DAILY STATISTICS
Latest BBC UK data:
Positive tests: 1,869,666 have tested positive (+ 20,263 new cases)
Loss of life: 64,402 across all settings (+ 232 new deaths)
Hospital admissions: 1,693 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 327 cases 04 Dec to 10 Dec (-8 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 111 cases per 100,000 04 Dec to 10 Dec (England area average: 151)
Deaths in Stockport: 459 coronavirus-related registered to 04 December
Total cases in Stockport: 11,170 to 14 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:
EY: UK unemployment rate up to 4.9% and looks set to rise further
The latest labour market report is weaker overall but by less than expected, suggesting that the extensions of the furlough scheme (to the end of November and then the end of March) started to have some limiting impact on job losses. The labour market was also likely helped by the economy’s bounce back in Q3 when GDP rebounded 15.5% quarter-on-quarter after the 19.8% quarter-on-quarter Q2 contraction. There was still, however, a clear decline in the latest labour market data with redundancies climbing to a record high of 370,000 in the three months to October. The number of unemployed people rose by 241,000, although the unemployment rate rose less than expected to 4.9%. Employment fell 144,000. Overall, the latest figures suggest that the original October end-date for the furlough scheme had already prompted some companies to make staffing decisions before the March extension was announced.
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 14 December 2020
Slides on coronavirus presented by Professor Chris Whitty.
Sharp rise in coronavirus numbers and a new variant
The Health and Social Care Secretary spoke to the House of Commons about the coronavirus situation, vaccinations and new areas to be put into Tier 3.
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 14 December 2020
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock gave a statement at the coronavirus press conference.
Full list of local restriction tiers by area
This page sets out the full list of local restriction tiers by area from Wednesday 2 December 2020. Some areas will change tier on 16 December – updated with areas that will move into Tier 3 from 16 December.
London, South Essex, and South Hertfordshire to move to Tier 3 restrictions
Urgent action needed to reduce transmission of the virus in these areas
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Northern leaders are pushing the Government to invest in the region’s infrastructure to make good on its ‘levelling up’ agenda.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham used the opening of the Transport for the North annual conference to call for urgent delivery of better transport services. Mr Burnham was speaking after Transport Minister Andy Stephenson had defended the Government’s record on transport spending for the North, which has come under fire for lagging behind levels of investment in London and the South East for many years. Bus and train passenger numbers have plunged in the region during the coronavirus pandemic, but business and political leaders are pushing Ministers to ensure that promised spending in the North is not lost as a result of the financial pressures facing the Government.
North West among only regions set for economic growth larger in 2023 than in 2019
When measured by Gross Value Added (GVA), the economies of just five out of nine English regions are forecast to be larger in 2023 than they were in 2019. Three of these regions are in the South: London (0.51% annual growth forecast); the South East (0.39%); and East (0.08%). Annual growth is also expected in the North West (0.11%), while marginal growth (0.01%) is forecast in the East Midlands. Rohan Malik, EY’s UK&I Managing Partner Government and Infrastructure comments: “Despite a challenging backdrop, there are opportunities to reshape the country’s economic geography. The Government’s recent initiatives, including the Levelling-up Fund and National Infrastructure Strategy, are welcome, but new approaches are required to avoid a growing gap between towns and cities, and North and South. “Some of the recent shifts in how we organise work and home life have been positive for economic rebalancing and mean there could be opportunities to create ‘virtual’ jobs in places that have found it difficult to attract higher value-added sectors. A policy focus on supporting sectors, like manufacturing, which matter to both investors and towns would help.”
North West waits for Government decision on Tier status up to Christmas
Greater Manchester is waiting to hear what Tier level restrictions will be in force in the days running up to Christmas. It is unclear whether a regional approach will be favoured over a more localised, borough-by-borough approach and whether Tier 2 may be reintroduced in some areas.
As rates rise rapidly across London and the South East result in the introduction of more severe restrictions of Tier 3, most areas across Greater Manchester are showing a slower fall in infection rates with the exception of Tameside that now has the region’s lowest incidence of coronavirus.
