DAILY STATISTICS
Latest BBC UK data:
Positive tests: 1,948,660 have tested positive (+ 35,383 new cases)
Loss of life: 66,052 across all settings (+ 532 in last 24 hours)
Hospital admissions: 1,725 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 316 cases 05 Dec to 11 Dec (-17 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 104 cases per 100,000 07 Dec to 13 Dec (England area average: 172)
Deaths in Stockport: 459 coronavirus-related registered to 04 December
Total cases in Stockport: 11,335 to 16 December
R rate in England: 0.8-1.0
R rate in North West: 0.7 – 0.9
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.
Official figures for coronavirus cases continue at a high rate in the run up to Christmas, with 25,161 new cases announced yesterday.The daily death total reported 612 deaths yesterday and the total currently stands at 65,520 people who have died within 28 days of a positive Covid test. The total for number of cases where Covid is included on a death certificate is 76,287.
Coronavirus cases in England: 17 December 2020
Epidemiological data and hospitalisation metrics used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers.
UK NEWS & HEADLINES:
Furlough scheme extended to end of April 2021
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has extended the furlough scheme for one more month until the end of April 2021. He also said that the government-backed loan schemes designed to support stricken firms through the pandemic would continue until the end of March. Sunak extended the scheme until the end of March on November 5. At the time the Government said it will continue to pay 80% of the wages of furloughed staff and review the measures in January. Sunak also said because of the new measures, the Government’s Job Retention Scheme had been postponed.
Engineering jobs boost as Openreach announces 5,300 new jobs
Openreach has today announced plans to create 5,300 new engineering jobs in a major boost for UK employment. The new roles will be located in communities across the country, with 2,500 full-time jobs in its own service and around 2,800 in its UK supply chain, through partners such as Kelly Group, Kier and MJ Quinn. The announcement, which has been welcomed by both Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Digital Secretary Oliver Dowden, includes a pledge to upgrade all 27,000 Openreach vehicles – the second largest commercial fleet in the UK – to electric by 2030.
Greater Manchester remains in Tier 3
The decision to keep Greater Manchester subject to the harshest restrictions angered some, including Altrincham MP Sir Graham Brady, who notes: “In nine of the 10 boroughs rates are below the national average.”
Following the Governments review of coronavirus induced restrictions, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has announced that Greater Manchester, along with most regions in England will remain in the higher tier 3 level of restrictions for at least the next two weeks. Speaking to the House of Commons, Mr Hancock said there are over 18,000 people in hospital with the virus and confirmed only two areas of the UK would see their local alert level lowered ahead of Christmas while in London and a number of other areas including Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hertfordshire will move up a tier, along with parts of Surrey, East Sussex, Cambridgeshire and Hampshire, meaning 38 million people will be subject to the strictest – tier three – rules.
Review of local restriction tiers: 17 December 2020
A written statement from the Health and Social Care Secretary to the House of Commons giving an update on local restriction tiers in England.
Brexit: Prepare your business for post-Brexit changes
The Brexit transition period ends in 13 days. If your business trades goods with Europe, or you represent businesses who do, you’ll need to be prepared for changes from 1?? ?January?? ?2021. We understand these are challenging times, but it is important your business is ready for these new rules. At the time of writing, talks are ongoing about our future trading arrangements with Europe. Trading rules will not change or go away and the steps that you need to take to prepare are needed in any scenario before you can trade from 1?? ?January.
If you’re new to customs processes, you can start to get familiar with them in our short importing and exporting videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel.
HMRC have a trader checklist to help you prepare for the end of the Brexit transition period. And HMRC are running webinars where you can hear the latest information and ask questions to help you prepare for these new rules:
Exporting: Actions you need to take to prepare for 1?? ?January?? ?2021
The webinar explains what actions you need to take to export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. A run-through of the key export processes – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations that you’ll need. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
What are customs import declarations?
