coronavirus will now be able to get tested. All workers deemed essential can register for tests on the government’s website, if they or a family member has symptoms.
Multi-million support for vulnerable children during COVID-19
Extra support to keep children at risk of neglect or abuse safe during the Coronavirus outbreak
Government begins large-scale virus infection and antibody test study
20,000 households in England are being contacted to take part in the first wave of a major new government study to track coronavirus (COVID-19) in the general population.
COVID-19: guidance for health professionals
‘Guidance for taking swab samples’ added to information on COVID-19, including guidance on the assessment and management of suspected UK cases.
MHRA approves COVID-19 vaccine trial in 7 working days
Europe’s first human trial of a Covid-19 vaccine is underway in Oxford. The application to carry out the trail was made on 18 March, and on 26 March the MHRA gave the COVID-19 Oxford Vaccine Trial the green light. The procedures for tailored scientific advice and guidance, and a speedy approval process, are part of MHRA’s pledge to prioritise clinical trial applications submitted for COVID-19.
COVID-19: guidance for health professionals
Added ‘National COVID-19 surveillance reports’ to information on COVID-19, including guidance on the assessment and management of suspected UK cases.
COVID-19: guidance for stepdown of infection control precautions within hospitals and discharging COVID-19 patients from hospital to home settings
Added clarifications of testing capacity and strategy to advice on appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) precautions for stepdown in hospital or discharge to home or residential settings.
Coronavirus: How to help safely
Across the UK people are playing their part and providing essential support to their friends and family who are in isolation.
IT & SECURITY:
Which? launches new scam alert service as coronavirus creates ‘perfect storm’ for fraud
Which? is launching a free scam alert service to warn consumers about the latest fraud attempts and give advice about how they can protect themselves, as criminals exploit the coronavirus outbreak to unleash a new range of scams.
MANUFACTURING:
Manufacturing PMI has seen the sharpest fall in output since July 2012.
The impact of Coronavirus on manufacturing is somewhat mixed, with some sectors of manufacturing suffering heavily and others performing well, dependent upon key factors such as supply chain.
Some manufacturers are now benefitting from repurposing manufacturing to assist the NHS with production of medical equipment.
Source: Hallidays Business Advisors CF Team/IBISWorld
Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin among UK firms planning return
Major names in British car manufacturing, construction and retail have announced plans to return to work in tentative signs that businesses are preparing to kickstart an economy paralysed by the coronavirus pandemic.
PROPERTY:
Residential – Social distancing and fears surrounding COVID-19 have limited demand.
BoE rate changes may mean that many mortgages will be reevaluated. Mortgage repossessions generally halted by the FCA. Residential house prices were stagnant for March. IBISWorld expects house prices to decline in 2020.
Demand for warehouse space has spiked since the beginning of the pandemic.
This has been driven mainly by supermarkets, online retailers and pharmaceutical third party logistic firms. REITs face a fall in real estate capital values as social distancing has been affecting retail sales and therefor retail property rental values. Office space has been less affected but it is not immune. Working from home has driven integration of technology into businesses which may reduce the demand for office space.
Source: Hallidays Business Advisors CF Team/IBISWorld
RETAIL:
Cath Kidston agrees to hand over pay owed to UK staff in U-turn
Just over 900 people who were made redundant on Tuesday, with immediate effect, were told they would not be paid more than three weeks of salary due on Friday. An email to staff made clear they would also not receive any holiday pay, redundancy pay or compensatory notice settlement because of “the company’s current financial position”.
New measures to protect UK high street from aggressive rent collection and closure
High street shops and other companies under strain will be protected from aggressive rent collection and asked to pay what they can during the coronavirus pandemic.
TRANSPORT & TRAVEL:
£17 million government package to protect freight routes to Northern Ireland
Funding to safeguard ferry routes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland during COVID-19 pandemic.
Vital routes for supplies and people kept open through coronavirus support package
Action will protect the transport links the country relies on.
Philippines travel during coronavirus (COVID-19): Department of Tourism contacts
Department of Tourism (DoT) local contacts for British people in the Philippines during the coronavirus restrictions, who are due to travel to the airport.
Pressure is mounting on government to respond to travel refund crisis
ABTA is urging government to act on refunds. ABTA chiefTanzer said the association’s pleas for government guidance and support on its proposed refund credit note regime have been echoed by consumer groups – most notably by consumer watchdog Which?, which set out a new 10-point plan to “maintain travel in trust”.
Jet2 owner asks staff to take 30 per cent pay cut amid fears of £109m pandemic impact
The company predicted that it will see a net impact of £109m caused by the current pandemic, and said that despite the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, its monthly salary bill “remains a substantial proportion of [its] overall costs”
Use of transport is down 60% across all transport types since February with tube passenger numbers falling as much as 90%.
Most affected industries: Urban Passenger Rail Operations, Intercity Passenger Rail Transport, Bus & Tramway Operations
The government has provided some support for the industry in the form of temporary nationalisation of railways and a £400m bailout for bus services.
Source: Hallidays Business Advisors CF Team/IBISWorld
How are you doing?
If you are a business owner in Stockport, Totally Stockport and Stockport Council are also keen to find out what your needs are at this difficult time so they can provide the most appropriate advice and support.
To help them understand more, visit www.bidsurvey.com and help them to help you.
Useful links:
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 – 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:
Government – Business Support:
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:
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions:
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health – Shielding the most vulnerable
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).
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:
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
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.
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
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