Lancashire agrees to move into Tier 3
A deal involving enhanced financial support of £12million has been agreed with leaders in Lancashire to move the region into the most restricted Tier 3 level. This will affect Blackpool, Lancaster, Blackburn with Darwen where 1144 pubs will be forced to close for 4 weeks. Closures will also be enforced on betting shops, and casinos. No socialising within households, pubs to close unless sell substantial food, no overnight stays, rule of 6 applies.
DCMO coronavirus briefing, situation report 14 to 15 October 2020
Data slides presented by the Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) for Lancashire, Greater Manchester and London.
GM Mayor fights on against region Tier 3 rating
The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, is continuing the fighting against the region being designated a Tier 3 – Very High Level – area where greater restrictions would be introduced in an effort to stem the rise in coronavirus cases. He has warned that he will bring legal action if such measures are imposed. Yesterday, talks led by Mr Burnham and Greater Manchester leaders appear to have stalled. Speaking yesterday evening, and clearly angry, Andy said that the region is fighting back for fairness and will continue to stand firm with local leaders unanimously opposed to moving to tier 3:
“Ministers “are asking us to gamble our residents’ jobs, homes and businesses and a large chunk of our economy on a strategy that their own experts tell them might not work. Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region and Lancashire are being set up as the canaries in the coal mine for an experimental regional lockdown strategy as an attempt to prevent the expense of what is truly needed.
He added: “This is an important moment. Greater Manchester will stand firm. We are fighting back for fairness and for the health of our people in the broadest sense.”
Andy is arguing instead for a “circuit-breaker” approach – a short, limited lockdown – to bring the virus under control. View the full speech from Andy on the BBC
Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, Foreign secretary Dominic Raab said: “Ultimately we need to take action” warning that the Government can’t have a situation where the government is held over a “barrel over money and politics.”
He urged Andy Burnham to do the “right thing by the people of Manchester.
Mr Raab said the government would “hold in reserve the ability” to impose stricter restrictions.
Stockport Business Recovery: Hospitality sector discusses latest restrictions
As the hospitality continues to fear for its future amid tighter covid-driven restrictions, leading figures in the sector discussed their frustration and what needs to be addressed now to protect the industry for the future.
The CEO of the British Beer & Pub Association Emma McClarkin, William Robinson and David Bremner – managing director and marketing director respectively from Robinsons Brewery; Andrew O’Shea – independent brewer from the Mounting Stone micro pub in Bramhall; Ian O’Donnell – head of public protection at Stockport Council and Richard Mortimer – head of economy work and skills at Stockport Council. Topics discussed include: the state of the sector; common issues and concerns; how and why the sector is lobbying government to protect the hospitality trade; what advice, guidance and financial support is available on both a local and national basis; and the key points that need to be prioritised moving forward: clearer messaging, a review of the 10pm curfew, a more collaborative, democratic approach to take on board the sector insight and advice and for the Government to provide evidence in their decision making. Watch the full video:
https://skbusinessrecovery.co.uk/hospitality/
Wales introduces travel ban from high-Covid parts of the UK
A travel ban to Wales begins at 6pm this evening for visitors from areas with high Covid infection rates in other parts of the UK. Half-term term breaks to areas like Anglesey and Gwynedd will be banned.
Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 673,622 have tested positive (+ 18,980 new cases)
Loss of life: *43,293 across all settings (+138 in last 24 hours)
Cases in Stockport: 824 cases 6 Oct to 12 Oct (+104 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 281 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 89)
Deaths in Stockport: 374 coronavirus-related registered to 02 October
Total cases in Stockport: 4,478 to 15 October (+100 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:
At least 2,000 jobs at Manchester Airport are now said to be at risk, the Manchester Evening News has reported.
Union bosses have warned of a ‘bleak Christmas for many’. It comes after Manchester Airports Group (MAG) last week confirmed 465 jobs at the airport were at risk, with a further 427 job losses at its East Midlands and Stansted airports. Since March, it’s estimated an additional 1,561 roles have been put at risk by external airport contractors. With one terminal at the hub closed, staff already on a 10 per cent pay cut and the government furlough scheme now coming to an end, the plight of Manchester Airport and its dedicated workforce reflects the strain on the aviation sector as a whole, amid appeals for more government support.
Stockport businesses access to free tools to build online digital offer
Greater Manchester businesses, including those in Stockport, impacted by COVID will be offered free support to build their online presence and reach a wider market as part of a new scheme. The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Business Growth Hub have partnered with THG Ingenuity, the Technology Services division of Manchester-based THG, a global technology platform specialising in taking brands direct-to-consumers, to launch Greater Manchester Digital Drive, an initiative which provides businesses with free access to “off the shelf” tools to help them get online or improve their existing digital offer. Through the initiative, businesses will be able to access THG Ingenuity’s Dotable platform so they can create and host a website for free for up to 12 months, building an online presence without any financial investment or risk. The service offers them the chance to diversify in the current climate and test whether an online presence will help to drive more business and awareness.
