DAILY STATISTICS
Latest BBC UK data:
Positive tests: 1,787,783 have tested positive (+ 20,964 new cases)
Loss of life: 63,082 across all settings (+ 516 new deaths)
Hospital admissions: 1,464 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 356 cases 30 Nov to 06 Dec (-15 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 121 cases per 100,000 30 Nov – 06 Dec (England area average: 131)
Deaths in Stockport: 453 coronavirus-related registered to 27 November
Total cases in Stockport: 11,003 to 09 December
R rate in England: 0.8-1.0
The latest published data can found here
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 for the UK is 0.8 -1.0 and the growth rate range is 0% to -2% to 0% per day as of 4 December 2020.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
Canary Islands removed from safe travel list
There’s bad news for anyone from the UK hoping to fly off for some winter sun this Christmas. Transport secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the decision to axe the Canaries travel corridor in a tweet on Thursday afternoon (10 December). Those arriving in England from the Canaries as of 4am on Saturday (12 December) will need to self-isolate for two weeks. It comes just six weeks after the Canaries was added to the list on Sunday 25 October.
Reacting to the news, Advantage Travel Partnership chief executive Julia Lo Bue-Said said: “And this is why the travel industry cannot recover from the illogical travel corridor measures and why travel agents are among the worst hit businesses as demonstrated by the ONS data released today.
Rory Boland, Which? Travel editor, added: “There is a lot to debate in the approach the government has taken to travel corridors, but one thing is certain – removing the Canary Islands this close to the winter sun season is going to send some holiday companies bankrupt.”
“Strong possibility” of no-deal Brexit as negotiations snag on fishing rightsThe prime minister has warned that there is a “strong possibility” that no trade deal will be struck as the UK leaves the EU. Boris Johnson has said that it is likely that the country will now leave the European Union without striking a trade deal, meaning that the UK’s relationship with the union would be similar to Australia’s. The main areas still being negotiated are fishing rights and economic fair play. Sunday is the deadline for the two sides to agree on the terms of the UK’s departure, with a no-deal Brexit being the default. This means that the country’s trade with Europe will be subject to tariffs.Business Secretary urges organisations to take action ahead of end to Brexit transition
There is now less than three weeks until the end of the transition period. It is vital that businesses act now to avoid disruptions to operations in the new year. Regardless of a business’ size or sector, it will need to comply with new regulations from 1st January ahead of the UK’s new relationship with the European Union. There will be changes to:
- the way you import and export goods;
- the process for hiring people from the EU;
- the way you provide services in EU markets.
The action necessary will vary from business to business. There are a number of government resources available to help determine what action is needed.
Read more here
BBC: Hospitality sector clinging on to survive Covid-19
The hospitality sector will be “decimated” by the new Covid tiers, according to bar chain owner Martin Greenhow, who says it “isn’t viable to operate” under the conditions. Mr Greenhow, who has bars in cities including Manchester, says the measures are “a mortal blow” to the sector. It comes as more pub groups have been forced to make additional job cuts. Mitchells & Butlers, owner of the All Bar One and Harvester chains, revealed it had cut 1,300 jobs while Fuller Smith & Turner made 350 redundancies. On the Friday before lockdown, Mr Greenhow’s Manchester bar took £175. On the same Friday night a year before, it took £10,000. Industry experts predict that 100,000 pubs may never reopen.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Almond Family announce the closure of two popular Stockport pubs
The Almond family have announced the closure of two of their six pubs as a result of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a joint statement from Doug, James & Vicki, the Almond family explained why they have had to close The Three Bears in Hazel Grove along with The Hesketh in Cheadle Hulme:
“We are writing today to tell you that we have sadly chosen to hand in our notice to the relevant breweries to leave the Three Bears & The Hesketh as a result of the pandemic. We would like to reassure you that these decisions have not been taken lightly. All of our pubs have felt the financial impact of Covid 19 but these two have been hit the hardest, beyond viability for us. It is now unlikely either pub will reopen before their respective notice periods finish. However, if our Tier changes to make business viable, we might and we would of course let you know.”