If you import goods, you’ll need to prepare for making customs import declarations on controlled goods from 1?? ?January, and by the end of June on all goods. This webinar will help you to understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, making import declarations without authorisation, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them
Recognising the impact of coronavirus on businesses’ ability to prepare for the 31?? ?December 2020 deadline, the UK is introducing the new border controls in three stages up until 1?? ?July?? ?2021. This flexible approach will give you extra time to make necessary arrangements. This webinar will walk you through the three stages and the actions you need to take. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Message from Stockport’s Director of Public Health Jen Connolly.
This week Jen’s statement focuses on the start of the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine in the community to over 80s registered with a Stockport GP, alongside the continuing vaccination programme at Stepping Hill Hospital for over 80s in/outpatients, frontline healthcare workers and care home staff/residents. Jen also provides tips on minimising household transmission of coronavirus during Christmas Bubbles and advising people to limit contacts in the post-Christmas period into early January. “While our rates in Stockport are declining the decreases are plateauing, so we are still pushing the usual messages – do your bit, self-isolate and get a test if you have symptoms.” Read the statement in full
Poynton Relief Road – work gets underway
Work is progressing on the £53 million Poynton Relief Road, with contractor Graham undertaking enabling works ahead of construction despite the impact of Covid-19. Work began in October and includes clearing parts of the site and creating site access, erecting boundary fencing and preparing the ground. Graham will complete the 3 km route when it opens to traffic in 2022.
MEN: Latest coronavirus infection rates across Greater Manchester
According to data released yesterday, all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester are now registering a lower coronavirus infection rate at 158.7 than the national average, currently 218.8 for every 100,000 people, although rates are increasing in some boroughs. Much of that spike is associated with a significant increase in cases in London, which registered 358.7 cases per 100,000 people in the same period, up 79 per cent week-on-week.
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.”
Latest Grant Payments as of 18/12.2020:
National Lockdown Scheme:
A single payment made to businesses who are required to close by Government between 5th November 2020 and 2nd December 2020.
14/12: 1,328 issued / cumulative value: £1,998,360
Local Restrictions Grant Scheme (closed – Tier 3 between 23/10/20 & 04/11/20):
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.
14/12: 124 issued / cumulative value: £93,881
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.
13/11: 1 / cumulative value issued: £285.71
Number of Applications:
As at 14/12/20
Received: 1,742
Paid: 1,735
% of applications paid: 99.6%
Discretionary Grants:
As at 17/12/20
Received: 499
Processed: 290 (58.1%)
Grants Funding Issued: £307,206
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
It’s Christmas Time in Stockport – a Christmas song from Freda & Derek Chattington
BUSINESS & FINANCE:
HMRC: Extension to Coronavirus Job Retention scheme and how to claim
You can now submit your claims for periods in December. These must be made by 14 January. To help you plan ahead to meet the monthly deadlines, here’s a list of the key dates you need to know:
- 14?? January?? 2021 – final date to submit claims for December?? 2020 by 11??:59pm
- 15?? February?? 2021 – final date to submit claims for January?? 2021 by 11??:59pm
- 15?? March?? 2021 – final date to submit claims for February?? 2021 by 11??:59pm
- 14?? April?? 2021 – final date to submit claims for March?? 2021 by 11??:59pm
- 14?? May?? 2021 – final date to submit claims for April?? 2021 by 11??:59pm.
You can find everything you need to know about the CJRS on GOV?????.UK by searching ‘Job Retention Scheme’, but here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions including: What if I’ve claimed too much in error? What if I haven’t claimed enough? Why have monthly deadlines been introduced? Can I use CJRS grants to pay for holiday leave? Can I include a Christmas bonus in my calculation for the grant? How do I calculate the grant amount for employees? Where can I get further support? Thousands of people have joined and benefited from our live webinars which now offer more support on changes to CJRS, and how they affect you. To book online, or to view updated guidance, go to GOV??????.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’. HMRC phone lines and webchat remain very busy, so the quickest way to find the support you need is on GOV???.UK. This will leave our phone lines and webchat service open for those who need them most.
Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible, and how much your employer can claim if they put you on temporary leave (‘furlough’) because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended to 30 April 2021. Minor update to mirror holiday pay guidance on other pages.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – the impact of the pandemic in charts
Analysis and visualisations of data from across government on the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on various aspects of society and the economy.
GAD support for government’s management of uncertain liabilities
As the government faces unprecedented financial exposure due to COVID-19, there’s a need to understand and if possible mitigate the risks to which taxpayers are exposed.
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.
Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus (COVID-19) – added engineering and maintenance depots to list of action cards by sector and amended details on ‘What you can do to manage a possible outbreak’.
COMMUNITY:
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 18 December 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 9 to 13 December 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
CBBC doctors join NHS Test and Trace in fight against coronavirus
A new website will help children and young people better understand how to keep safe during the pandemic, as well as guiding them through the testing process.
CONSTRUCTION:
Winners named for £10.5bn NHS-led public works framework
NHS procurement chiefs have named the line-up of firms with spots on one of the biggest frameworks to be rolled out this year.
In the scrummage for places on the NHS Shared Business Services Public Sector Construction Works Framework, seven firms bagged places on the prized major projects panel for jobs valued over £35m. In total 11 firms were selected for the nationwide project lots. Read the full regional list including North West here
EDUCATION:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – added link to case study about curriculum sequencing for primary and secondary.
Further education (FE) providers: return in January 2021
Guidance to help further education (FE) providers put in place testing to ensure education resumes in January 2021.
Schools and childcare settings: return in January 2021
What schools and childcare providers need to do at the start of the spring term, including information on the return of schools with secondary-age pupils and asymptomatic testing for coronavirus (COVID-19).
Summer 2020 results analysis – GCSE, AS and A level
An update to the analyses in the interim report on awarding GCSEs, AS and A levels in summer 2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care
Funding and financial support available for education, childcare and children’s social care organisations – Early years section of the sector-specific guidance updated to reflect the interaction between the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and 2021 spring term funding.
Use of free early education entitlements funding during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Funding for local authorities and early years providers through the early years dedicated schools grant (DSG) in the summer and autumn term 2020.
Data on COVID-19 visits: schools
Data about Ofsted’s visits to schools during the interim phase of our return to inspection.
Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added a link to ‘Schools and childcare settings: return in January 2021’.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Safety of COVID-19 vaccines when given in pregnancy
Guidance for health professionals to share with pregnant women immunised with COVID-19 vaccines.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): antibody testing
Information about the government’s coronavirus antibody testing programme. Antibody tests are to check whether a person has had the virus – updated with information on the coronavirs (COVID-19) vaccine and antibody testing.
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.
Coronavirus and changes in mortality across time and geography, England and Wales: deaths occurring between 28 December 2019 and 4 September 2020
Analysis of COVID-19 by location and time to investigate clusters of COVID deaths and to investigate whether there have been differences in mortality trends over the period.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app – updated ‘Ap COVID-19 y GIG: Hysbysiad Preifatrwydd i Bobl Ifanc (privacy notice for young people, Welsh language)’ 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.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app – updated ‘Ap COVID-19 y GIG: Hysbysiad Preifatrwydd i Bobl Ifanc (privacy notice for young people, Welsh language)’ 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.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app – updated ‘Ap COVID-19 y GIG: Hysbysiad Preifatrwydd i Bobl Ifanc (privacy notice for young people, Welsh language)’ 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.
Coronavirus cases in England: 17 December 2020
Epidemiological data and hospitalisation metrics used by the government to brief MPs on local restriction tiers.
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.
Government publishes list of approved COVID-19 test providers
The list of private providers of COVID-19 testing will help employers and individuals set up their own COVID-19 testing programmes.
COVID-19: guidance for stepdown of infection control precautions within hospitals and discharging COVID-19 patients from hospital to home settings
Advice on appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) precautions for stepdown in hospital or discharge to home or residential settings – updated to include information on designated settings and exemption from re-testing.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey, UK: 18 December 2020
Estimates for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, Public Health England, and Wellcome Trust.
