Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 335, 873 have tested positive + daily 1,406 new cases
Loss of life: *41,501 across all settings + 2
Cases in Stockport: 27 cases 21Aug – 27 Aug (- 19 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 9 per 100,000 (England area average is 8)
Deaths in Stockport: 359 registered to 14 August (no change in last week)
Total cases in Stockport: 1,983 to 31 August
*Daily reported COVID deaths are now measured across the UK as deaths that occurred within 28 days of the first laboratory-confirmed positive COVID test
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.9-1.1 and the growth rate range is -2% to +1% per day as of 28 August 2020.
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK. The way deaths are reported is based on a 28-day limit between the date of a positive lab-confirmed test and date of death.
UK HEADLINES:
Changes to JRS – Government reduce contribution to 70% and employers to pay 10%
Changes in the way the Government is supporting employees’ wages come into play today as employers will now make up 10% of their furloughed employees’ wages for the time they are being furloughed. Employers will also continue to pay their National Insurance and pension contributions.
From 1 September the grant currently covers 70% of their usual monthly wage costs for the hours they are being furloughed, up to £2,187.50 a month. You will still need to pay furloughed employees at least 80% of their usual wages for the hours they do not work, up to a cap of £2,500 per month, so you’ll need to fund the difference between this and the CJRS grant yourself. You must also continue to pay the associated Employer National Insurance contributions and pension contributions (up to the level of the minimum automatic enrolment employer pension contribution) on subsidised furlough pay from their own funds. This funding level will remain in place until the end of September 2020. The scheme closed on 30 June to anyone who had not already been furloughed before this date. This may differ where you have an employee returning from statutory parental leave or a military reservist returning from completing a period of active service. For further information refer to the guidance.
Good news for high streets following changes to commercial property use
From today, 1st September, businesses will be better enabled to find new premises following major changes to commercial property classes. Retail units, cafes, restaurants, offices, clinics, health centres, nurseries, gyms, lots of indoor recreation centres and light industrial units in England will all have the same E classification, meaning they can all be used for other purposes without the need to apply for planning permission. The newly introduced regulations, known as The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020, replace the previous system which had been in place since 1987. Under the new regulations, classes A1, A2, A3, B1, D1 and D2 have all been incorporated into class E.
No Face Mask deters shoppers
Research released by Storecheckers shows that the failure of retail staff to wear masks is hindering customers from returning to shops. Storecheckers’ Mystery Shoppers were sent to 130 stores in 10 retail centres across England and Wales to review the uptake of mask wearing by both staff and customers. They learned that 84% of shoppers wore masks but only 34% of staff had protective face coverings.
The ambivalence of staff wearing masks appears to have had an adverse impact on both shoppers’ perception of safety whilst in-store and on how likely they would be to revisit these shops. 60% of shoppers felt ‘Very safe’ or ‘Safe’ where all staff had masks but only 43% felt ‘Very safe’ or ‘Safe’ where not all staff were masked. The gap in confidence to return is even greater: 93% felt ‘Fully Confident’ or ‘Quite Confident’ in returning to shops where all staff had masks but only 50% where staff were not wearing facial protection.
In view of this – Should the wearing of masks by all store staff be mandatory?
Storecheckers’ research findings suggest that customers would feel more comfortable if they were, and that they would be more likely to return:
“It is crucial to understand and learn what is driving customers’ decisions to visit the High Street, or not visit. In order to move forward with a positive and focussed future strategy, we need to be clear about where we stand now and how we can best adapt and assist local businesses for the difficult coming months.”
Love of DIY is the new lockdown legacy!
