Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 304,695 have tested positive + 744 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 46,201 across all settings + 8
Cases in Stockport: 1,763 positive tests – up 35 cases
Rate of infection 29/7: Stockport cases per 100,000 is up to 20.9 (from 8.2)
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths 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 – Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 31 July 2020
UK HEADLINES:
Roll-out of 2 new rapid coronavirus tests ahead of winter
Millions of new rapid coronavirus tests will be rolled out across NHS hospitals, care homes and labs from next week.New tests for coronavirus will give results in just 90 minutes rather than the current 24 hours and in some cases 48. From next week, 500,000 tests will be available giving priority to care homes and laboratories. Two companies in Oxford and London London have developed “on-the-spot” swab tests that will also help distinguish between Covid-19 and other seasonal illnesses, such as the flu, so doctors will know whether someone presenting with coronavirus symptoms has the virus or something else. The health secretary said this would be “hugely beneficial” over the winter.
Currently, three quarters of test results are returned within 24 hours and a quarter can take up to two days. The major benefits of rapid testing are that they require no specialist medical training, they are speedier and portable – no need for lab testing.
Eat out to help out scheme launches today
From today and throughout August, restaurant customers will be able to save up to 50% off the cost of each meal up to £10 each. Restaurants who have signed up to the Eat Out to Help Out scheme will be able to claim back their customers’ savings for the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks every Monday to Wednesday in August. Since the announcement made last month by the Government, customers in the newly restricted areas within Greater Manchester are being urged to enjoy the offer but to adhere to current restrictions. Cllr David Meller explains:
Despite the new restrictions, you can still take the opportunity with anyone inside your household or ‘support bubble’ to eat out in Stockport and get money off. By doing this, you’re supporting local businesses and our local economy at this critical time.
The ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme piggy-backs perfectly onto our One Stockport campaign, which is supporting our economic recovery and emphasises the need for people to shop and eat locally – but to do so in a safe and responsible way that considers others. Venues like the Produce Hall, which is included in the scheme, have gone the extra mile to make sure they’re safe for visitors. If you feel able to, do take the opportunity that’s available with the scheme and sample what Stockport has to offer.”
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Message from Elise Wilson, the Leader of Stockport Council
“Last week, the Council sent out an update on the rise in Covid-19 cases in Stockport. This was due to an outbreak in a care home and a prevalent rise in cases for the 18-25 age group – a situation that is by no means unique to Stockport. While I can understand that this is concerning, we are working really hard with our public health team to prevent a resurgence of cases and we have a robust outbreak management plan and track and trace system in place to deal with situations like this. Our Covid rate may still be relatively low, but like other GM authorities it is increasing, so we really need your help to combat this rise. We all have a responsibility to protect one another. As of last Thursday 30 July 2020, the Government announced new restrictions in Greater Manchester, including Stockport. It is now incredibly important to adhere to the following measures:
- Do not invite others into our home (unless it is part of your household bubble) in order to stop the increasing spread of transmission.
- Keep 2m apart from people outside your household. This is the most effective preventive measure.
- If you become unwell with Covid-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, please isolate and arrange a test – this can be done via testing@stockport.gov.uk; via the NHS website, or phone 119.
- Wear a face covering in enclosed spaces
- Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands.
- Isolate if you are advised to do so as a result of being a contact of someone with covid-19 even if you do not have symptoms at the time of being advised.
I know as a borough we have worked together to stop the spread of the virus and protect each other but we are not out of the woods yet.
Authorities in Greater Manchester declare a ‘major incident’
The ten boroughs that together make up Greater Manchester have declared a major incident across the region in a joint bid to try to stop a spike in cases. Number of people per 100,000 is variable but has risen across all but one region. Central control is being established to bring the rate down. Manchester City Council said the move was to help various agencies work together and draw on extra resources.
Leaders call for focus on regional innovation
More than 30 leaders from across UK local and civic government, universities and research institutions, including Lord Jim O’Neill, Dame Nancy Rothwell, Andy Street, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram, have signed a new manifesto designed to boost the UK’s regional innovation potential. The signatories have pledged their support for a range of commitments designed to boost productivity through innovation, levelling-up the UK economy and supporting its Covid-19 recovery. The manifesto follows the publication of a new report produced for Bruntwood SciTech, a 50:50 joint venture between Bruntwood and Legal & General, into the current state of the UK’s innovation infrastructure. The ten-point manifesto includes a call for a new national innovation policy, a target for every UK region to have a centre of world-class research excellence by 2040 and greater collaboration between UK cities, in order to boost science and technology innovation.
