Breaking: According to the BBC, Downing Street has told Greater Manchester leaders that the region will go onto ‘very high’ alert status but agreements regarding financial support are still being negotiated.
GM Mayor threatens legal action against region Tier 3 rating
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, is fighting against the region being designated a Very High area and reclassified as a Tier 3 rated area where greater restrictions would be introduced in an effort to stem the rise in coronavirus cases. Mr Burnham is this morning expected to hold discussions with Downing Street officials. He has warned that he will bring legal action if such measures are imposed. Government health officials are reportedly recommending that most of the North West and North East of England, as well as parts of Yorkshire and the Midlands, should be moved into the most severe tier which would result in pubs, bars, casinos and betting shops closing for a four-week period. It would also see households banned from mixing, including in outside areas. Currently, Liverpool City Region is the only area in England to have been placed into Tier Three. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is arguing instead for a “circuit-breaker” approach – a short, limited lockdown – to bring the virus under control. In London, however, Mayor Sadiq Khan is backing an increase to the second highest level of restrictions, saying the move is likely “very soon, possibly this week”. However, both are demanding greater financial support for businesses affected by the curbs on activity. Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to update MPs on the latest measures in a Commons statement later. A variation on that approach was announced for Northern Ireland yesterday.
Wales introduces travel ban from high-Covid parts of the UK
A travel ban to Wales could be in place by the end the week for visitors from areas with high Covid infection rates in other parts of the UK. First Minister Mark Drakeford this afternoon announced he was bringing forward powers to put travel restrictions in place for people from “high prevalence” areas of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This would stop half term breaks to areas like Anglesey and Gwynedd for people from parts of the UK with high transmission rates, like Liverpool. Local rules in Wales already stop people entering counties in lockdown. He said action was being taken due to the failure of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to impose a travel ban on high Covid areas in England.
Ryanair set for further job cuts as winter capacity reduced to 40%
Budget airline Ryanair has announced that further redundancies are on the horizon with the reduction of its winter schedule. The firm has confirmed that its winter schedule will be reduced from 60 per cent to 40 per cent of the prior year’s capacity, due to increased flight restrictions imposed by EU governments across Europe. In addition to the winter closure of bases in Cork, Shannon, and Toulouse, Ryanair has announced ‘significant’ base aircraft cuts in Belgium, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Vienna.
Read more at Bdaily
Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 654,644 have tested positive (+ 19,724 new cases)
Loss of life: *43,155 across all settings (+137 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 856 cases 5 Oct to 11 Oct (+225 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 292 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 89)
Deaths in Stockport: 374 coronavirus-related registered to 02 October
Total cases in Stockport: 4,378 to 14 October (+111 on previous week)
*Daily reported COVID deaths are 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 in England is 1.2 -1.5 and the growth rate range is +4% to +8% per day as of 9 October 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.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Greater Manchester: local restrictions
Find out what you can and cannot do if you live, work or travel in the affected areas – a new system called ‘local COVID alert levels’ will be introduced in England on 14 October.
Stockport Council accepting applications from businesses for Kickstart Jobs Scheme
Earlier this month, further details were announced about the Government’s Kickstart Jobs Scheme.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
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
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
Defer your Self-Assessment payment on account due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Check what you need to do after 31 July 2020 if you chose to defer your second payment on account for the 2019 to 2020 tax year.
Coronavirus and the latest indicators for the UK economy and society: 15 October 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.
Skills required to thrive in a new world of travel
Agents who hone their digital and communication skills will be best placed to survive the crisis, says Bernhard Steffens, SVP, Business Travel Agencies NECSE and WEMEA at Amadeus. As technology continues to evolve, the industry must too. An enhanced implementation of AI and smart technology will see travel agents evolve from being travel bookers to well-rounded travel consultants. According to Amadeus’ latest report, 46% of travel agency business leaders will invest in automation over the next five years, followed by dynamic pricing (35%) and mobile strategy (35%).
EnterprisingYou Instagram Goes Live!
Lots of self-employed business owners promote products and tell their customers about their services using Instagram, and we’re proud to announce that you can now follow EnterprisingYou on Instagram. We will be posting a range of exciting content including testimonials, good news stories and updates on some of the great work going on with businesses in your area. You can follow our new page by following the link: https://www.instagram.com/enterprisingyou/
HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics
HMT management information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.
Treasury Direction made under Sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020
Treasury Direction in relation to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Job Retention Bonus.
Kickstart Scheme: promotional materials
Use these materials to promote the Kickstart Scheme to employers and potential job placement participants.
The JRS scheme closes on 31?????? October and you will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? November.
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.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus: How to help safely
Across the UK people are playing their part and providing essential support to their friends and family who are in isolation.
COVID-19: reducing transmission – what you can do to help
Advice on how you can help reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England updated to incorporate changes in regulations, as they affect weddings and civil partnerships, announced by the Prime Minister on 12 October 2020.
CONSTRUCTION:
Kendals Manchester set to boost regions economic recovery
Plans to transform Manchester’s iconic Kendals building on Deansgate into office space are expected to “play an important role in creating jobs and kick-starting the city centre’s economic recovery”. The proposals have been brought forward by the site’s owner, Investec, and designed by Sheppard Robson Architects. They are looking to add about 500,000 sq ft of space by reviving the grade II-listed asset – currently home to House of Fraser – and replacing the multi-storey car park building behind it. If redeveloped, the site is expected to support almost 4,000 jobs and inject more than £300m into the local economy.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
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 with details on the new methodology for people tested and people testing positive. Added details about the NHS COVID-19 app.
NHS Test and Trace (England) and coronavirus testing (UK) statistics: 1 October to 7 October 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 19 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England and coronavirus testing (UK).
Vulnerable children and young people survey
A summary of local authority survey in England to help understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak on children’s social care.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updates to the following documents to bring them in line with the current testing programme: Testing for coronavirus: privacy information: quick read and Testing for coronavirus: privacy information.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features.
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
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Local authority preparations for Remembrance Sunday
Information for councils in England on how to ensure those hosting local Remembrance events can do so safely.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: Guidance: Local COVID alert levels: what you need to know; Announcement: Prime Minister announces new local COVID Alert Levels; Announcement: Clinically extremely vulnerable receive updated advice tailored to local COVID alert levels; Announcement: Rough sleepers to be helped to keep safe this winter; Guidance: Local authority preparations for Remembrance Sunday.
SERVICE PERSONNEL:
COVID-19: update on changes to Veterans UK Services
Due to ongoing COVID-19 precautions, there are changes to Veterans UK services. You can find the latest information here.
Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)
JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel – added: Directed Letter: Continuity of education allowance (CEA) – regulatory flexibility in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) – (including Annex A and B and Appendix 1 to Annex B) and deleted 2 out of date documents.
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.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
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 to view webinar
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 – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
LATEST LINKS:
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert level: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
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.
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
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 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.
October 22nd: Coronavirus News Updates 
Greater Manchester enters Tier 3 restrictions from 00.01 am Friday 23rd October