In National Home Improvement Month / BHETA, new research reveals that 39% of Brits made changes to their house over lockdown. Research conducted by BHETA found that the lockdown has encouraged much of the nation to dabble in DIY. Prior to the months of social isolation, only 1 in 10 Brits felt confident enough to tinker with their homes themselves. That, however, seems to have changed as 39% of the UK have made improvements to their homes over the course of lockdown.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport drops to lowest Covid-19 rating in Greater Manchester
As locally imposed restrictions are to be lifted from tomorrow, Wednesday 2nd September, Stockport now has the lowest number of cases per 100,000 of population within the city region. Recording a figure of 7.8 last Friday, 28th August, the number of reported cases of the coronavirus in Stockport has been steadily falling over the past 2 weeks. Although also set to be released from locally imposed restrictions, Bolton has seen a spike in cases over the past week to 44.9 along with Trafford who currently have 35.8 per 100,000 of population. Graphic courtesy of MEN – Manchester Evening News
Restrictions lifted in parts of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire
Locally led approach seeing results as COVID-19 cases drop in some hotspot areas in northern England.
Statement from the Leader of Stockport Council, Elise Wilson:
Stockport’s coronavirus infection rates have been falling in recent weeks and I would like to thank you all for your huge effort in helping to make this happen. Imposing the restrictions was the right thing to do and this is proof that it has been effective and your sacrifices have been worthwhile.
Although this is welcome news, this is not the time to be complacent and we are by no means out of the woods yet. Covid-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future and you should continue to be responsible and safe whilst out and about. This means continuing with social distancing measures, wearing a face coverings and washing your hands regularly. I would like to wish our schoolchildren all the best when they return to school. I know that this is an anxious time for some but our schools have worked tirelessly to prepare schools and their staff for a safe re-opening and there are lots of measures in place to provide a safe environment.”
Statement from Stockport Council’s Acting Director of Public Health:
Following the announcement of the easing of government restrictions in Stockport, the Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, Jen Connolly, has issued a statement about what this means for residents. Read the full statementHERE
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 – skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,412 grants bringing the total amount paid to £62,147,500 and bringing the total to 98.8% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020.
Local Authority Discretionary Grant funding scheme
Status of LAD Payments to date:
Applications: 791 Payments: £1,926,000
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:
CLEAN AIR:
GM Clean Air Plan:
Following the publication of a report on the GM Clean Air Plan consultation, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is hosting a round table meeting for local businesses on 2nd and 3rd September. Click here for more information and to sign up
COMMUNITY:
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 – added guidance on face coverings
Changes to the adoption and children regulations: coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are seeking views on proposed changes to the Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.
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:
Clients urged to bring projects to market
Cost consultant Turner + Townsend is urging clients to bring building projects to market after forecasting a tender price fall of 1% this year.
The firm said that a short window of opportunity now exists to work collaboratively with supply chains, before a slowdown in work triggers more serious structural problems among contractors.
EDUCATION:
Modification notice: school registration legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a fifth notice to modify pupil registration requirements for temporary pupils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Providing school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for schools and local authorities on school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated information on school food from September 2020, universal infant free school meals, additional costs incurred before summer 2020, school food contracts and free school meals eligibility. Also includes guidance on providing water in school and support for pupils who have to stay at home due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term – updated guidance to reflect the actions schools need to take before the start of the autumn term – the changes are described within the document and cover the use of face coverings in schools.
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Sets out what further education (FE) providers need to know for the autumn term so that students of all ages can benefit from their education and training in full – updated content on implementing risk assessments, face coverings, ventilation, managing confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), managing local outbreaks, public transport, music, performing arts and physical activity, remote and blended learning, health and safety and equalities duties, educational visits, the 16 to 19 tuition support fund and funding audits.
All possible measures to be taken before schools and colleges close
New contingency planning guidance published for education settings in local lockdown areas
How schools can plan for tier 2 local restrictions
This guidance is for decision makers at mainstream schools with secondary year groups, to help them plan a tier 2 rota model if required.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 27 August 2020.
Awarding organisation appeals and complaints links
Contact details for complaints to awarding organisations offering vocational and technical qualifications in England.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: step by step guide for employers
This guide explains the information that employers need to provide to claim for their employees’ wages and has been updated to reflect changes to the scheme from Tuesday 1 September.