The family don’t expect any immediate job losses as the staff should transfer to new owners and are hoping that the area will soon be relegated to Tier 2:“We remain hopeful that Greater Manchester will be placed in Tier 2 later this month and if this is the case we will be reopening our other four pubs. We are taking bookings from 17th onwards, and we have removed the need for a deposit on all days other than Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Transport for the North Annual Conference – applications close today
Not long to go until our Annual Conference – registration will close today, Friday 11th December at 6pm and there’s just a few tickets left to secure your free space. This is your last chance to get your FREE ticket to #TfN20 – our Annual Conference talking all things North, investment, transport, levelling up and more!
Speakers include:
- Andrew Stephenson MP | Member of Parliament for Pendle
- Chris Heaton-Harris MP | Member of Parliament for Daventry
- Andrew Jones MP | Member of Parliament for Harrogate & Knaresborough
- Lord Heseltine
- Doug Oakervee | Chair, The Oakervee Review
- Mayor Andy Burnham | Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Mayor Dan Jarvis | Sheffield City Region
- Mayor Steve Rotheram | Liverpool City Region
- Councillor Judith Blake | West Yorkshire Combined Authority
- Councillor Louise Gittins | Cheshire West & Chester Council
- County Councillor Michael Green | Lancashire County Council
- Dr Danielle Densley Tingley | Decarbon8
- Lorna Pimlott | Director of Sponsorship & Policy, Phase 2, HS2 Ltd
- Frances Coppola | Economist
#TfN20 takes place from 10.30am to 2pm on Monday 14 December
MEN: Latest rates show South Manchester boroughs below national average
Public Health data from the week ending December 6 shows that boroughs which lie south of the city now have an infection rate lower than the national average.
It comes as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the disparity in rates could see the conurbation split up into different tiers when the government come to review the system next week. He added that leaders would prefer to see the region move ‘as one,’ but accepted that discussions would need to take place with local MPs in the coming days. Both Trafford and Stockport have remained among the lowest end of the spectrum in recent weeks, with infection rates down to 85.5 and 21.3 per 100,000 people on December 6.
Business grant schemes designed to provide support in and out of lockdown
There are a number of business grant schemes available that cover different periods of time and different situations, such as being under national lockdown.
Updated with info for businesses to check on eligibility etc. to the new grants: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19#support-for-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-restrictions
The Council currently has two live business grant schemes – both for businesses that have a business rates liability, and they are for the following circumstances:
- For the period of being in Tier 3 from 23/10/20 to 04/11/20 – link to guidance and applications is here – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers
- For the period of new national restrictions (lockdown) from 05/11/20 – link to guidance and applications is here – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers/local-restrictions-support-grant-5th-november
Payments made to those venues that were require to close in March 2020 and have remained closed since, e.g.: Nightclubs. Payment will be made for the period 1st to 4th November. Eligible businesses will be entitled to receive a National Lockdown grant from 5th November 2020.
The Council’s Discretionary Grant Schemes for businesses are now open for applications.
There are two schemes available for eligible, qualifying businesses:
- The Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses), and;
- The Additional Restrictions Grant (for the latest period of National Restrictions from 04/11/20 and 02/12/20)
Information about the grant schemes, eligibility and the online application form are available at this link – Discretionary Grant Schemes – Stockport Council
It is anticipated that there will be a high volume of applications and contacts to be processed so it will not be possible for members of the team to respond to individual enquiries at this time.”
Grant payments made to 07/12/2020:
National Lockdown Scheme:
A single payment made to businesses who are required to close by Government between 5th November 2020 and 2nd December 2020.
1,170 issued / £1,754,284 – cumulative value
Local Restrictions Grant Scheme (Closed):
Stockport was placed in Tier 3 restrictions for a period of 13 days prior to National Lockdown commencing on 5th November 2020. Therefore Tier3 payments made will be pro-rata for 13 days.
