Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 312,789 have tested positive + daily 1,148 new cases
Loss of life: 46,628 across all settings + 102
Cases in Stockport: 74 cases 3 Jul – 6 Aug (+4 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 25 per 100,000 (Average area in England 5)
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics and analysis
Data sources of numbers relating to the coronavirus pandemic in the UK.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus.
UK HEADLINES:
BBC: UK in recession for first time since 2009
The UK economy suffered its biggest slump on record between April and June as coronavirus lockdown measures pushed the country officially into recession. The economy shrank 20.4% compared with the first three months of the year. Household spending plunged as shops were ordered to close, while factory and construction output also fell. This pushed the UK into its first technical recession – defined as two consecutive quarters of economic decline – since 2009. Chancellor Rishi Sunak told the BBC that the government was “grappling with something that is unprecedented” and that it was “a very difficult and uncertain time”.
Coronavirus and the impact on output in the UK economy: June 2020
An analysis of monthly growth for the production and services industries between May 2020 and June 2020, highlighting the impact from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Celebrate Shop Local Week and support local businesses.
Shoppers across the UK have been urged to do their bit and take part in Shop Local Week (10-16 August) to help local businesses rebuild from the coronavirus pandemic.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Government called on to back the North’s plans for £5 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects to create up to 20,000 jobs
Transport for the North – TfN – has today (Wednesday) set out its initial plans for a Northern Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP), a 30-year investment plan of infrastructure projects to underpin greener Northern growth. This £5 billion pipeline includes rail, road, active travel and smart ticketing proposals; some of which could be started over the next 6-18 months to help the economy ‘build back better’ after the COVID-19 pandemic, and help create around 20,000 construction and design jobs in the North of England. The NIP underpins TfN’s proposed Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) recently agreed by the North’s business and civic leaders. Today is the announcement of the first tranche of 166 projects that could help create new job opportunities in the North immediately. The ERP is aimed at accelerating delivery of infrastructure projects to help “rebuild and transform the North” by making transport more accessible and inclusive, and decarbonising the economy in the years to come.
Jobs at risk as North West firm to cease production of famed Hampers
Dozens of jobs have been put at risk after Merseyside firm Appreciate Group announced it was stopping production of its famed Christmas hampers. The firm, which last year changed its name from Park Group, made the announcement on Wednesday that all hamper and merchandise production at its Valley Road site in Birkenhead will cease by the end of this year.
As we reach what would usually be the height of the summer holiday season, a number of airlines including Air Malta and easyJet are bringing back direct routes from Manchester to European destinations this week.
Flights:
With Andorra, the Bahamas, Belgium and Luxembourg now joining Spain in being removed from the UK Government’s ‘travel corridors’ list, passengers are reminded to check the latest Government guidance on travel corridors and requirements upon returning to the UK: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-travel-corridors Passengers should be aware that they will now need to quarantine on return to the UK if travelling to destinations removed from the travel corridors list. Some carriers may also opt to cancel services to destinations that are removed from the list, so passengers should check with their airline if they have any specific flight enquiries. It’s important to note that travel corridors are subject to review and some countries, such as Brunei and Malaysia, have recently been added to this list. Upcoming Government reviews of the guidance may lead to easing of restrictions on travel to some destinations mentioned above. It is also important to take account of the latest Foreign and Commonwealth Travel advice relating to any restrictions in your destination. This can be found here https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Greater Manchester Disabled People’s Panel advice on face coverings
With the government guidance advising the wearing of face coverings, the GM Disabled People’s Panel want to ensure the right advice is in place for your staff, contractors, and customers. We are advising the wearing of face coverings where one can but also that the exemptions are known, respected, and implemented. It is particularly important that all your staff and third party security contractors, who often are the first interface with customers if there are issues, are made aware of the policy guidance. There are face covering exemption cards which we advise people to use if they feel comfortable, however these are not mandatory and there should not be a requirement that they are presented. For many access reasons some disabled people will not be able to wear a face covering and it is imperative your staff and security personnel understand this.
You do not need to wear a face covering if you have a legitimate reason not to. Find out more HERE
Stockport, saddle up ready for Cycle September
Transport for Greater Manchester is encouraging individuals and organisations to take part in Cycle September, a global competition to encourage more people to travel by bike.
As Stockport’s business community prepares for recovery post-coronavirus, a group of business leaders from the town have collaborated with Stockport Council to launch a new website – www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.
North of England: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in areas of the north of England – added that children of parents who are separated can move between households while the restrictions are in place and ‘Changes to restrictions’ to make the guidance clearer.
Business Grants Funds: programme closure.
The Small Business grants fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund and the Discretionary Grants Fund, should close by Friday 28 August. No further grants will be considered beyond that date. £62 million in grants have been made to 5,500 businesses premises in Stockport.
If you believe you are entitled to the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers/small-business-grant-funding-coronavirus but haven’t yet provided your bank account details to the Council then please do so as soon as possible using the link provided.
The Discretionary Grant Scheme for phase 4 closed at midnight on 07/08/2020.
Any appeals against the discretionary grant decisions must be received by the Council by 5pm this Friday, 14/08/2020 – appeals made after this date and time will not be considered.”
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,361 grants bringing the total amount paid to £61,530,000 and bringing the total to 97.9% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020.
Local Authority Discretionary Grant funding scheme
Status of LAD Payments to date:
Applications: 794
Payments: £1,542,500
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
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’? 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:
COMMUNITY:
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Our online services have not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are running as normal – updated driving licence extension information
CONSTRUCTION:
Balfour hopes profits back to ‘normal’ next year after £26m loss
Balfour Beatty is predicting profits will recover to “normal” levels next year after the impact of Covid-19 saw the contractor post a pre-tax loss of £26m for the first six months of this year.
