DAILY STATISTICS
Latest BBC UK data:
Positive tests: 1,750,241 have tested positive (+ 12,282 new cases)
Loss of life: 62,033 across all settings (+ 616 new deaths)
Hospital admissions: 1,458 new admissions
Cases in Stockport: 345 cases 28 Nov to 04 Dec (-84 on previous week)
Cases in Stockport: 118 cases per 100,000 27 Nov – 03 Dec (England area average: 126)
Deaths in Stockport: 453 coronavirus-related registered to 27 November
Total cases in Stockport: 10,853 to 07 December
R rate in England: 0.8-1.0
The latest published data can found here
The R number and growth rate in the UK
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the UK. The R number range for the UK is 0.8 -1.0 and the growth rate range is 0% to -2% to 0% per day as of 4 December 2020.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Employment lawyers provide free advice to GM workers hit hardest by the pandemic
The Growth Company and Citizens Advice Manchester have joined forces with a network of legal experts to ensure that Greater Manchester’s workers who have been hit hardest by the pandemic can access free legal advice.
During this period of uncertainty, many people across Greater Manchester are worried about their employment, from their employment rights, redundancy, pay cuts, to terms or disputes. Employment Legal Advice is a new service to help individuals across Greater Manchester to access free employment-related legal support. The service is designed to help individuals access the right advice at the right time as quickly as possible. Enquiries to the service will be passed on to a dedicated triage advisor who will review the case and decide on the correct pathway for the user, including whether to refer them to an expert from the network of legal partners.
How can people apply? People who think they might benefit from the help of the Employment Legal Advice service can provide details of their issue on the service’s website. They can also email info@employmentlegaladvice.org, or call 0161 233 2686.
MEN: Latest coronavirus figures across Greater Manchester
The coronavirus rate of infection appear to be levelling out across Greater Manchester but in Bury cases are creeping up again. While a number of neighbourhoods in Stockport now have few or no cases of the virus, people should still be vigilant and follow both Government and local guidance. Cheadle Health, all of Bramhall, Poynton West, Offerton East and Bosden Farm and High Lane all had fewer than three cases in the week ending December 3.
People can find out the number of cases and infection rates by entering their postcode in the same interactive map here.
Manchester Airports Group: pandemic causes revenues to fall by over 80%
The latest half-year figures to 30 September released by MAG demonstrate the full extent coronavirus has had on the group that saw passenger numbers fall across all three airports at Manchester, Stanstead and East Midlands. They revealed revenues are down by 81.1% from £540.6m to £102.4m. Results before tax were a loss of £208.3m compared with a profit of £186.7m, a fall of 211.6%. Manchester handled just 1.7 million passengers in the six month period, down from 17.4m the previous year. London Stansted handled 2.2 million compared with 15.9 million last year, and East Midlands handled 300,000, against 3.1 million in 2019. Total passenger numbers for the group have fallen from 36.4 million to 4.2 million.
Greater Manchester Chamber issue Recovery Tracker survey to gauge Tier 3 restriction on business
Let us know how Tier 3 restrictions are affecting your business by taking part in our latest Recovery Tracker survey. Your answers will help us inform local and national government about the impact of the restrictions on Greater Manchester’s economy. You can take part in the survey here.
2 days left to sign up to the Manchester Digital Christmas Gameshow
There are 2 days left to book your free place on the first ever Manchester Digital Christmas Gameshow, coming to you virtually on the lunchtime of Thursday 10th December in association with LexLeyton. Join your fellow digital and tech professionals from across the region and battle it out for fantastic prizes (including an Apple HomePod Mini) as we test your knowledge on all things Manchester and digital! You’ll need to register individually, but as many people from your organisation can register as you wish so why not play against your colleagues and team mates as well as the wider Manchester Digital community? Book your free place via the link below and join us this Thursday lunchtime at 12pm to see if you can be crowned the Manchester Digital Christmas Gameshow champion.
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:
Business evictions ban extended until March ?
Business owners affected by the pandemic will be protected from eviction until the end of March 2021.
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) you may be eligible to claim the grant.
COMMUNITY:
Making a support bubble with another household
How you can safely expand the group of people you have close contact with during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated with clarification of how support bubbles work for those in more than one type of bubble, and simplified guidance on travelling to form a support bubble.
Making a childcare bubble with another household
How you can get informal childcare for anyone under 14 from friends and family you do not live with – updated with clarification of how childcare bubbles work for those in more than one type of bubble, and simplified guidance on travelling to form a childcare bubble.
A ‘new normal’? How people spent their time after the March 2020 coronavirus lockdown
How have individuals spent their time in reduced COVID social distancing measures? How does time spent on different activities differ between lock down (28th March to 26th April 2020) and post lock down (5th September to 13th September 2020)? Is this returning to normal? (levels seen in time use study ran in 2015)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing service for extra care and supported living settings
Guidance on regular retesting for extra care and supported living settings that meet the eligibility criteria – updated to clarify use of the Unique Organisation Number on the self-referral portal.
