Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 307,184 have tested positive + 892 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 46,364 across all settings + 65
Patients in hospital: 1,152 – 77 patients on a ventilator
Daily admissions: 183
Cases in Stockport: 1,791 positive tests – up 9 cases
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:
Bank of England: Coronavirus downturn less severe than feared
The UK economic slump caused by Covid-19 will be less severe than expected, but the recovery will also take longer, the Bank of England has said. The faster easing of lockdown measures and a “more rapid” pick-up in consumer spending meant the economy bounced-back earlier than it assumed in May. Spending on clothing and household goods were back to pre-Covid levels. However, the Bank warned of a “material” rise in unemployment this year as it held interest rates at 0.1%. Governor Andrew Bailey said recent data suggested the recovery in consumer spending was gaining traction, while spending on food and energy bills remained above pre-Covid levels.
Largest testing programme for coronavirus shows virus continued to decline in June
The second monthly REACT-1 report from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI has been published, showing how the virus has spread in England.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
LATEST: Coronavirus update from Director Of Public Health, Stockport:
The council is working very closely with our partners in the borough and throughout Greater Manchester. The seven day rate of positive tests per 100,000 people in Stockport has risen to 25.9 for the week ending 01/08/20 (up from 15.7 in the week ending 25/07/20 and 7.2 the week before that). This means that the transmission of coronavirus within the borough is still increasing and together we need to do all we can to try to stop the spread of Coronavirus.
We are providing advice and support to the care sector, businesses, hospitality sector and other settings to help prevent outbreaks, and acting quickly when an outbreak is identified. We are also targeting our engagement with groups where we are seeing rises in positive tests – in particular teenagers and younger adults, but also the 40-49 age group – so that we can reinforce messages about how to follow the current restrictions and stay safe.
We fully understand that many people have missed seeing friends and family over the last few months. Despite the current restrictions on meeting with other households in indoor settings such as homes, gardens, pubs and restaurants, residents can still meet up to six people outdoors – for example, in a park or the outdoor area of a pub or restaurant – providing you socially distance from one another. As well as limiting your contact with other households, socially distancing, wearing a face covering and regular hand washing are still the most effective way to stay safe. For a full list of what you can and can’t do and frequently asked questions please visit the GOV.UK website.
Stockport residents have responded really well on the whole throughout the pandemic to the advice put in place to protect us all. We are very grateful for the fantastic community spirit we have seen throughout the last few months and the continued efforts of the people of Stockport to keep one another safe. We ask that these efforts continue and that residents follow the latest guidance so that together we can stop the spread of Coronavirus.
Jennifer Connolly, Director of Public Health at Stockport Council
Self-employed support scheme shares positive feedback
EnterprisingYou, a government funded programme to support self-employed and gig economy workers in Greater Manchester, has shared positive feedback for its business coaches for their work during lockdown.
Delivered by The Growth Company, EnterprisingYou offers a six month, bespoke programme of support for free for Greater Manchester’s estimated 65,000 freelancers, small business owners and gig economy workers. Support covers areas from skills and training, career and business aspirations, health and wellbeing, and finances and housing concerns.
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.
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.
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 5,352 grants bringing the total amount paid to £61,440,000 and bringing the total to 97.7% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020.
Local Authority Discretionary Grant funding scheme
Status of LAD Payments to date:
Applications: 758
Payments: £1,391,000
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:
CONSTRUCTION:
Planning revolution to open housing market to smaller builders
A radical overhaul of the planning system will be a “major boost” to SME builders. The Government wants smaller housing developers and contractors to be “key players in getting the country building on the scale needed to drive our economic recovery.” SME builders have seen their share of the new housing development market drop from 40% 30 years ago to just 12% today. The complex planning system is seen as a major hurdle for smaller firms. Now Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has unveiled plans for a major overhaul of the system with his Planning for the future White Paper.
