DAILY STATISTICS
Latest BBC UK data:
Positive tests: 1,723,242 have tested positive (+ 17,272 new cases)
Loss of life: 61,245 across all settings (+ 231 in last 24 hours)
Hospital admissions: 1,444 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 343 cases 26 Nov to 02 Dec (-155 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 117 cases per 100,000 26 Nov – 02 Dec (England area average: 127)
Deaths in Stockport: 441 coronavirus-related registered to 20 November
Total cases in Stockport: 10,815 to 06 December
R rate in England: 0.9-1.0
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 0.9 -1.0 and the growth rate range is 0% to -2% to 0% per day as of 27 November 2020.
UK HEADLINES
HMRC confirms virtual Christmas parties qualify for tax exemption
HMRC has confirmed that they will accept a virtual Christmas party as an event which is capable of falling within the tax exemption rules for annual functions. The rules allow employers to spend up to £150 per head (including VAT) towards the costs of an annual function such as a seasonal party, without creating a tax liability. To qualify the party must be an annual event which is open to all staff generally, or all staff at a specific location, if the employer has more than one location. If the employer has more than one annual event in a tax year, for all the events to be tax-free the combined cost per head must be no more than £150.
Who will get the vaccine first and why you may be asked to wait
People most at risk from the complications of COVID-19 are being offered the vaccine first. In the UK, there are 2 types of COVID-19 vaccine to be used once they are approved. They both require 2 doses to provide the best protection. Both have been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. An independent group of experts has recommended that the NHS first offers these vaccines to those at highest risk of catching the disease and of suffering serious complications or dying from COVID-19. This includes older adults in care homes and frontline health and social care workers. When more vaccine becomes available, the vaccines will be offered to other people at risk as soon as possible.
Find out the priority to list for getting the vaccine HERE
Retail giant in talks over Debenhams rescue
The group behind the likes of Sports Direct and House of Fraser is in talks over a “potential rescue transaction” for Debenhams. Frasers Group, which is controlled by Mike Ashley, has confirmed it is in negotiations with the administrators of Debenhams’ UK business on a possible deal. The move comes after details of the discussions were first revealed over the weekend. Should a deal for the 242-year-old retailer be agreed, up to 12,000 jobs could be saved. Frasers Group, which is headquartered in Derbyshire, also owns brands such as Jack Wills and Evans Cycles.
Ted Baker losses deepen by 1,370% as coronavirus takes its toll
A high street fashion retailer has today reported that its losses deepened by more than a thousand per cent in the first half of this year. Ted Baker, which has 201 UK stores, reported losses before tax of £39m, increasing by 1,370.4 per cent from 2019’s £2.7m. The company also saw revenues drop from £313.3m to £169.5m in the first six months of the year, plummeting by 45.9 per cent, driven by the effects of Covid-19 and countrywide lockdowns. It is currently undergoing a restructuring process (Ted’s Growth Formula) which it says is set to save £31m of payroll savings annually.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Locally based UK pet retailer to repay Covid-19 business rates relief monies
Handforth headquartered pet care business, Pets at Home Group, has become the latest major retailer to repay the business rates relief it received as part of the government’s Covid-19 support. Pets at Home stores were permitted to continue trading during the two national coronavirus lockdowns, with pet care retailers classed as ‘essential retail.’ While the group has taken a £35 million hit to its finances due to the pandemic, including as a result of implemented Covid-secure measures across its stores, it has chosen to return the government support it received, totalling £28.9 million in rates relief.
MEN: Three of four Stockport MPs voted against the Government’s new tier system
Both Stockport’s Conservative MPs were among party rebels who voted against the government’s new Covid tier system along with Andrew Gwynne, Labour’s MP for Reddish and Denton. Hazel Grove MP Will Wragg said he could not back a blanket approach that would see Stockport ‘lumped in’ with Greater Manchester, while Cheadle’s Mary Robinson took a similar view. On the Labour benches Stockport MP Nav Mishra abstained in-line with the Labour whip, saying he could not vote against a motion as it could leave the country with no restrictions, but equally could not back measures which would harm local businesses. But Andrew Gwynne MP – whose Denton and Reddish constituency straddles Stockport and Tameside – defied the party whip to vote against the new system. He tweeted: “I can’t fathom why we can cram into the Trafford Centre to shop but can’t have a meal with a bubble in a COVID-secure restaurant. After 4 months of measures, GM needs effective test, trace, isolate & support at a local level.” The new tiers were voted through by 291 votes to 78. There were 53 Tory rebels, while 15 Labour MPs also defied Keir Starmer’s order to abstain.