110 issued / £81,891
Local Restrictions Support Grant (Sector):
Payments made to those venues that were require to close in March 2020 and have remained closed since, e.g.: Nightclubs. Payment will be made for the period 1st to 4th November. Eligible businesses will be entitled to receive a National Lockdown grant from 5th November 2020.
1 issued / £285.71
Number of applications as at 07/12.2020:
Received: 1,582
Paid: 1,281
% of applications paid: 80.9%
Discretionary Grants as at 10/12/2020:
Received: 400
Processed: 153 (38.3%)
£s issued: £160,896
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:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest insights
An interactive tool to explore the latest data and trends about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from ONS and other sources.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – edited the ‘Employer claim information that HMRC will make public’ section with information that from February HMRC will publish information about employers who claim for periods starting on or after 1 December 2020. From February furloughed employees will be able to see details of claims made for them after 1 December 2020 in their Personal Tax Account on GOV.?UK.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – information has been updated that employers do not need to be facing a wider reduction in demand or be closed to be eligible to claim for employees who are clinically extremely vulnerable or at the highest risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out what steps you need to take before you calculate how much you can claim for furloughed and flexibly furloughed employees – updated information about holiday pay and unpaid sabbatical or unpaid leave.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough and how much you can claim back – updated examples of when the calculator cannot be used.
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) – updated section on “If you have missed the claim deadline”. Employers must contact HMRC to ask about submitting a late claim.
Find examples to help you calculate your employees’ wages
Check examples to help you calculate your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions and pension contributions if you’re claiming through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – updates to “Examples of how to calculate your employees’ wages”. Minor corrections made to examples 2.7 and 2.9. New link added to 2.10.
Test and Trace Support Payment scheme: claiming financial support
Who can claim the support and how to apply – added information on how contacts identified through the COVID-19 app can now apply for the Test and Trace Support Payment. Updated the eligibility for the discretionary scheme to reference local authorities’ ability to include additional eligibility criteria in their area. Added links to other financial and work-related COVID-19 support.
HMRC Employer Bulletin (December 2020, Issue 87) includes a host of useful information including the extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, VAT deferral and VAT reverse charge measures for the construction industry, Virtual Christmas Parties and Brexit transition updates. There’s also a timely reminder about how to report PAYE Real Time Information early due to Christmas.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 11 December 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 2 to 6 December 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
COVID-19: guidance for those leading a nomadic way of life
Information on coronavirus (COVID-19) for those leading a nomadic way of life – updated self-isolation period to 10 days.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app – updated data protection impact assessment to reflect recent changes to the app and digital contact tracing functionality (provided by Apple and Google). Includes updates on the use of local authority and postcode district, the updated digital contact tracing and analytical data set and option to support for applications for self-isolation payment.
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
Guidance to provide advice on how places of worship can open, for limited permitted activities, in a manner that is safe and in line with local tier restrictions – added guidance on Celebrating religious festivals during coronavirus (COVID-19).
CONSTRUCTION:
Homes England to scrap Delivery Partner Panel
Government’s housing delivery agency Homes England is simplifying how it chooses developers and house builders to bring its land to market.
From next July 2021, Homes England will scrap its Delivery Partner Panel (DPP3) in favour of a new dynamic purchasing system. This will allow firms to join the line-up of preferred developers at any time, a move expected to favour flexibility and smaller builder/developers. Previously house builders and contractor had one opportunity to join when the panel was renewed every four years. The DPS is planned to open for the first round of applications from April 2021.
DIGITAL CULTURE MEDIA & SPORT:
Ad-hoc statistical publications list
A list of additional DCMS statistical analyses (ad-hoc analyses) not included in our standard publications – added new link for the latest quarter (2020/21 Quarter 3)
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – Performing arts: added clarification that alcohol can served for a maximum of 60 mins in total (Local restriction tiers, section 3 and 3.9).
