UK HEADLINES:
Prime Minister outlines new 3 tier restrictions and where they apply
The prime minister has announced a new three-tier system of restrictions in England to try to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Every area will be classified as being on medium, high or very high alert – tiers one, two and three.
Following yesterday’s announcements about new covid alert levels for England, Stockport and Greater Manchester will fall within Tier 2 – High Alert. The new measures need to be voted on today by Parliament and will come into force from midnight tonight.
Local restrictions: areas with an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Areas with the lowest rates of infection will be placed in Tier One.
They will face the basic national rules currently in force including:
- Pubs, bars and restaurants will have to close at 22:00 BST
- The rule of six (number of people who can meet up) applies both indoors and outdoors
Areas in Tier Two face an extra level of restrictions:
– No mixing between different households indoors
– The rule of six only continues outdoors and now includes private gardens
Most areas of England which are already subject to local restrictions will be placed in Tier Two – although some places will face additional restrictions for the first time.
Read full details HERE
PM Commons statement on coronavirus: 12 October 2020
UK unemployment rises to 4.5%
The UK unemployment rate rose from 4.1% to 4.5% between June and August as the pandemic continued to hit jobs, official figures show. Figures increased by 138,000 over the three month period. According to the ONS, an estimated 1.5 million people were unemployed in the period, 209,000 more than a year earlier. There were almost 500,000 fewer people in work than in March. Redundancies rose to their highest level since 2009, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. It comes as the government prepares to impose tough local lockdown rules that will force some businesses to close.
Jonathan Athow, ONS deputy national statistician for economic statistics, commented: “Since the start of the pandemic there has been a sharp increase in those out of work and job hunting but more people telling us they are not actively looking for work. There has also been a stark rise in the number of people who have recently been made redundant.”
Rough sleepers to be helped to keep safe this winter
Support will give local areas the tools and funding they need to protect people from life-threatening cold weather and the risks posed by coronavirus.
Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 617,688 have tested positive (+ 13,972 new cases)
Loss of life: *42,875 across all settings (+50 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 782 cases 3 Oct to 9 Oct (+249 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 267 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 77)
Deaths in Stockport: 371 coronavirus-related registered to 25 September
Total cases in Stockport: 4,127 to 11 October (+159 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.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Slides, datasets and transcripts from press conferences at 10 Downing Street in response to coronavirus
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. Following yesterday’s announcements about new covid alert levels for England, Stockport and Greater Manchester will fall within Tier 2 – High Alert. The new measures need to be voted on today by Parliament and will come into force from midnight tonight.
Iconic Stockport hotel enters administration
Stockport’s Bredbury Hall has fallen into administration with the loss of 90 jobs. Administrators at business advisory firm FRP said it had experienced trading difficulties before closing that had resulted in increased creditor arrears and financial pressure. The venue was previously bought out of administration in 2015 by Bangladesh businessman Golam Sarwar, co-director of Newco Ventures Ltd, and underwent an extensive refurbishment.
North West venues to benefit from substantial Culture Recovery Fund
Venues across Stockport and the region are breathing a sigh of relief after receiving support from the first wave of funding from the Government and the Arts Council. NK Theatre Arts based at the Romiley Forum received £80,004 and Stockport Plaza Trust were awarded £213,611. A total of £257million will be shared across 1,385 venues. Round 1 awards are for applications under £1million.
Stockport Council accepting applications from businesses for Kickstart Jobs Scheme
Earlier this month, further details were announced about the Government’s Kickstart Jobs Scheme. The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create 6-month job placements for 16 to 24 year olds. 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.
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
AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people in England with animals
Advice for pet owners and livestock keepers on looking after the welfare of animals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This advice applies to England only.
Coming to the UK for seasonal agricultural work on English farms
Advice for seasonal agricultural workers coming to England to pick fruit and vegetables on farms, and their employers – updated with a link to guidance on COVID-19 alert levels.
COVID-19: Guidance for managing beaches, the countryside and coastal areas
Guidance for the owners and operators of beach, countryside and coastal destinations during COVID-19 – updated to reflect guidance on new local COVID alert levels
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
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).
Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Claim for some of your employee’s wages if you have put them on furlough or flexible furlough because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
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 – guidance on 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.
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support
Who can claim the support and how to apply.
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 (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus – updated with links to local COVID-19 alert levels.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for people in England with animals
Advice for pet owners and livestock keepers on looking after the welfare of animals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This advice applies to England only.
Ethnic minority communities and the elderly called upon to bolster the fight against coronavirus
Researchers are calling on more people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and the over 65s to volunteer for clinical studies through the NHS Vaccine Registry.