GM Chamber Quarterly Economic Update
Be one of the first to find out the current state of the Greater Manchester economy and what will be impacting on your business in the months ahead by joining our Quarterly Economic Update on Wednesday. Book your place here.
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:
Income Tax and National Insurance contributions exemption for employer-reimbursed coronavirus antigen tests
This Tax Information and Impact Note is about an exemption from Income Tax and NICs for employer-reimbursed coronavirus antigen tests.
NHS Test and Trace in the workplace
Guidance on what to do if you or someone you employ is contacted by NHS Test and Trace, including self-isolation and financial support – updated to reflect the change in the self-isolation period from 14 to 10 days.
COMMUNITY:
Tier posters: Medium, High and Very High
A series of posters displaying information about the various tiers of restrictions in England – tier posters updated to reflect latest information.
COVID-19 vaccination: consent form and letter for adults
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form and letter templates for adults who are able to consent – added open source and MS Word version of the adult consent form.
JCHR report on COVID-19 human rights implications: government response
Response to the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) recommendations on the government’s response to COVID-19 human rights implications.
CONSTRUCTION:
Mace HQ first building rated to ‘IMMUNE’ Covid-safe standard
Mace’s headquarter in London has become the first building to obtain the new IMMUNE Building Standard. The open-source building standard founded by European property company Genesis Property is designed to help combat health risks in the workplace, reduce fears around Covid-19, and build trust amongst employers and employees in their efforts to return to the office safely.
The certification scheme was set up for office buildings and could also be adapted for buildings in use for hospitality, retail, health care, education, or residential purposes.
DIGITAL CULTURE MEDIA & SPORT:
How consumers can keep safe from online scams this Christmas
To help keep consumers safe when shopping online, cybersecurity company, BullGuard, outlines seven top scams, how to spot them and how to ensure you don’t become a victim of fraud this Christmas.
Independent decision-making Board for Sports Winter Survival Package confirmed
Following the Government’s announcement of a £300 million Sports Winter Survival Package to protect the immediate futures of major spectator sports affected by coronavirus restrictions in England, the composition of the independent decision-making Board has been confirmed.
EDUCATION:
Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak
Updated the information on remote education and added new information about publishing your remote education offer. We have also changed the isolation period from 14 days to 10 days from the day after the individual tested positive. We have also updated the action list self-isolation information to 10 days from the day after contact with the individual tested positive (from 14 days).
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated information on quality assurance visits, 30-hour entitlements and days of self-isolation.
COVID-19 series: briefing on children’s social care, November 2020
Evidence from assurance visits to secure children’s homes and independent fostering agencies between 1 September and 4 December.
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 guidance on PPE supply. Added guidance about residential settings, including information about visits from social care workers and visitors.
COVID-19 series: briefing on local areas’ SEND provision, November 2020
Evidence from education, health and social care leaders and practitioners between 1 September and 4 December 2020.
COVID-19 series: briefing on schools, November 2020
Evidence from interim visits to 297 schools between 2 and 24 November 2020.
COVID-19 isolation having detrimental impact on children’s education and welfare, particularly the most vulnerable
Ofsted publishes the third and final set of reports looking at the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and young people.
HMCI commentary: findings from visits in November
Amanda Spielman discusses what we found in our November visits to education and children’s social care providers.
COVID-19 series: briefing on early years, November 2020
Evidence from research interviews with 739 early years providers between 5 October and 11 December.
COVID-19 series: briefing on further education and skills, November 2020
Evidence from interim visits to further education and skills providers between 19 October and 4 December.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) asymptomatic testing in schools and colleges
Information for schools and colleges about how they will start to test pupils and students from January.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 10 December 2020’.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the coronavirus outbreak – updated document with minor changes. These include informing local authorities that late and in-year testing can continue to go ahead, that travel to the test is considered essential travel and that protective measures should continue to be taken during tests.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Testing for coronavirus before hospital
Sets out how and when to get tested for COVID-19 before a hospital procedure.