Maintaining records of staff, customers and visitors to support NHS Test and Trace
Organisations in certain sectors should collect details and maintain records of staff, customers and visitors on their premises to support NHS Test and Trace – removed line saying that NHS Test and Trace will ask for records when someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 has listed a premises as a place they visited recently.
Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated with details and links to the latest ‘action cards’ for different types of workplace.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
Added week 35 report, infographic, contain framework and data tables.
PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19: technical summary
A summary of the PHE data series on deaths in people with COVID-19, outlining what the changes mean and how the data compare to other COVID-19 death data series.
COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care in England
A resource for those working in domiciliary care providing information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19.
Technical specifications for personal protective equipment (PPE)
The documents attached define the technical and regulatory standards for PPE – added the following 3 attachments:’ Essential technical requirements for new high-volume manufacture of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical devices (MD) during COVID-19’, ‘Essential technical requirements for PPE and medical devices: further information for manufacturers and suppliers’ and ‘Essential technical requirements for PPE and medical devices: further information for health and social care providers’. These replaced 2 existing guidance documents, 2 technical specification documents and 4 apron documents.
HOSPITALITY / LEISURE:
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. The Eat Out to Help Out Scheme closed on 31 August 2020 – the page updated with removal of registration links.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm. Update for week commencing 31 August 2020 published.
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page held a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak – list of Crown Courts resuming jury trials updated.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated to include new provisional guidance on the Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2020, which come into force on 25 September 2020. The update to existing guidance reflects the latest changes on social distancing and shielding and that schools, colleges and nurseries will fully reopen in the autumn term.
Containing and managing local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks
Guidance for local authorities and local decision-makers on containing and managing COVID-19 outbreaks at a local level – added annex 3: information on tiers of national restriction for education and childcare.
PROPERTY:
All the new tenancy notice periods and rules
Agents and landlords must now give tenants six months’ notice before they can evict, except in the most serious of cases, such as incidents of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse. On Friday, 28th August, the government made the announcement – just a few hours ahead of the start of the Bank Holiday weekend – and the new rules came into effect the next day, Saturday.
So from now until March next year landlords and agents must provide at least six months’ notice period prior to seeking possession through the courts in most cases, including? section 21 evictions and rent arrears under six months. Notices served on and before August 28 are not affected by these changes, and must be at least three months.
Government has changed the law so most renters have a 6 month notice period
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect amended regulations and wider government public health advice.
Stamp duty cut sees number of houses sold reach 13-year high
An average of 13 house sales were agreed per branch in July – the highest figure recorded since June 2007, according to NAEA Propertymark’s July Housing Report. Number of sales agreed soars – the average number of sales agreed per estate agent branch stood at 13 in July following the Chancellor’s announcement of a stamp duty holiday. The trade body says this is the highest figure recorded since June 2007 when 13 sales were also recorded per member branch. Year-on-year, the number of sales per branch has increased by 44%, rising from nine recorded in July last year.
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This guidance applies to people moving into homes in England, whether as owner-occupiers, private or social renters – updated guidance to include information on face coverings, shielding and repossessions.
RETAIL:
Dunelm sees “pent up demand” as summer sales figures rise by 60%
A British home furnishings retailer has reported that its sales in July were up by more than 50 per cent compared to the same period last year.
Dunelm, which has 172 stores across the country, saw total year on year sales up by 59 per cent in July. The company said that the increased sales were the result of “pent up demand” following lockdown, as well as its summer sale.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations. Changes made to the sections about risk assessments and protecting people who are at higher risk.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate. Czech Republic, Jamaica and Switzerland removed from the travel corridor list at 4am Saturday 29 August 2020. Cuba added to the list at 4am Saturday 29 August.
Covid-19 webinars:
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
The YouTube video about how to participate in the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme has been amended and information about what has changed for parents – Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, has been added.
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)
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/
ACAS
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