COVID-19 mental health and wellbeing surveillance: Spotlights
Spotlight reports are part of the COVID-19: mental health and wellbeing surveillance report. They describe variation among the population.
Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on health.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) weekly insights: latest health indicators in England, 18 December 2020
This article brings together data about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in England. Exploring how these measures interact with each other can improve understanding of the severity and spread of the pandemic. This weekly summary gives a general overview of the current situation and explores variations for different age groups and regions.
JUDICIARY:
HM Prison and Probation Service COVID-19 statistics monthly
Monthly statistics providing data of COVID-19 in HM Prison and Probation Service in England and Wales.
LEGAL:
Being a deputy or attorney during the coronavirus outbreak
Find out how you can continue to act in the best interests of the client or donor, during the outbreak.
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.
How to register an EPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you need to register an EPA now, you can do so as long as you follow government guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, and local restrictions.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): emergency funding for local government in 2020 to 2021 and additional support in 2021 to 2022
Allocations of additional funding to local authorities in financial year 2020 to 2021 and additional support for local government in financial year 2021 to 2022 – added COVID-19: funding allocations (financial year 2021 to 2022).
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 17 December 2020
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority (LTLA) in England.
OPSS coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for business and local authorities
Guidance on how OPSS is supporting businesses and local authorities and protecting consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic – updated guidance for all manufacturers of PPE published, clarifying the deadlines in relation to the temporary arrangements for the conformity assessment of products, and replacing the separate guidance for high-volume and small-scale manufacturers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): emergency funding for local government in 2020 to 2021 and additional support in 2021 to 2022
Allocations of additional funding to local authorities in financial year 2020 to 2021 and additional support for local government in financial year 2021 to 2022.
Added COVID-19 funding for local government in 2021-22: consultative policy paper.
PROPERTY:
Auction round-up ends 2020 on a high!
With tighter Covid restrictions throughout the UK, concerns surrounding the pandemic spike once again. However, property auctions continue to prevail during the last month of the year. Property Investor Today takes a look…
Bond Wolfe’s final auction raises £17.5 million
Bond Wolfe Auction’s last sale of the year raised over £17.5 million and saw 158 lots sold from the 175 offered, achieving a success rate of 91%. The run-up to the live-streamed online auction on Wednesday 9 December saw strong interest, with 573,045 page views, 94,617 video tours watched and 21,777 tuning in to watch the auction live.
Budget date leaves time for a u-urn on extension to stamp duty holiday
The next Budget will be held on March 3 next year – in time for Chancellor Rishi Sunak to change his mind over extending the stamp duty deadline.
Sunak says the statement would “set out the next phase of the plan to tackle the virus and protect jobs”. Yesterday the government apparently ruled out an extension to the SDLT holiday deadline of March 31, although the government has made a series of high profile U-turns in recent months and some agents have said this could happen again. There has been speculation that the next Budget could also look at other property taxes – specifically Capital Gains Tax – which could rise in a bid to contribute to filling the so-called ‘black hole’ caused by Coronavirus-related expenditure.
TRAVEL:
Tenerife confirms overseas visitors are welcome
Tenerife Tourism Board has confirmed that international tourists can continue to visit the island, despite plans for a 15-day closure of its border. The announcement of the border closure from the Canary Islands’ government initially caused confusion as to whether it applied to international holidaymakers or not, with Jet2.com saying it had been given reassurances that tourists could continue to holiday in Tenerife over the next two weeks. The island’s tourism board has now moved to clarify the situation and confirmed that holidaymakers could “take advantage of the exceptionalities listed among the current regulations”.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
When you arrive in the UK, you must travel directly to the place you are staying and not leave until 10 days have passed since you were last in a non-exempt country or territory – added diagram showing how the self-isolation rules apply in 4 example cases of someone arriving in the UK.
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. Namibia, Uruguay and US Virgin Islands will be removed from the exempt list at 4am Saturday 19 December.
Uruguay, Namibia and US Virgin Islands removed from travel corridor list of exempt countries.
People arriving from these countries from 4am Saturday 19 December will need to self-isolate.
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