List of private providers of coronavirus testing
Information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19).
PHE investigating a novel strain of COVID-19
A new variant of the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has been identified across the South East of England.
Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund: round 2
Sets out the infection control measures that the new infection control fund will support, including information on the distribution of funds and reporting requirements – updated ‘Annex E: local authority reporting template: reporting point 2 – October-November 2020 spending’.
Personal protective equipment (PPE): local contacts for providers
A list of local contacts for providers who are not on the PPE portal. Providers can get PPE through their local authority or local resilience forum.
COVID-19: investigation and initial clinical management of possible cases
Information on case definitions, and the initial assessment and investigation of possible cases of COVID-19 infection.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for care homes
Sets out the support package to keep care homes safe during the coronavirus pandemic – added link to latest overview of adult social care guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): adult social care action plan
How the government will support the adult social care sector in England throughout the coronavirus outbreak – added link to latest overview of adult social care guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19.
Adult social care: coronavirus (COVID-19) winter plan 2020 to 2021
The government’s ambitions for the sector and the challenges facing adult social care this winter.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme.
Tier posters: Medium, High and Very High
A series of posters displaying information about the various tiers of restrictions in England – tier posters updated to reflect latest information.
List of private providers of coronavirus testing
Information about approved suppliers of private testing kits for coronavirus (COVID-19) – added Nationwide Pathology and Synlab to the list of Test to Release providers, and removed Samedaydoctor. Added Chronomics, DNA Workplace and Synlab to the list of general testing providers. Removed The Private GP Clinic from both lists.
REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: November 2020 final results
Results of real-time assessment of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) during November 2020.
November 2020 findings from COVID-19 study published
Findings from Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI show infections fell by over 30% during lockdown and levelled off, with 91 per 10,000 people infected in the most recent data.
PPE deliveries (England): 7 December to 13 December 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
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 clarify the data registered when self-reporting.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – The visitor economy updated self-isolation guidance for contacts of individuals who test positive for COVID-19. The self-isolation period is now 10 days instead of 14 (section 3.2).
JUDICIARY:
Nine more Nightingale courtrooms to be delivered
An extra 9 Nightingale courtrooms will bolster the national effort to tackle the impact of coronavirus on the justice system
Courts and tribunals additional capacity during coronavirus outbreak: Nightingale courts
This page holds a list of additional facilities opening to support the courts and tribunals estate during the coronavirus outbreak.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Tier posters: Medium, High and Very High
A series of posters displaying information about the various tiers of restrictions in England – tier posters updated to reflect latest information.
PROPERTY:
Mental Health issue ‘greater than thought’ in agency sector
A survey conducted by charity Agents Together suggests a large majority of industry people would like to see more focus on wellbeing and mental health.
A report to be issued this week, based on responses to a survey of agents and other industry sectors held in the autumn, shows that three In four people admitted to going to work when feeling mentally unwell. Some 90 per cent of respondents would like to see more focus on wellness in the industry – and most shocking, 55 per cent say they do not share their mental health challenges due to fear of judgement and stigma. Sixty two per cent have reported that Covid has negatively impacted their mental health, and 84 per cent would like to be educated on mental health.
TRAVEL:
LoveHolidays to refund over £18 million for cancelled holidays
Following CMA action, LoveHolidays has committed to pay out over £18 million to customers waiting for money back after their holidays were cancelled due to coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test to Release for international travel
Pay for a COVID-19 test to find out if you can reduce your self-isolation period after international travel – link to list of private test providers added.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 – guidance for applicants
Guidance for applicants for documentation issued under the Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2016 who have been affected by restrictions associated with coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): EU Settlement Scheme – guidance for applicants
Guidance for EUSS applicants in or outside the UK who have been affected by restrictions associated with coronavirus.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Turkish applicants for UK visas
Guidance for Turkish ECAA applicants both in and outside of the UK who need to apply for leave and are affected by restrictions associated with coronavirus.
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:
Report an outbreak of Coronavirus in Stockport:https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
Coronavirus – Guidance for employees and employers in Stockport: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
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