Breaking: BBC: Northern Ireland to introduce 2 week circuit breaker
First Minister Arlene Foster has announced that Northern Ireland are invoking a two-week period of enhanced lockdown measures, in part coinciding with the half-trem break. Schools will close from Monday and pubs and restaurants face new restrictions from Friday evening, in a bid to stem cases of Covid-19. The moves are among new restrictions being imposed by the executive. Hospitality businesses will be limited to takeaway and delivery services for four weeks from Friday. Health officials had warned infections would rise further if both schools and hospitality premises remained open.
NI circuit breaker: New restrictions in full
Restaurant and bar owners react
The executive has agreed schools will close for two weeks, including the half-term holiday, until Monday 2 November, when their closure will be reviewed. Mrs Foster outlined the changes in a statement to assembly members. Further guidance is being issued that will also advise against unnecessary travel.
New 3 tier system comes into effect from today
The new 3 tier system announced by the Government on Monday comes into effect today across England. Areas without additional restrictions have been designated Tier 1 – areas of medium risk where the rule of 6 applies and pubs, bars and restaurants must close by 10pm. Tier 2 – designated High Risk where additional restrictions ban people from mixing indoors with anyone from outside their own household or support bubble and imposed on most areas of the North of England and some parts of the Midlands and Tier 3 – areas of Very High Risk, from today is only applicable to the Liverpool region. This includes the closure of all pubs and bars; restaurants serving significant meals may remain open. However, Government, regional leaders and Health officials are due to meet later today to discuss the possibility of Greater Manchester, Lancashire and some other areas joining the top tier 3 level.
BBC: Here are five unanswered questions about the system. With the ink barely dry on the new rules, pressure is growing on the prime minister to go further. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is calling for a so-called “circuit break” – a short-term period of lockdown to tackle the rise in cases. That was a plan recommended by the government’s own scientists – as we explain. Polling suggests there’s some desire for tougher action out there among the public.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Commenting on the news that Greater Manchester was designated to be in Tier 2 of the government’s new Covid alert system, Chris Fletcher, Director of Policy and Communications at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The news that Greater Manchester will be in Tier 2 will come as some relief especially for those businesses that have spent most of the last week trying to operate under the threat of another enforced closure. However questions still persist around the continued lack of an adequate financial support package for those who cannot operate normally and of course for any business that may be affected should the present status be amended and GM ends up in Tier 3.
“The virus must be stopped and it’s crucial that full attention is given to the worrying numbers that show the North West is the epicentre of the latest outbreak. However stopping the virus cannot come at any price and ongoing damage being done to the economy and community cannot be sustained. The lack of contact with local leaders by Whitehall is simply staggering at a time when it is absolutely needed most. We may have dodged a bullet for now but unless we bring the virus under control the very real danger is that we end up in Tier 3 later. Without adequate support ,funding, transparent planning and upfront, adequately timed communications by government this would be a disaster for the local economy.”
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.
Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 634,920 have tested positive (+ 17,234 new cases)
Loss of life: *43,018 across all settings (+143 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 795 cases 4 Oct to 10 Oct (+200 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 261 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 81)
Deaths in Stockport: 374 coronavirus-related registered to 02 October
Total cases in Stockport: 4,267 to 13 October (+140 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
COVID-19 surveillance
An overview of national surveillance programmes to understand how COVID-19 is present and affecting the wider population.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
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.
Wider unemployment rate remains ‘sedated’ by the furlough scheme
Following the ONS unemployment figures released yesterday, rise from 4.1% to 4.5%, a further rise in unemployment seems inevitable. Economist Jeremy Thomson-Cook commented: “You don’t need to be an economist to see the issues within the UK labour market summarised in today’s figures; a benefits claimant count of 2.7 million people driven by a record 114,000 redundancies on the quarter suggest that the end of the furlough scheme has come at a time where businesses are unable to hold on to staff. The wider unemployment rate has ticked higher but remains heavily sedated by the furlough scheme and we expect a push towards the 9% level – a doubling of current unemployment levels – in the coming 6-12 months. “As we head into another wider period of increased lockdowns we have to remain cognisant of the effect of these weaknesses on consumer confidence, business investment levels and the impact of inflation possible in some Brexit scenarios. For a lot of people caught up in this unemployment survey, winter is going to be very tough.”
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:
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response
This page provides guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus outbreak. It will be updated when new information is available.
EDUCATION:
Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care
Preventing and controlling infection, including the use of PPE, in education, childcare and children’s social care settings during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to include new guidance on the test and trace process, social care visits, shielding, staff who have been in close contact with a positive case and the use of face coverings.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): test kits for schools and FE providers
Guidance for schools and further education (FE) providers on the initial supply of coronavirus (COVID-19) home testing kits for pupils, teachers and staff – the ‘Making an order for additional coronavirus tests’ with additional information for schools and FE providers in particularly high risk areas who may be eligible for an additional delivery of test kits.
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Clinically extremely vulnerable receive updated advice tailored to local COVID alert levels
Clinically extremely vulnerable people in England will receive new guidance to help them reduce their risk from coronavirus, tailored to where they live.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring COVID-19 activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
COVID-19: impact on vaccination programmes
Reports assessing the impact of COVID-19-related physical distancing measures on delivery of childhood vaccination programmes in England – added latest report covering vaccine counts to week 39 and vaccine coverage to August 2020.
MHRA guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are producing guidance and information for industry, healthcare professionals
JUDICIARY:
Going to a court or tribunal during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to attend a hearing in person at a court or tribunal during the coronavirus outbreak.
LEGAL:
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can still do so while observing government guidance on social distancing, self-isolating and shielding.
How to register an EPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you need to register an EPA now, you can still do so while observing government guidance on social distancing, self-isolating and shielding.
PROPERTY:
Stock levels high in London compared with the rest of the UK
A prominent housing market analyst is warning that in 14 years of studying prices and transactions he has never seen the current level of disparity between London and the regions. The capital’s market is on its way to a “severe correction” according to Doug Shephard, director of the property website Home. Meanwhile it’s business as normal – or even better than normal – in many other parts of the country, he says. “Over the last six months, London sales stock levels have increased by 50 per cent. In a normal market this would be disquieting but not a huge concern as vendors could take their properties off the market and rent them out instead” explains Shephard in his latest market snapshot. However, the bad news for sellers is that the London rental market is already plagued by oversupply and rents are falling, especially in the central boroughs. Until February this year, rising rents supported residential property values in the capital: now they are dragging them down.”
RETAIL:
Morrisons launch Christmas box for isolating customers
Morrisons is today announcing it will be offering customers the UK’s easiest-to-buy Christmas dinner. Customers won’t need to beat the queues, select their items or even book a delivery slot. Instead, with a touch of a button, customers will be able to order a Christmas Dinner Box online and it will be delivered direct to their door just in time for the big day. With many families across the country self-isolating or avoiding supermarkets, Morrisons is launching the one stop shop 16-piece Christmas Dinner Box to take the stress out of festive food shopping. The dinner contains festive favourites such as Turkey and all the trimmings, a cheese board and crackers, deep-filled mince pies and a festive yule log.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – added information on local COVID alert levels.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – added information on local COVID alert levels.
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:
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.
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