Infection rates continue to fall across Stockport and Greater Manchester
The rate of positive cases is continuing to fall across Greater Manchester with Stockport 116.9, Tameside 136.0, Trafford 95.6 and Salford 138.7 all below the national average of 148.3. The infection rate in Stockport is reducing at a significant rate, with 31% fewer cases, 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.”
Grant payments made to 03/12/2020:
National Lockdown Scheme:
1,109 issued / £1,661,918 – cumulative value
Local Restrictions Grant Scheme (Closed):
100 issued / £75,388.06
Local Restrictions Support Grant (Sector):
1 issued / £285.71
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:
Working in England if you are a senior executive bringing significant economic benefit to the UK
Senior executives can temporarily leave quarantine in England if they are undertaking business activities which are likely to be of significant economic benefit to the UK.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions
Jobs that qualify for exemptions from self-isolation or passenger locator form requirements – exemptions added for certain senior executives, journalists, newly signed elite sportspersons, performing arts professionals, television production.
Tell HMRC and pay the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant back
If you made a claim in error as you were not eligible for a grant, have been overpaid or would like to make a voluntary repayment, tell HMRC and pay some or all of the grant back.
£1m cap on Annual Investment Allowance to be extended
The Treasury has confirmed that the £1 million cap on the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) is to be extended for an additional year as the government continues to look at ways to stimulate the economy. The AIA provides a tax write off against profits for expenditure incurred on plant and machinery by businesses and owners of commercial property. Businesses can now continue to claim up to £1 million in same-year tax relief through the AIA for capital investments in plant and machinery assets until 1 January 2022. The temporary £1 million cap was originally due to revert to £200,000 on 1 January 2021.
Exporting: Actions you need to take to prepare for 1??? ?January 2021
HMRC 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 will be provided 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. You can also ask questions using the on-screen text box. Please register to take part and make sure you’re prepared for the end of the transition period. We update our webinars constantly to provide you with the latest government guidance and information as it develops. HMRC also have a series of short videos on HMRC’s YouTube channel providing an introduction to importing and exporting. It might help you to watch these before attending the webinar including:
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).
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
Guidance for receptions and celebrations updated to reflect local restriction tiers. In Tier 1 and 2, up to 15 people may attend receptions and celebrations, with other restrictions applying. In Tier 3, receptions and celebrations are not permitted to take place.
Face coverings: when to wear one, exemptions, and how to make one
This page explains when to wear a face covering, exemptions from wearing one, and how to make your own face covering.
Guidance if you are visiting your local coastline this winter
When visiting your local coastline please take care and follow the rules and social distancing guidelines according to your tier status.
COVID-19 vaccination: women of childbearing age, currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
Information for all women of childbearing age, those currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination.
CONSTRUCTION:
Construction buyers see strong surge in new orders
The latest improvement in construction order books was the steepest since October 2014, which survey respondents attributed to a recovery in tender opportunities and improving confidence among clients. Greater workloads also contributed to a strong increase in purchasing activity during November, with the rate of growth reaching its highest for just over six years. Rising demand for construction products and materials placed additional pressure on supply chains in November.
EDUCATION:
Ofsted: coronavirus (COVID-19) rolling update
Ofsted guidance and information relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) for schools, early years, children’s social care and further education and skills providers – added information about ITE inspections in 2021.
Code used to calculate qualification grades in summer 2020
Ofqual publishes computer code developed to support GCSE, AS and A level awarding of calculated grades in summer 2020.
Claiming exceptional costs associated with coronavirus (COVID-19)
Instructions on how to claim exceptional costs related to coronavirus (COVID-19) – this page has been updated to include information about how to claim for extra funding during the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency for costs incurred between March and the end of the summer term.
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) weekly insights: latest health indicators in England, 4 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.
COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination information for public health professionals – added revised green book chapter 14a.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added information leaflets, consent forms and link to updated COVID-19 vaccination training slide set.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for older adults
Information for eligible adults on COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: consent forms and letters for care home residents
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent forms and letter templates for care home residents.
COVID-19 vaccination: guide for healthcare workers
Information for frontline healthcare workers on COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: consent form and letter for healthcare workers
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form and letter templates for healthcare workers.
COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for social care staff
Information for frontline health and social care workers on COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: consent form and letter for social care staff
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form and letter templates for social care staff.
COVID-19 vaccination: what to expect after vaccination
Information for people who have had their first COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccination: why you are being asked to wait
Information about COVID-19 eligibility and vaccine supplies.
COVID-19 vaccination programme
Documents relating to the new coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination programme – added ‘COVID-19 vaccination: women of childbearing age, pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding’.
Over half a million people taking part in pioneering COVID-19 research
637,379 participants from across the UK have now taken part in public health research into the effects of, and treatment for, COVID-19 in just over 8 months.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Restaurants, pubs, bars and takeaway services – updated guidance on Tier 3 restrictions to clarify that customers can enter the premises to place or collect any type of order between 5am and 11pm. See the ‘What’s changed’ section for further information.
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 – update for week commencing Monday 7 December 2020 published.
MoD:
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 – MOD’s continued contribution to the coronavirus response page as of 4 December 2020.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Additional COVID-19 local authority enforcement powers
Following proposals from and consultation with local authorities in England, the government has provided local authorities in England with new powers to take decisive action against premises that do not comply with COVID-secure rules. These will enable enforcement officers to issue improvement and restriction notices to premises that are not meeting COVID-secure business obligations.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Added links to: Collection: Business support; Guidance: Local Restrictions Support Grants (LRSG)Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG): guidance for local authorities Announcement: Boost for high street as Jenrick extends opening hours for Christmas shopping; Guidance: Local restriction tiers: what you need to know; Guidance: Local restriction tiers: what you need to know – alternative formats; Guidance: Full list of local restriction tiers by area; Guidance: Tier 1: Medium alert; Guidance: Tier 2: High alert; Guidance: Tier 3: Very High alert; Tier posters: Medium, High and Very High; Statement: Returning to a regional tiered approach; Statement: Renewing regional coronavirus restrictions in England; Announcement: Tiering decisions to be made through national command structure; Announcement: More rapid COVID-19 tests to be rolled out across England; Roll out of lateral flow tests to local authorities; Policy paper: Community testing; Announcement: Community testing to help lift restrictions in highest tiers; Coronavirus (COVID-19): testing guidance for employers; Guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19) contingency framework for education and childcare settings; Collection: COVID-19 vaccination programme; Announcement: UK authorises Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine; Announcement: UK medicines regulator gives approval for first UK COVID-19 vaccine; Regulatory approval of Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19; Guidance: COVID-19 Winter Plan
PROPERTY:
Rental market recovering fast but now more segmented
The rental market is recovering fast from the Coronavirus crisis and still has a strong ‘offer’ for investors – but it’s becoming increasingly segmented. In an exclusive article for Letting Agent Today, Richard Donnell – the insight director of Zoopla and one of the industry’s most respected research figures – says London’s current rental problems don’t have a quick fix. But elsewhere there are stronger markets, with a mix of investment opportunities – buy to let, Build To Rent, even affordable housing.
TRAVEL:
First airline contact-tracing initiative launched by Delta for travellers to the US
Under the new contact tracing system, Delta passengers will be required to provide their full name, email address, address in the US plus both a primary and secondary phone number. This data will then be “directly and securely” transmitted to the CDC via US Customs and Border Protection. Bill Lentsch, Delta’s chief customer experience officer, said: “Independent studies have shown that the many layers of protection Delta has already put in place are effectively minimising the risk of Covid-19 transmission, and contact tracing adds one more important layer to our efforts to ensure safety throughout travel.” Submitting contact information will be mandatory for those flying on Delta’s first quarantine-free transatlantic route between Atlanta and Rome, which is due to launch on 19 December.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Remote education webinars
How to access school-led webinars on remote education to help share good practice – new dates for webinars for teachers added.
Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus. The YouTube video for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – Universal Credit and Child Benefit has been updated.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time to view webinar
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou
Finance support for the self-employed webinars For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful information and links:
COVID-19 Winter Plan
The government’s plan for managing COVID-19 through the end of 2020 and into the start of 2021.
Government extends JRS furlough scheme at 80% for period of lockdown
The government has said the furlough scheme, due to have closed on 31st October, would now be extended until December.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Additional Restrictions Grant
The Additional Restrictions Grant (ARG) supports businesses that are not covered by other grant schemes or where additional funding is needed.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed)) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant (for open businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Open)) supports businesses that have been severely impacted due to temporary local restrictions.
Check if your business is eligible for a coronavirus grant due to national restrictions (for closed businesses)
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG (Closed) Addendum supports businesses that have been required to close due to the national restrictions between 5 November and 2 December 2020.
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out which employees you can put on furlough and claim for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. Eligibility criteria has been made clearer for employees who are made redundant on or after 23 September 2020 and you have re-employed and employees that have a fixed term contract that expired after 23 September. The dates relating to TUPE eligibility have also been corrected.
New National Restrictions from 5 November
Information on the new national restrictions, including what they mean for working from home and business closures, why they are being introduced and the financial support available.
Job Retention Bonus (JRB)
Employers are able to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), kept continuously employed until at least 31??? ?January 2021 and who meets the other eligibility criteria. Claims can be made between 15??? ?February and 31??? ?March.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – closes on 31??? ?October
Please note that this scheme closes on 31??? ?October and employers will need to make any final claims on or before 30??? ?November. You will not be able to submit or add to any claims after 30??? ?November.
Check if you’re eligible for the coronavirus Local Restrictions Support Grant
The Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG) supports businesses that have been required to close due to temporary COVID-19 local lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.
Job Support Scheme expanded to help businesses forced to close
The Government’s Job Support Scheme (JSS) has been expanded to support businesses across the UK required to close their premises due to coronavirus restrictions.
Home workers can claim £26 tax relief for job expenses
If you’ve asked your employees to work from home, and you’ve not reimbursed them already, your employees may be entitled to claim tax relief on additional household expenses they’ve incurred, such as heating and lighting.
New hotline launched to report COVID fraudsters
A new hotline has been launched to stop fraudsters illegally targeting COVID stimulus schemes.
Full list of local COVID alert levels by area
The areas in England listed as local COVID alert level high and local COVID alert level very high.
Local COVID Alert level: Very High (Liverpool City Region)
Guidance on additional restrictions for Liverpool City Region.
Local COVID Alert Level Posters
A series of graphical posters displaying information about the Local COVID Alert Level.
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Find someone to apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant on your behalf
Find a Kickstart gateway in England, Scotland or Wales who have expressed interest in helping employers get a Kickstart Scheme grant.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 30 or more job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 30 or more jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Apply for a Kickstart Scheme grant: 29 or less job placements
If you are an employer looking to create 29 or less jobs placements for young people, apply for funding as part of the Kickstart Scheme.
Coronavirus Act report: September 2020
The third two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
Self-Employment Income Support Scheme grant extension
The grant is being extended from 1 November 2020. Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can get.
Hospitality venues in England are now legally required to enforce the rule of 6 or face a fine of up to £4,000.
Designated businesses and organisations, including hospitality, close contact services and leisure venues, will also be legally required to log details of customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace and required to display official NHS QR code posters under law
NHS Test and Trace service in the workplace
Guidance on the NHS Test and Trace service for employers, businesses and workers updated to reflect the new legal requirements for designated venues to collect contact details and display official NHS QR code posters from 24th September
If you would like to register your interest in creating one or more Kickstart Job, please complete the Kickstart Employer Enquiry Form and a member of the Council’s Kickstart Team will contact you to explain more.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online. https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
The SMBC website and produce a form for completion online if anyone wants to report an outbreak. The links are now live and are below:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/guidance-for-employees-employers-and-businesses
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme employer resources
If you’ve been offered Kickstart Scheme funding, you can use these resources to show your support for the scheme.
Kickstart Scheme employer contacts
List of regional contacts for employers applying for a grant through the Kickstart Scheme.
New opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm
At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – guidance updated in line with new regulations coming into force on 4 July
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April