DIGITAL, IT & TECHNOLOGY:
UKTCG urges Government to prioritise grassroots expectations ahead of Digital Strategy
The government has been urged to prioritise the establishment of new product-led tech start-ups across the country ahead of its upcoming Digital Strategy, in a new report released by the UK Tech Cluster Group (UKTCG) today. The UKTCG, a self-assembled group of individuals and organisations which support geographical clusters of technology and digital businesses across the UK, has outlined seven key recommendations to unlock the potential of the UK’s tech sector following the economic impact of Covid-19. Delivering a Recovery Roadmap Summit on June 23rd, the Group brought together hundreds of tech stakeholders, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs in a one day virtual event to explore and develop ideas on how to both help the tech sector grow as part of the UK’s economic recovery and to better understand how digital can accelerate the recovery of other sectors too. The first of its kind event, conducted via a series of interactive workshops, highlighted the disproportionate impact that Covid-19 has had on the UK’s regions and nations. Sessions shared knowledge and best practice, considering ways in which towns and cities can come together to recover and reboot, while exploring how the tech sector can be harnessed to support local communities. Today’s report captures the learnings from the day and presents seven policy recommendations to meet the expectations of grassroots communities from across the UK.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Tier 4 sponsors, migrants and short-term students
Guidance for Tier 4 sponsors, migrants and short-term students on temporary concessions in response to the outbreak of coronavirus – added information for sponsors of distance learners and that students who star a course by distance learning outside the UK must be granted a visa before travelling to the UK.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for Tier 2, 4 and 5 sponsors
This is advice for Tier 2, 4 and 5 visa sponsors in the UK who are sponsoring those affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) – added that: if a student stops engaging with their distance learning for more than 30 days, whether overseas or in the UK, sponsors must withdraw sponsorship. Before travelling to the UK, students starting a course by distance learning must have a CAS and a Tier 4 visa.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 6 August 2020
Early experimental data on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the UK economy and society. These faster indicators are created using rapid response surveys, novel data sources and experimental methods.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
Oral health
Information and resources for dental public health practitioners to improve oral health and reduce inequalities in England – added ‘COVID-19: mouth care for patients with a confirmed or suspected case’.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): 23 July to 29 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 9 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.
DHSC testing and tracing statistics: information for users
A summary of explanatory information to support users of DHSC coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and tracing statistics – updated to correct an error in how the number of people tested relates to the number of positive cases.
COVID-19: mouth care for patients with a confirmed or suspected case
Guidance on mouth care for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 who are non-ventilated, ventilated and those having step down or end of life care.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact tracing data in its weekly reports – updated to correct an error in how the number of people tested relates to the number of positive cases and to add further details on which cases are transferred to NHS Test and Trace.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features.
REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: June 2020 results
Results of real-time assessment of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) during June 2020.
COVID-19: PHE laboratory assessments of inactivation methods
PHE has undertaken assessments of inactivation methods against SARS-CoV-2 with further evaluations ongoing – added 12 SARS-CoV-2 inactivation testing interim reports.
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.
PROPERTY:
Coronavirus is re-shaping lettings demands, say lettings agency
Research by a lettings agency suggests the pandemic has radically reshaped tenants’ demands. – and the process is still going on. Benham and Reeves surveyed over 1,700 tenants asking them to rank several rental property features on their importance, before comparing this to the same survey results from last year. The 2020 figures show that fast broadband is the most sought after feature as a potential future of working from home looms – this was only the second most sought after feature in the previous survey before the pandemic. The more significant changes have been the prioritisation of outside space and the availability of nearby green areas such as parks.
Average sale price is £13k below asking, new survey shows
The proportion of the asking price achieved on average in the past year is 95.8 per cent according to a new survey. Comparison website GetAgent – analysing data from property portals cross-referenced with HM Land Registry and relating to England and Wales – says there are significant regional variations but that on average this discount means sellers get some £13,300 below their original average asking price of £319,789. The best performing location in terms of sale price almost matching asking price has been Sheffield on 99.2 per cent. Bradford (98.6 per cent), Salford (98.5 per cent), Trafford (98.4 per cent) and Manchester (98.2 per cent) also come close, indicating a sought-after market in the north west of England.
RETAIL:
New car sales rise for first time since 2019
The registrations of new cars in the UK rose for the first time this year in July, according to new figures. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported a 11.3 per cent increase during the month with 174,887 cars registered as dealerships across the whole of the UK opened for their first full month of trading since February. However, overall registrations are still down by 41.9 per cent or 598,054 vehicles in the year to date. Despite the increase in July, SMMT’s full-year outlook is for a 30 per cent decline in registrations, representing more than £20bn of lost sales. Private demand saw the most significant growth with a 20.4 per cent increase in registrations, primarily a result of consumers finally being able to renew their cars after lockdown had forced them to delay.
RURAL AFFAIRS:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read this page for regular updates – update CS Mid-Tier information following 31 July deadline, and including reference to 31 August exception process deadline; removal of CS small grants following 31 July deadline.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode, published every Wednesday.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
MPs urge Government to improve travel corridor messaging
The government must make “significant changes” to the way in which it communicates any further changes in countries’ quarantine status, a cross-party committee of MPs has advised. The Home Office select committee on Wednesday (5 August) said while it welcomed the decision to reintroduce border measures and provide exemptions through quarantine-free travel corridors, it was vital the government published the traffic light assessments, prepared by its Joint Biosecurity Centre, to ensure travellers have up-to-date information on the risks of travelling to a specific destination.
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.
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