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 West of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do
Find out what restrictions are in place if you live, work or travel in the North-West area and other affected areas – added information about the rules for meeting people in the outdoor areas of cafes, restaurants or pubs.
New rules on gatherings in some parts of Northern England
Government announces changes to rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire after increase in COVID-19 case
Local Stockport restaurants sign up to the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme
From the 3rd-31st August, you can get a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks to eat and drink in (up to a maximum of £10 per diner). This is every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and you can do this as many times as you like. To find out the restaurants participating near you, visit Eat Out to Help Out
Please Note!! Due to rising coronavirus infection rates in Greater Manchester, those making the most of the discount and dining out should only do so with members of their own household.
Local lockdowns: guidance for education and childcare settings
What schools, colleges, nurseries, childminders, early years and other educational settings need to do if there’s a local lockdown during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added information about a local lockdown in Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire and a link to ‘North of England: local restrictions’ guidance.
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. £62million 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 is currently accepting applications for phase 4, but applications close at midnight on 07/08/2020. In phase 4 there is also an opportunity to apply for a fixed grant of £2,000 for registered businesses based in Stockport that meet either of the following criteria:
- home based or self-employed that have not had access to any other financial support linked to Covid-19, that have had a reduction in income due to Covid-19
- fixed property costs below the £250 per month de minimis level set for earlier phases of the discretionary grant scheme and have not had access to any other financial support linked to Covid-19, that have had a reduction in income due to Covid-19.
Further information and support with your application can be accessed by emailing SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk Read the full guidance HERE
Please note that this means that any appeals against the discretionary grant decisions must be received by the Council by 5pm on 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 5,338 grants bringing the total amount paid to £61,300,000 and bringing the total to 97.5% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020.
Local Authority Discretionary Grant funding scheme
Status of LAD Payments to date:
Applications: 707
Payments: £1,212,000
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:
AGRICULTURE:
Transmission licence exemptions for offshore wind farm generators affected by COVID-19
We’re seeking views on a proposed exemption order, for wind farm generators in tender rounds 5 and 6 of the OFTO regime affected by COVID-19. Outcome of consultation published along with link to Statutory Instrument on the Legislation website.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
This guidance is designed to assist people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England – updated to reflect additional requirements on face coverings. Amendments to the roadmap for wedding receptions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Accessing food and essential supplies
How to get food and other essential supplies during the coronavirus pandemic – updated the information on accessing food if you are vulnerable and can’t go to a supermarket.
Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own
This page explains when to wear a face covering and how to make one.
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments
Advice for people who buy care and support through a direct payment, as well as local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and those who provide care and support.
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings. Updated section 2: – Hygiene and face coverings; and section 3. Permitted activities in multi-use community facilities: signposting to relevant guidance.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection. Removed ‘Stay at Home guidance for households: current guidelines illustrated’ PDF, as out of date.
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable
Information for shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable from COVID-19.
Updates to the shielding programme on national and regional levels
Shielding guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable to be paused from 01 August across England.
Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives.
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
This guidance is designed to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities and includes a checklist for special religious services and gatherings – updated to reflect additional requirements on face coverings and amendments to 1 August 2020 easings.
EDUCATION:
Guidance for prospective students
SLC issues guidance for prospective students and answers common questions related to the COVID-19 outbreak:
Added 4 new FAQs to address COVID policy changes:
In 2020/21 my course will mostly involve online learning, so I’ll be staying at home to study remotely. How will this affect my student finance?
I was supposed to be living away from home at my uni or college during term time, but I will now be staying at home as my course will involve online learning. Will this affect my student finance?
I cannot meet the UK residency requirements because COVID-19 restrictions prevented me from travelling to the UK. Will this be considered when my eligibility for funding is being assessed?
I’m due to start a course in the UK in September 2020, but I’m unable to be in the UK at the start of the academic year. Will I still be eligible for student finance and be paid in my first term?
Coronavirus (COVID-19): reducing burdens on educational and care settings
List of data collections, services or requests which will be cancelled, paused or will continue.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
BCC: Business re-openings stalled – a hammer blow to confidence?