Coronavirus antibody home test kit: taking a blood sample
Guidance and video to help you do your antibody test correctly, post your sample and get your results – updated instructions on safe lancet disposal, removed instruction not to take or post a test on a Sunday, and replaced video link with a newer version.
Tier 2: High alert
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 2 of local restrictions.
Updated information on visiting venues and added link to guidance on which businesses and venues are permitted to be open.
Tier 1: Medium alert
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 1 of local restrictions. Updated information on visiting venues and added link to guidance on which businesses and venues are permitted to be open.
CONSTRUCTION:
Balfour Beatty predicting a big year in 2021
Balfour Beatty boss Leo Quinn is confident about construction’s prospects next year as the industry leads the pandemic recovery. In a bullish trading update today the contractor predicted a year-end order book of £17bn up from £14.3bn in 2019 and boosted by major projects like HS2. Revenue is expected to be in line with last year at £8.4bn despite the impact of Covid-19 while full year average monthly net cash is now forecast to be around £500m. Balfour is planning a final dividend this year and return more capital to shareholders with an initial £50m share buyback programme from January 2021.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus and higher education students, England: 20 November to 25 November 2020
Experimental statistics from a pilot of the Student Covid Insights Survey. Includes information on the behaviours, plans, opinions and well-being of higher education students in the context of guidance on coronavirus (Covid-19).
DfE exam support service: claiming costs
Information for schools and other exam centres needing to claim costs for autumn exams
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
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
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people
Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable – added easy-read, large print and translated versions.
COVID-19: PHE laboratory assessments of inactivation methods
PHE has undertaken assessments of inactivation methods against SARS-CoV-2 with further evaluations ongoing – added updated version of ‘HCM-CoV2-043-v3 Ethanol TCF’.
COVID-19: vaccinator competency assessment tool
Knowledge and skills competence assessment tool – updated competency assessment tool (see page 3 for revision history).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to include relevant links to the guidance on the local restriction tier system in place in England since 2 December.
COVID-19: vaccinator training recommendations
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination training to support healthcare workers involved in delivering the programme – updated recommendations and Appendix A
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated ‘Side effects of children taking a vaccination or teething’.
COVID-19 vaccination: consent form and letter for adults
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form and letter templates for adults who are able to consent.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) lateral flow testing of visitors in care homes
Sets out how care homes and visitors can prepare for visitor testing with lateral flow devices (LFDs).
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.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
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 – added Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs: guidance for local authorities
PROPERTY:
Retail future? Former Debenhams store to become 338 flats for rent
The future of the High Street continues to be an important item on many agendas, even more so since the challenges that coronavirus has inflicted on an already flailing retail sector. Residential and developing urban living is a potential growth area for town centres. Prior to administration, Debenhams had closed many stores across the UK so not surprising that one of the biggest commercial property operators in the country is to build 338 apartments to rent on the site of a vacated store. Hammerson, owner and manager of a city centre shopping complex in Leicester, has announced plans to create 199 one-bedroomed, 118 two-bedroomed and 21 three-bedroomed apartments on the site – some in what was the store, and some on nearby land. They are likely to be Build-To-Rent units managed by BTR operator Packaged Living. Hammerson is also planning to turn the remainder of the former Debenhams into ‘flexible’ retail units, smaller in size and suitable for a range of retail and semi-retail purposes.
What can the property sector expect in 2021?
The property predictions for 2021 continue to roll in, as the sector looks ahead to the upcoming 12 months. Here, we get the thoughts of leading property developer GRE Assets and leading, independent buying agency Black Brick, on where the market will go next year.
A promising start to 2021:
GRE Assets believes that, with pent-up demand after Lockdown 2.0 and promising news surrounding a Covid-19 vaccine, the UK property market should expect an encouraging start in 2021. Michael El-Kassir, managing director of GRE Assets, which specialises in residential property development and regeneration in strategic locations across the UK and Spain, below explains what the company has experienced in the latter half of 2020 and how he believes this will inform the market as we approach 2021: “As 2020 draws to a close, the market is showing continued growth with interest from both buyers and renters in new-build developments located in towns and cities undergoing major regeneration,” he comments.
TRAVEL:
Business evictions ban extended until March ?
Business owners affected by the pandemic will be protected from eviction until the end of March 2021.
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) you may be eligible to claim the grant.
COMMUNITY:
Making a support bubble with another household
How you can safely expand the group of people you have close contact with during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated with clarification of how support bubbles work for those in more than one type of bubble, and simplified guidance on travelling to form a support bubble.
Making a childcare bubble with another household
How you can get informal childcare for anyone under 14 from friends and family you do not live with – updated with clarification of how childcare bubbles work for those in more than one type of bubble, and simplified guidance on travelling to form a childcare bubble.