Greater Manchester: local restrictions
Find out what you ‘currently’ 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:
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This document sets out guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact 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.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure.
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 and the social impacts on Great Britain: 16 October 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 7 to 11 October 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings.
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Guidance to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities and includes a checklist for special religious services and gatherings.
Visiting care homes during coronavirus
Guidance for making arrangements for limited visits for care homes with the support of their director of public health.
CONSTRUCTION:
HM Revenue & Customs warned construction companies this week to prepare for controversial changes to the IR35 rules.
The revenue sent letters out to the industry confirming that the changes will go-ahead from next April. Industry experts said the move will “go down like a lead balloon” with companies and contractors fighting for survival during the Covid crisis. Current rules allow workers to be employed via a personal service company (PSC) which determines whether IR35 tax rules should apply. That responsibility will shift from next April to contractors who will determine employment status. Freelance workers fear losing out through higher tax payments while contractors would also face bigger bills from direct employment. The changes were due to come into force in April 2020 but were pushed-back due to the coronavirus outbreak.
EDUCATION:
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Sets out what further education (FE) providers need to know for the autumn term so that students of all ages can benefit from their education and training in full – updated guidance on local outbreaks and shielding or self-isolation.
Extraordinary regulatory framework: General Qualifications, COVID-19 Conditions and Requirements
This document sets out our regulatory requirements for awarding organisations offering general qualifications during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We have added a notice on 16 October 2020 to ensure, non-exam assessment for the summer 2021 series can take place in all relevant GCSE, AS and A level subjects (this would otherwise be prohibited by Condition GQCov2), and awarding organisations can, but do not have to, offer assessment opportunities for Advanced Extension Awards and Extended Project Qualifications as part of the autumn 2020 series. Transitional and saving provisions are in place and these ensure all appeals arising from the summer 2020 series will continue to be governed by the relevant parts of the GQ ERF. Our normal requirements for appeals (specified in the relevant Qualification Level Conditions) will apply to assessments taken in autumn 2020.
Higher education: reopening buildings and campuses
How higher education (HE) providers can minimise risk and information about NHS test and trace channels – updated higher education guidance with reference to new 3 tiers of COVID-19 (coronavirus) measures.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): looking after people who lack mental capacity
Guidance for health and social care staff who are caring for, or treating, a person who lacks the relevant mental capacity.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey pilot: England, Wales and Northern Ireland, 16 October 2020
Estimates for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England and Wellcome Trust.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated
SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing: assurance of positive results during periods of low prevalence
Guidance for procedures to be implemented in laboratories to provide assurance of positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA results during periods of low prevalence – added information on the determination of COVID-19 during periods of low prevalence.
Explaining ethnic background contrasts in deaths involving Coronavirus (COVID-19): England, 2 March to 28 July 2020
To provide updated estimates of mortality involving Coronavirus (COVID-19) by ethnic group, religious group and disability status covering the period 2 March to 28 July 2020. To investigate the additional explanatory power of hospital based co-morbidity on ethnic background contrasts in mortality involving COVID-19, building on previous models published by ONS.
Distributing vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 and flu
We want your views on proposed changes to the Human Medicine Regulations to help with the safe and efficient distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine and expanded flu vaccine programme in the UK, along with treatments for COVID-19 and any other diseases that become pandemic.
JUDICIARY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and prisons
This page provides guidance for families and friends of those in prison in England and Wales during the coronavirus pandemic.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
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.
Local authority preparations for Remembrance Sunday
Information for councils in England on how to ensure those hosting local Remembrance events can do so safely.
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.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
The FCDO has a global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, but exempts destinations that do not pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers.
Changes to travel corridors for Italy & Crete
Transport secretary Grant Shapps said in a tweet: “We are removing Italy, Vatican City and San Marino from the travel corridor list. However, note that the implementation date is moved to 4am on Sunday 18 October and applies UK-wide. If you arrive from these destinations you will need to self-isolate.”
A joint Department for Transport and Foreign Office statement said: “Data has indicated the weekly cases and test positivity are increasing in Italy and so ministers have taken the decision to remove the destinations.” But there was better news for the Greek island of Crete with its travel corridor due to be restored from 4am on Sunday. “If you arrive from Crete, you will no longer need to self-isolate,” said Shapps. “Also this week, the whole of the UK is now aligned with our advice around all of the Greek islands.”
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – updated family and private visa concession and loss of income information.
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:
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.