Postponing the planned reopening of a number of industries is set to be a “hammer blow” to both business and consumer confidence, according to a senior figure at the British Chambers of Commerce. On 1 August, a number of higher risk settings were set to resume trading. These included casinos, bowling alleys and skating rinks, as well as pilots of larger crowds in sporting venues and conference centres. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has now confirmed that any such plans will be postponed until 15 August at the earliest as fresh concerns about the virus are raised. BCC co-executive director Claire Walker said: “While tackling the public health emergency must be the priority, these announcements – made at short notice – will be a hammer blow to business and consumer confidence at a time when many firms were just starting to get back on their feet.”
Ask HMRC to verify you had a new child which affected your eligibility for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership, and having a new child affected the trading profits or total income you reported for the tax year 2018 to 2019, use this form to ask HMRC to verify that you had a new child.
How different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or member of a partnership find out how your circumstances can affect your eligibility for the scheme – how to ask HMRC to verify if having a new child affected your eligibility for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The information call out has been updated to tell employers about changes to the scheme from 1 Aug 2020. New section added on the maximum number of employees you can claim for. Information about the minimum furlough period removed throughout and from the section on minimum furlough periods.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – information has been updated to tell employers about changes to the scheme from 1 August 2020. Out of date eligibility criteria removed about RTI submissions before 19 March, contracts expiring before 19 March 2020, consolidating PAYE schemes after 28 Feb, TUPE transfers after 28 Feb. Sections ‘If your employee is working reduced hours’, ‘If you made employees redundant or they stopped working for you on or after 28 Feb 2020’, ‘If you made employees redundant or they stopped working for you on or after 19 March 2020’ removed. Section ‘If your employee is shielding’ and ‘If your employee has caring responsibilities’.
Individuals you can claim for who are not employees
Find out if you can claim through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for individuals who are not employees – updated to tell employers about changes to the rules from 1 August 2020.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Deleted information about claim periods ending on or before 30 June 2020 and information about backdating claims to 1 March, as this is no longer possible.
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Deleted sections on working out claims on or before 30 June 2020 and on calculate your claim for pension contributions for claim periods up to and including 30 June 2020.
Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updates have been made to the definition of an outbreak, in line with revised guidelines.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – updated the guidance on protecting people who are at higher risk (section 2.1). From 1 August, clinically extremely vulnerable individuals can go to the workplace as long as it is COVID-secure, but should carry on working from home wherever possible.
Competition law exclusion orders relating to coronavirus (COVID-19)
A register of agreements relating to exclusion orders made by powers under paragraph 7 of Schedule 3 to The Competition Act 1998.
The Competition Act 1998 (Dairy Produce) (Coronavirus) (Public Policy Exclusion) Order 2020 expired at 23:59pm on 1 August 2020.
DVLA Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Our online services have not been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are running as normal.
Tell HMRC and pay the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant back
If you made a claim in error as you were not eligible for the grant, have been overpaid or would like to make a voluntary repayment, tell HMRC and pay some or all of the grant back.
EMG: COVID-19 – Theatres, concert halls and other performance spaces, 12 July 2020
Paper prepared by the Environmental and Modelling group (EMG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE)
ENVIRONMENT:
Environment Agency waterways: Coronavirus (Covid-19) update
Guidance for users of all Environment Agency waterways, including the River Thames, Anglian waterways and the Upper Medway Navigation. Environment Agency waterways: coronavirus (Covid-19) update 30 July 2020 added.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
PPE portal: how to order emergency personal protective equipment
Healthcare providers can order additional personal protective equipment (PPE) through the portal to top up their existing supplies for COVID-19 in an emergency. Pharmacies and larger social care providers are invited to order from the portal. Updated the amount of visors that GPs, domiciliary care providers and residential care homes can order. The customer service team opening hours are now 7am to 7pm.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes
How to protect care home residents and staff during the coronavirus outbreak – changed to reflect that self-isolation period for people with symptoms of coronavirus has changed from 7 days to 10 days, and added link to recent updated guidance on visiting care homes during coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested. Updated section ‘Regular testing in care homes (England)’ to state that the remaining CQC-registered adult care homes (for those aged under 65) will be able to register for retesting from 31 August. Added 2 new attachments for care homes: ‘graphic summarising testing for care homes’ and ‘care home testing: information sheet for care providers’.
Types and uses of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
Guidance on the different types of coronavirus test available – updated guidance to reflect current advice to self-isolate for 10 days from when symptoms start.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems.
Government further boosts UK vaccine manufacturing capacity
Pharmaceutical and biotech organisation Wockhardt will carry out the crucial ‘fill and finish’ stage of the vaccine manufacturing process.
