DAILY STATISTICS
Latest BBC UK data:
Positive tests: 1,629,657 tested positive (+ 12,330 new cases)
Loss of life: 58,448 across all settings (+ 205 in last 24 hours)
Hospital admissions: 1,350 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 461 cases 20 Nov to 26 Nov (-222 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 157 cases per 100,000 (England area average: 130)
Deaths in Stockport: 424 coronavirus-related registered to 13 November
Total cases in Stockport: 10,498 to 30 November
R rate in England: 0.9-1.0
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 0.9 -1.0 and the growth rate range is 0% to -2% to 0% per day as of 27 November 2020.
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 30 November 2020
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock gave a statement at the coronavirus press conference.
HEADLINES:
Debenhams to be wound down with 12,000 jobs at risk as Arcadia Group also falls into administration
JD Sports retail group has pulled out of talks to acquire Debenhams after the collapse of one of its biggest concession holders, the Arcadia Groupwhich fell into administration last night (30 November).More than 13,000 jobs are at risk with the fall of Arcadia, which has said that the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are the driving factor behind the news.Administrator Deloitte announced that it is seeking buyers for Arcadia’s brands, which include Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins,Miss Selfridge, Wallis, Burton and Outfit.The group currently has 444 sites in the UK and 22 abroad, with Deloitte confirming that stores will continue to trade online for the moment.Debenhams fell into administration for the second time in April and hopes had rested on a rescue bid from JD Sports.
But after the sports chain pulled out, hopes of saving the 242-year-old department store chain faded.
The 12,000 jobs at the retailer are set to go over the coming months unless the administrators do a deal for all or parts of the business as the process unfolds.
It is understood staff were told on Tuesday morning.
UK government secures additional 2 million doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
The UK now has access to a total of 357 million doses of vaccines from 7 different developers.
Covid infections in England fall by 30% over lockdown – React study
BBC: England fell by almost a third in a fortnight after the latest national lockdown was introduced.
That’s the conclusion of React-1,a highly-respected study by Imperial College London, which swabbed more than 100,000 people between 13 and 24 November. Some of the worst-hit areas in the North saw the biggest improvements, and the virus’s reproduction (R) rate fell to 0.88, meaning the epidemic is shrinking. However, overall, cases across the country remain high, with the East and West Midlands the current hotspots. Dozens of Conservative MPs remain to be convinced that the Tiers effective from midnight tonight are necessary. To that end, the prime minister has agreed to publish the social, economic and health impact assessment of the measures. Boris Johnson hopes setting out the evidence will help him avoid a large-scale rebellion when the plans are put to a Commons vote on Tuesday. Writing to his sceptical backbenchers, the PM asked them to show “unity and resolve”.
Most Labour MPs are likely to back the new tiers, but BBC political correspondent Iain Watson says it would be embarrassing for a PM with an 80-seat majority to have to rely on the Opposition.
Ofsted warns of risk to children ‘out of sight’ during pandemic
The Chief Inspector of Education and Children’s Social Care has warned that the invisibility of vulnerable children as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic should be a matter of national concern.
The health, economic and social effects of COVID-19 and the tiered approach
Sets out the evidence and analysis in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19) and the health, economic and social effects of the government’s tiered approach.
Full list of local restriction tiers by area
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Statement from Stockport’s Director of Public Health
“Stockport is still under national restrictions until 2 December, but from 12.01am on 2 December we will again be placed in Tier 3 – Very High Alert.
We are all really pleased to see rates moving in the right direction, thank you all for the commitment you’re showing in helping to drive down our rates. We have all had changes to our lives, which are difficult, but everything we are doing to keep rates heading down is protecting each other and our loved ones. While non-essential shops will shortly be reopening, as well as gyms and swimming pools, we should continue to do all we can to prevent the spread of the infection. Please continue to maintain social distancing (two metres), wear face coverings and wash or sanitise hands regularly. You should stay at home as much as possible, including for work if able, especially if you are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus. Do not meet with anyone not in your household or support bubble (this should be just one adult from another household), either indoors or in most outside settings), including private gardens. You can exercise or meet in a public, outdoor space with people you live with, your support bubble (or as part of a childcare bubble), or with one other person (keeping 2 metres apart) until 2 December and from then with up to six people, as this is vital for your overall health and wellbeing. From 3 December gyms and swimming pools will reopen. For information on how you might look after your health and wellbeing, please visit our Health and Wellbeing pages or for ways to remain healthy, please visit Healthy Stockport.