That compares to a £63m profit last time as turnover rose to £4,118m from £3,884m.
Balfour kept most of its sites open during the pandemic and said its Build to Last programme ensured a resilient response to the crisis.
Group Chief Executive Leo Quinn said: “We have preserved the disciplines, expert capability and financial strength we will need as markets move back to normal and then beyond, driven by fiscal stimulus for infrastructure.
“In achieving this, our systems, processes and leadership have all proved the value of our investments over the last five years.”
EDUCATION:
Student number controls
The measures to protect students and universities during the coronavirus outbreak, including temporary student number controls and additional places – updated the list of exemptions which will not count towards the SNC level in the introduction of temporary student number controls in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) document.
Ofsted’s autumn 2020 plans
Find out about our plans for visiting schools, further education and skills, early years and children’s social care providers this autumn – added guidance for early years providers about interim visits, starting from September 2020.
Education plans from September 2020
Guidance for education providers about Ofsted’s phased return to inspection – details of early years interim visits and added link to new early years operational note.
Ofsted to visit nurseries and childminders this autumn
Ofsted will start carrying out visits to some nurseries and childminders from September 2020.
Interim visits: registered early years providers
An operational note for Ofsted inspectors carrying out interim visits to registered early years providers from 1 September 2020.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
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. A webinar about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been added.
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme – published updated weekly data (up to end of Sunday 9 August) for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
United Kingdom supports the implementation of protocols against COVID-19 in municipal markets
The British Embassy and AGEXPORT are working together to prevent the spread of the virus and to mitigate the risk of infection in 10 mayoralties in the country.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Public Health England’s COVID-19 Review: letter to stakeholders
Minister for Equalities Kemi Badenoch’s letter to stakeholder engagement participants to the Public Health England Review, to thank them for their work and invite them to further engage with government.
COVID-19: review of disparities in risks and outcomes
Review into how different factors have affected COVID-19 risk and outcomes – added 8 spreadsheets to provide further data from the review. Updates made to main report which include new updates and corrections log.
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK. This guidance now only applies to viral detection testing. The guidance has been updated to reflect that the New Tests Advisory Group is no longer accepting new serology or antibody tests.
COVID-19: guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic
Guidance for managing a funeral during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated in line with the Health Protection Regulations 2020 and The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.
HOSPITALITY:
Claim money back through the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Find out how to claim the reimbursement for discounts given to diners with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Transport to school and other places of education: autumn term 2020
What local authorities will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term.
PROPERTY:
Average selling prices rising, according to Auction House
Auction House has seen the average price of its properties sold during lockdown soar by over a third. The figure has climbed from £116,145 in July 2019 to £159,359 in the same month this year – an increase of 37%. According to Roger Lake, founding director at Auction House, the sharp rise – which became noticeable from May of this year onwards – is down to three contributory factors. The first is the huge upsurge in buyers looking to purchase property via auction. The competitive bidding nature is enhanced further by the larger cohort of buyers, which means that auction lots are achieving even higher prices. Secondly, Auction House is attracting more properties from higher price brackets to offer for sale.
Read more:
RETAIL:
Debenhams plans to cut 2,500 jobs from the effects of the coronavirus crisis.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus.
Wider co-ordination needed to aid recovery
With 78,000 appointments scheduled to take place this week during the global event, it’s clear the world’s luxury travel advisors and suppliers are determined to fight on, even when continuous obstacles get in the way of them booking travel.
Virtuoso’s virtual show this week replaces the usual mega event that takes place annually in Las Vegas, but chief executive of Virtuoso Matthew Upchurch said the response to the online event proved the global need for the “industry to stay connected”. Speaking at a virtual roundtable at the opening of the event, Upchurch said the global pandemic was obviously proving catastrophic for the travel and tourism industry.
Covid-19 webinars:
Restart Travel: What next?
TTG seminar sponsored by Virgin Voyages on Thursday 13 August from 2pm, to find out, as we explore:
- The future of travel – will it ever return to how it was and how can your business adapt to the new normal?
- The corporate sector – has it been affected as much as the leisure sector and what plans have TMCs put into place to prepare for the months ahead?
- What does cruising look like in a post-Covid world and what health and safety practices have been put into place to reassure customers that it’s safe to travel?
- How to boost your sales in the off-peak periods and why now is the time to start planning ahead.
- How can we build upon the #SaveTravel campaign to ensure the government offers the UK travel industry the support it needs?
Government Webinar: Eat Out to Help Out scheme
View the webinar and find out more – Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Restart Travel: Build Back Better
We’ve seen some positive signs in the last couple of weeks that we’re on the road to recovery, but the travel industry’s journey is far from over. Join us for our next TTG seminar, which will explore how operators are winning back business during challenging circumstances. Book HERE
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
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
Join an HR virtual community HRD: A Virtual Experience.
Join 2,500+ senior HR Leaders from across the globe including The Clorox Company, Diageo, DHL, Siemens, Nestle, Vodafone, Tiffany & Co, ING and more.
Date and time: Thursday June 18th from 10am CET/9am BST
Summit theme: The Resilient Organisation
Sign up here – it’s completely free!
ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
Stockport nominated in the Smart City category in the Digital Leaders awards.
Vote for Stockport HERE. Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 28th August, with the winners announced on the 15th of October.
Get a discount with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
From 3 to 31 August, get a 50% discount when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.
The restaurant finder tool now shows results within a 5 mile radius of the postcode used.
Get a discount with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
From 3 to 31 August, get a 50% discount when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out 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.
Stockport Council publishes details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
Stockport Council has confirmed its criteria in consideration of awarding the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, announced as the grants Top-up fund by the Government on 1st 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