A ‘new normal’? How people spent their time after the March 2020 coronavirus lockdown
How have individuals spent their time in reduced COVID social distancing measures? How does time spent on different activities differ between lock down (28th March to 26th April 2020) and post lock down (5th September to 13th September 2020)? Is this returning to normal? (levels seen in time use study ran in 2015)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing service for extra care and supported living settings
Guidance on regular retesting for extra care and supported living settings that meet the eligibility criteria – updated to clarify use of the Unique Organisation Number on the self-referral portal.
Coronavirus antibody home test kit: taking a blood sample
Guidance and video to help you do your antibody test correctly, post your sample and get your results – updated instructions on safe lancet disposal, removed instruction not to take or post a test on a Sunday, and replaced video link with a newer version.
Tier 2: High alert
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 2 of local restrictions.
Updated information on visiting venues and added link to guidance on which businesses and venues are permitted to be open.
Tier 1: Medium alert
What you can and cannot do in an area in Tier 1 of local restrictions. Updated information on visiting venues and added link to guidance on which businesses and venues are permitted to be open.
CONSTRUCTION:
Balfour Beatty predicting a big year in 2021
Balfour Beatty boss Leo Quinn is confident about construction’s prospects next year as the industry leads the pandemic recovery. In a bullish trading update today the contractor predicted a year-end order book of £17bn up from £14.3bn in 2019 and boosted by major projects like HS2. Revenue is expected to be in line with last year at £8.4bn despite the impact of Covid-19 while full year average monthly net cash is now forecast to be around £500m. Balfour is planning a final dividend this year and return more capital to shareholders with an initial £50m share buyback programme from January 2021.
EDUCATION:
Coronavirus and higher education students, England: 20 November to 25 November 2020
Experimental statistics from a pilot of the Student Covid Insights Survey. Includes information on the behaviours, plans, opinions and well-being of higher education students in the context of guidance on coronavirus (Covid-19).
DfE exam support service: claiming costs
Information for schools and other exam centres needing to claim costs for autumn exams
HEALTH, CARE & WELLBEING:
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
COVID-19: letter to clinically extremely vulnerable people
Reference-only version of letter from the government to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable – added easy-read, large print and translated versions.
COVID-19: PHE laboratory assessments of inactivation methods
PHE has undertaken assessments of inactivation methods against SARS-CoV-2 with further evaluations ongoing – added updated version of ‘HCM-CoV2-043-v3 Ethanol TCF’.
COVID-19: vaccinator competency assessment tool
Knowledge and skills competence assessment tool – updated competency assessment tool (see page 3 for revision history).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to include relevant links to the guidance on the local restriction tier system in place in England since 2 December.
COVID-19: vaccinator training recommendations
Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination training to support healthcare workers involved in delivering the programme – updated recommendations and Appendix A
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated ‘Side effects of children taking a vaccination or teething’.
COVID-19 vaccination: consent form and letter for adults
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination consent form and letter templates for adults who are able to consent.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) lateral flow testing of visitors in care homes
Sets out how care homes and visitors can prepare for visitor testing with lateral flow devices (LFDs).
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.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
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 – added Christmas Support Payment for wet-led pubs: guidance for local authorities
PROPERTY:
Retail future? Former Debenhams store to become 338 flats for rent
The future of the High Street continues to be an important item on many agendas, even more so since the challenges that coronavirus has inflicted on an already flailing retail sector. Residential and developing urban living is a potential growth area for town centres. Prior to administration, Debenhams had closed many stores across the UK so not surprising that one of the biggest commercial property operators in the country is to build 338 apartments to rent on the site of a vacated store. Hammerson, owner and manager of a city centre shopping complex in Leicester, has announced plans to create 199 one-bedroomed, 118 two-bedroomed and 21 three-bedroomed apartments on the site – some in what was the store, and some on nearby land. They are likely to be Build-To-Rent units managed by BTR operator Packaged Living. Hammerson is also planning to turn the remainder of the former Debenhams into ‘flexible’ retail units, smaller in size and suitable for a range of retail and semi-retail purposes.
What can the property sector expect in 2021?
The property predictions for 2021 continue to roll in, as the sector looks ahead to the upcoming 12 months. Here, we get the thoughts of leading property developer GRE Assets and leading, independent buying agency Black Brick, on where the market will go next year.
A promising start to 2021:
GRE Assets believes that, with pent-up demand after Lockdown 2.0 and promising news surrounding a Covid-19 vaccine, the UK property market should expect an encouraging start in 2021. Michael El-Kassir, managing director of GRE Assets, which specialises in residential property development and regeneration in strategic locations across the UK and Spain, below explains what the company has experienced in the latter half of 2020 and how he believes this will inform the market as we approach 2021: “As 2020 draws to a close, the market is showing continued growth with interest from both buyers and renters in new-build developments located in towns and cities undergoing major regeneration,” he comments.
TRAVEL:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – added translations of local restriction tiers information.
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.
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