Read the full statement 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.”
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:
Pay VAT deferred due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to pay VAT payments deferred between 20 March and 30 June 2020. You can pay now or get ready to opt in to the VAT deferral new payment scheme.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Heritage locations – updated guidance covering new local restriction tiers information.
Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been impacted by coronavirus (COVID-19) find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant – the online service for the third grant is now available.
Covid-19 and the private security industry – FAQs
Information about how we are responding to the Coronavirus pandemic.
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) – section on employer claim information updated with details of upcoming claim band ranges.
Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG) and Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG): guidance for local authorities
This is guidance for local authorities on paying grants to support businesses during the November to December 2020 national lockdown and periods of local restrictions – guidance on ‘Local Restrictions Support Grant (Closed): applicable from 2 December 2020 onwards’ added.
COMMUNITY:
Tier 1: Medium alert
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 1 of local restrictions from 2 December.
Tier 2: High alert
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 2 of local restrictions from 2 December.
Tier 3: Very High alert
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 3 of local restrictions from 2 December.
Guidance for the Christmas Period
Guidance for the Christmas Period.
Community testing
Community asymptomatic testing helps identify and isolate individuals who have COVID-19 but do not have symptoms – added the attachment ‘Community testing: a guide for local delivery’.
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings – updated guidance to reflect the tier system in England from 2 December.
Local restriction tiers: what you need to know
Sets out the local restriction tier system that will be in place from Wednesday 2 December, including what you can and cannot do in each tier – added translations: Slovak, Polish, Bangla (Bengali), Welsh, Urdu, Arabic, Hindi, Gujarati, Somali, Persian (Farsi) and Punjabi (Gurmukhi).
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for parents and carers of children attending community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Information for parents and carers about going back to schools, nurseries and colleges in the autumn term – updated to reflect the local restrictions, including changes to the sections on shielding, face coverings, school and college trips and extra-curricular activities. We have also added information about performances in schools.
EDUCATION:
Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Protective measures for providers of community activities, holiday or after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings offering provision to children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Updated guidance in the following sections: home education; educational visits and trips; providers of music, dance and drama or sports provision; who can attend your out-of-school setting; and equality. Added guidance about social distancing. These updates apply from 2 December.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): initial teacher training (ITT)
Information for providers about managing initial teacher training courses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) – added link to Coronavirus (COVID-19) contingency framework for education and childcare settings guidance in the ‘Sufficient time in school to demonstrate the Teachers’ Standards’ section.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) contingency framework for education and childcare settings
How settings can prepare for restrictions to help contain community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Face coverings in education
Guidance on the use of face coverings for schools and other education institutions that teach people in years 7 and above in England.
Modification notice: school registration legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues an eighth notice to modify pupil registration requirements for temporary pupils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Education Act 1996: school registration modification notice December 2020’
Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes
Secretary of State for Education issues a eighth notice about changes to state-funded school inspections requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
PPE deliveries (England): 23 November to 29 November 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
Clinical evaluation confirms accuracy of LAMP test
A technical and clinical evaluation has confirmed OptiGene RT-LAMP tests to be accurate and sensitive enough to be used for COVID-19 testing, including for those without symptoms.
Community testing to help lift restrictions in highest tiers
Details have been set out by the Government to help local areas detect asymptomatic cases and offer a route out of the toughest restrictions.
NHS COVID-19 app: privacy information
Privacy notice and data protection impact assessment for the NHS COVID-19 mobile app – updated privacy notices to detail the 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.
Vitamin D supplementation during winter: PHE and NICE statement
Statement from Public Health England (PHE) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on vitamin D supplementation during winter.