CONSTRUCTION:
Cold storage facilities on rise to meet growing demand
The demand for cold storage facilities has increased dramatically over the past year, driven mainly by 4% year on year growth of the UK’s frozen food industry.
COVID-19 and the associated lockdown, panic buying and stockpiling has also had a more recent impact on demand too, with supermarket sales of frozen food leaping by £194.8m, up 16.1%, in the 12 weeks to 18 April, and unit sales increasing by 12.4% – meaning an extra 82.2 million packs of frozen peas, fish fingers, chicken nuggets and the like – going through the tills, according to The Grocer.
Plus, with a no-deal Brexit stoking fears of longer supply chains due to extra border controls and additional paperwork, and additional consumer fears around future lockdowns driving another bout of stockpiling, demand is rapidly overwhelming the ability to supply, due to the lack of UK cold storage facilities.
This increase in demand and the limited availability of storage is creating new demand for cold storage development, and Real Estate investors are starting to take note.
EDUCATION:
MFL 2021 – technical consultation on implementing confirmed changes
Consultation on the criteria teachers should use when assessing speaking skills in GCSE modern foreign languages.
Conditions and requirements for the assessment of MFL GCSEs in 2021
Proposals to modify the assessment requirements for GCSEs in modern foreign languages in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Extraordinary regulatory framework: VTQ, Covid-19 Conditions and Requirements
This document sets out our regulatory requirements for awarding organisations offering vocational and technical qualifications during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – Extended Extraordinary regulatory framework: vocational and technical qualifications’ document added to reflect updated conditions as a result of consultation decisions on arrangements for the assessment and awarding of vocational, technical and other general qualifications in 2020 to 2021 – Part 2.
Vocational and technical qualification assessments in 2021
Ofqual publishes regulatory arrangements on adapting vocational and technical qualifications and assessments in 2021.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Social Care Sector COVID-19 Support Taskforce: report on first phase of COVID-19 pandemic
This report sets out the progress and learning from the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in informing advice and recommendations to government and the social care sector – added How Coronavirus has affected people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Supported living services during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for providers of supported living settings.
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation.
Summary of the effectiveness and harms of different non-pharmaceutical interventions, 16 September 2020
A paper summarising the effectiveness and harms of non-pharmaceutical interventions.
Fifty-eighth SAGE meeting on COVID-19, 21 September 2020
Minutes from the fifty-eighth SAGE meeting on COVID-19.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
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 – guidance updated regarding local COVID alert levels.
PPE deliveries (England): 5 October to 11 October 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
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. Link to local COVID Alert Levels guidance in England added.
Keeping court and tribunal buildings safe, secure and clean
This page provides details about security, cleaning and social-distancing arrangements in court and tribunal buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Local authority powers to impose restrictions under coronavirus regulations
Supports the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.3) Regulations 2020 that come into force on 18 July 2020 – added to ‘examples of premises which would form part of essential infrastructure’: ‘individual hospitality settings’ and ‘where safe and feasible, delivery takeaway options should be allowed to continue operating’.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice to local authorities on prioritising waste collections
A guide to help waste collectors prioritise their collection services during the coronavirus pandemic. This includes managing household waste recycling centres – updated guidance on managing household waste and recycling centres with a link to local COVID-19 alert levels.
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
Guidance for those managing council buildings.
PROPERTY:
Covid set to dominate 2021 – what agents need to consider
The Guild of Property Professionals has set out what it thinks letting agents should be considering in the short, medium and long terms as Britain battles a pandemic likely to continue throughout much of next year at least.
Short Term: From a lettings perspective, with the furlough scheme coming to an end, rent may become more difficult to collect.
Medium Term: The emphasis here, McKenzie insists, is on agents emphasising their local expertise.
Long Term: In challenging market conditions, good agents will prevail because of their exceptional customer care, predicts the Guild. It adds that if there is a tougher market ahead, there will be opportunities for good agents to increase their market share and their business footprint by showing they are the best and safest agents to be entrusted to sell the property.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – adding instructions about promoting use of the NHS COVID-19 app.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – adding instructions about using the NHS COVID-19 app.
Jet2 suspends Algarve and mainland Spain until February 2021
For all three destinations all holidays departing up to and including 10 February 2021 will automatically be cancelled with a full refund excluding any previous administration or cancellation fees and customers will be issued with a cancellation invoice. The refund will show on the next statement. No action is required by the travel agent. Flights will start to recommence from 11 February 2021, and this is subject to Jet2’s flying programme.
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:
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.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
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
The SMBC website has 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.
Coronavirus image: Image by Thiago Lazarino from Pixabay