SPI-M-O: Consensus statement on COVID-19, 15 July 2020
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) on coronavirus (COVID-19).
EMG: Measurement of effectiveness of risk mitigation measures in reducing transmission, 16 July 2020
Paper prepared by the Environmental and Modelling group (EMG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Planning assumptions for the UK reasonable worst case scenario (Draft), 25 March 2020
Draft paper prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Reasonable worst-case planning scenario (Draft), 26 March 2020
Draft paper prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
SAGE 43 minutes: Coronavirus (COVID-19) response, 23 June 2020
Record of the discussion that took place at SAGE’s forty-third meeting.
EMG: Application of UV disinfection, visible light, local air filtration and fumigation technologies to microbial control, 19 May 2020
Paper prepared by the Environmental and Modelling group (EMG) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
The national and global response to the spread of COVID-19 continues to develop quickly and our collective knowledge of the virus is growing by the second. We have published minutes for meetings 43, 44 and 45 and updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with 16 new papers.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Eat Out to Help Out launches today – with government paying half on restaurant bills
Diners across the UK will see their restaurant bills slashed by as much as 50% from today as the government’s landmark Eat Out to Help Out scheme officially opens for business (Monday 3 August).
COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms
Guidance for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms to enable their use while minimising the transmission risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect additional requirements on face coverings.
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 – updated for week commencing Monday 3 August 2020 published.
Courts and tribunals additional capacity during coronavirus outbreak: Nightingale courts
This page holds a list of additional facilities opening to support the courts and tribunals estate during the coronavirus outbreak.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
Guidance for those managing council buildings – updated section on face coverings.
PROPERTY:
Nationwide: House prices on the up again
The Nationwide says annual house price growth has recovered to 1.5 per cent. Its July house price index says the fall in house prices seen in June has been sharply reversed with average prices up 1.7 per cent over the month, mostly thanks to suppressed demand and the stamp duty holiday encouraging sellers and buyers. Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, says: “The bounce back in prices reflects the unexpectedly rapid recovery in housing market activity since the easing of lockdown restrictions. The rebound in activity reflects a number of factors. Pent up demand is coming through, where decisions are taken to move before lockdown are progressing.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus: MOTs due from 30 March 2020
Car, van or motorcycle’s MOT expiry dates were extended by 6 months if they were due between 30 March 2020 and 31 July 2020.
Added information about when to get an MOT if your MOT was extended by 6 months, and added that you should not take your vehicle for its MOT if you have returned to the UK in the last 14 days, unless you travelled from a country on the ‘travel corridor’ list or belong to one of the groups who do not have to self-isolate
Coronavirus: driving theory tests
Theory tests have restarted in England and Scotland, and they will restart in Wales on Monday 3 August 2020 – find out what to expect when you take your test. Updated content to say that shielding was paused in England on 1 August 2020.
Coronavirus: MOTs for HGVs, buses and trailers
You can book an HGV, bus or trailer annual test (MOT) – the deadline to get the test done depends on when the MOT was originally due – added information about 12-month exemptions that are being applied from 24 August 2020. Updated the table to include dates for 12-month and 3-month exemptions.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
Sets out how to self-isolate when you arrive in the UK. You will not be allowed to leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK – changed to reflect who is allowed to visit you while you self-isolate. Also changed to reflect that the self-isolation period for people with symptoms of coronavirus has changed from 7 days to 10 days.
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 – updated to reference that most UK Visa Application Centres (VACs) have resumed services where local restrictions allow.
Covid-19 webinars:
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
TfN Smarter Travel: Keeping passengers safe, in the know and on the move!
Friday 7th August | 10am – 11am
We have a brand new #TfNTalks free webinar event, all about smart travel in the North! Register now to make sure you don’t miss the discussion! This session aims to bring together voices from across the public transport and mobility industry to understand how we can best collaborate to keep the North’s passengers safe, informed and on the move throughout the easing of lockdown and beyond. Don’t forget to ask your questions in advance of the session by tweeting us and using the #TfNTalks hashtag! Please note that this event will be taking place on Zoom, and a registration link will be sent in advance of the session. Full details for joining a Zoom call on desktop or mobile can be found here.
How to be a Disability Confident employer
On Wednesday 29th July from 10am to 11am
In partnership with The Growth Company and InWorkGM, we’re discussing how changing the way you attract and select diverse talent can be of benefit to your business. We’ll be joined by a series of guest speakers who’ll offer tips and insight into how you can become a better disability confident employer. 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.
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.