EDUCATION:
Support materials and advance information in 2021 GCSE, AS and A level exams
Advance information about topics to be covered in GCSE, AS and A level exams in 2021 and support materials in exams in England.
Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings
What all special schools and other specialist settings will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term to support the return of children and young people with special education needs and disability (SEND) – updated sections on assessment and accountability, and contingency planning for remote education.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Weekly national flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
People with long-term health conditions urged to get flu vaccine before Christmas
Health chiefs urge those with long-term health conditions to get their flu jab, as PHE analysis shows 6 in 10 flu deaths are people with underlying conditions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice for NHS Test and Trace virus testing for all users of the service – updated ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information – quick read’ and ‘Testing for coronavirus: privacy information’ to reflect the addition of the international arrivals – Test to Release scheme.
Regulatory approval of Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19
Information for healthcare professionals and the public about the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine – changes to section 4.2 and 6 of the Information for UK Healthcare Professionals to provide clarification following further feedback and update to section 4.4 to strengthen information on special warnings and precautions for use.Changes to warnings and precautions and clarification in section 6 of the Information for UK Recipients.
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 10 December 2020
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority in England.
NHS Test and Trace continues to improve as contacts reached exceeds 85%
NHS Test and Trace contact tracers have now successfully reached more than 1.28 million people who have tested positive since the service launched.
New NHS Test and Trace plan to support return to more normal way of life
The NHS Test and Trace business plan sets out a strategy to increase the speed and reach of testing and tracing, working with local partnerships.
NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact-tracing data in its weekly reports – updated to include additional information on new LFD and PCR test conducted breakdowns.
NHS Test and Trace business plan
Sets out how NHS Test and Trace will work to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission, enabling people to return towards a more normal way of life.
Business as usual for NHS Test and Trace over Christmas
The NHS Test and Trace service will be open every day over Christmas and the New Year, providing and processing tests for those who need them and tracing contacts of positive cases.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Check if you’re eligible for the Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs
The Christmas Support Payment (CSP) supports wet-led pubs that have been severely impacted over the Christmas period due to temporary local restrictions.
LEGAL:
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 – LPA timescale change on 10 December 2020
Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, and observe local restrictions – Covid 19 timescale update 10 Dec 2020
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. The guidance has been revised to include new powers that enable all local authorities to take action against specific offences where premises are not operating in a COVID-secure manner, through issuing formal requests for rapid improvement. In addition, three template attachments have been added to the page.
PROPERTY:
Will suburban BTR thrive as a result of Covid-19
Since the pandemic started, there has been a shift in the number of people seeking homes away from the city, or with more green space nearby. There has also been a trend – seemingly inspired by Covid – for suburban BTR (SBTR), as developers and investors seek to take advantage of the greater desire for high-quality rental housing outside of the cities. But is this a long-term trend, or just a short-term shift because of the pandemic? Will city living bounce back once a vaccine is rolled out and social distancing measures become less strict?
Read more
MHCLG proposes permitted right for buildings change of use from Class E to resi With John Lewis entering the Build to Rent market earlier this year and other examples of commercial to residential conversions, the pandemic has bitten the high street harder than any other sector. It was already on the decline before Covid, but the pandemic has supercharged and shone a harsh light on its existential troubles, with the news last week that Philip Green’s Arcadia Group had collapsed into administration – and retail titan Debenhams had gone to the wall, too – the latest sign that alternative uses are going to need to be sought for high street premises. Last Thursday, the government launched a surprise consultation on its latest shake-up of the general permitted development order, with a proposal from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for a new permitted right to allow buildings to change use from Class E to Residential.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries, territories and regions from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate. Botswana and Saudi Arabia will be added to the exempt list at 4am 12 December. The Canary Islands will be removed from the list at 4am 12 December.
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 content under ‘If your 30 day visa to work, study or join family has expired’ section.
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 information for Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Start-up visa holders.
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 to explain that the period for requesting exceptional assurance has been extended.
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
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers 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.
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.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
New opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
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