Vitamin D supplements: how to take them safely
Guidance for at-risk groups offered free vitamin D supplements by the government this winter.
PHE publishes COVID-19 vaccine guidance for health and social care workers
Public Health England (PHE) has published new guidance to support frontline workers in delivering the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to the most vulnerable.
Impact of Interventions TFG: The UK’s 4 nations’ autumn interventions (update), 26 November 2020
Update paper prepared by the Impact of Interventions Task and Finish Group (TFG) of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) – published minutes for SAGE meetings 64, 66 and 69 and added 15 new papers under October and November.
REACT-1 study of coronavirus transmission: November 2020 interim results
Results of real-time assessment of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) during November 2020.
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.
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people
Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable – replaced letters to extremely vulnerable people with latest version and removed alternative formats.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Medical devices given exceptional use authorisations during the COVID-19 pandemic
List of manufacturers and their medical devices which have been granted an exemption by the MHRA. The list also includes manufacturers whose exemption expired or was cancelled. This information will be listed for 2 months after expiry or cancellation – updated the list of those devices with an exceptional use authorisation as well as those no longer covered
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. Performing arts – updated guidance covering new local restriction tiers information.
Iceland takes control of restaurant group including Piccolino, Restaurant Bar & Grill
Sir Malcolm Walker, founder and boss of the Iceland stores chain, has acquired the Individual Restaurants estate out of administration in a deal reported to be worth more than £40m. Individual Restaurants includes the Piccolino, Restaurant Bar & Grill, Opera Grill and Bank brands. The deal does not include the Gino D’Acampo-branded sites. Ice Acquisitions is the vehicle used to purchase the brands, which is controlled by Sir Malcolm Walker and Tarsem Dhaliwal, Iceland’s group managing director.
Transmission risk in the hospitality sector
There are four types of evidence currently available to understand where transmission is occurring.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic – updated for week commencing Monday 30 November published.
LEGAL:
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.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
Guidance for those managing council buildings – updated guidance to reflect the tier system in England from 2 December.
Coronavirus cases by local authority: epidemiological data, 27 November 2020
Weekly watchlist giving epidemiological coronavirus (COVID-19) data for each lower-tier local authority in England.
MILITARY:
COVID Support Force: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response
Military personnel are supporting public services across the UK to assist with the response to COVID-19. This page has the latest information on the MOD’s activities – updated: the MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response page as of 27 November 2020.
PROPERTY:
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect the local restriction tier system that will be in place from Wednesday 2 December.
Understanding the possession action process: guidance for landlords and tenants
Guidance for landlords and tenants in the private and social rented sectors to explain the possession action process in the county courts in England and Wales – updated to reflect the local restriction tier system that will be in place from Wednesday 2 December.
RETAIL:
Fashion brand repots growth in Autumn sales
Online fashion brand Sosandar reported strong interim revenue growth and an acceleration of Autumn sales, today. The Cheshire-based business founded by former fashion journalists and co-chief executives Ali Hall and Julie Lavington announced figures for the half year period to September 30. Revenues for the six month period were 52% better at £4.284m, compared with £2.819m in 2019, while pre-tax losses reduced from £2.786m last year to £1.102m.
SPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation – updated to Elite sport Stage Five – return to competition: safe return of spectators, covering new local restriction tiers information.
TRANSPORT:
Transport to school and other places of education: 2020 to 2021 academic year
What local authorities will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak for the 2020 to 2021 academic year – updated guidance about the use of face coverings and about the workforce from 2 December. We have also renamed the guidance to reflect that it remains in use during the 2020 to 2021 academic year.
TRAVEL:
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 14 days have passed since you were last in a non-exempt country or territory – added that from 15 December, you will be able to take a COVID-19 test with a private test provider to see if you can end self-isolation early.
Lastminute.com commits to refund over £7m for cancelled holidays
Following CMA action, lastminute.com has committed to pay out over £7m to customers waiting for money back after lastminute.com cancelled their holidays.
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.
22nd January: Coronavirus News Updates