Education:
From today, schools and colleges will close to most pupils and students until further notice except for the children of key workers
As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
That is why the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, household isolation and social distancing.
And the most recent scientific advice on how to further limit the spread of COVID-19 is clear. If children can stay safely at home, they should, to limit the chance of the virus spreading.
That is why the government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.
Schools are, therefore, being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children – children who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home.
For a full list of those who qualify: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
Additional information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers
For more local information – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/school-closures-and-disruptions
Health:
Chief Medical Officer for England and the UK, Chris Whitty has said there is currently no intention to bring in legal restrictions on movement but the Government will rule nothing out where it is deemed necessary to stem the peak, to protect our health workers, to reduce threat to life and to reduce deaths but did not rule out faster and stricter measures in future.
The Prime Minister has announced that the Government is in the process of buying Anti-body testing kits. 25,000 kits will be available every day that will test for the Coronavirus infection and test for anti-bodies, a strong indication that the patient has already contracted the Coronavirus and has developed anti-bodies against future disease and will be safe to return to work.
For more information on health issues – https://www.healthystockport.co.uk/
Employment:
The Hut Group has announced that it is creating 500 jobs, many at its facility in Warrington – https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/20-03-hut-group-to-create-500-jobs-in-face-of-coronavirus-crisis/
The Co-op Group has also announced that it has fast tracked 5,000 new temporary and permanent jobs at stores throughout the UK particularly to help people within the struggling events and leisure sectors. Those interested in the new temporary roles should speak to a store manager at their local Co-op. Permanent roles can be applied for at jobs.coop.co.uk.
Despite the challenges that Coronavirus is bringing about for many businesses, there are a number of alternative job opportunities in Stockport including openings for:
Delivery drivers
Warehouse staff
Supermarket roles
Retail – customer sales
Care sector
Find out more about these and other opportunities at https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news-category/coronavirus-recruitment/
Stockport Council is keen to ensure that businesses are kept informed of the latest help and support available. Please contact us with your questions and concerns by emailing: economyws@stockport.gov.uk
Financial:
The Chancellor is expected to make a statement later today regarding assistance with pay-roll, details will be posted as and when they are announced.
Details regarding grant funding as outlined below will be made available later today.
Reminder – Business Support Packages:
- a statutory sick pay relief package for SMEs
- a 12-month business rates holiday for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England
- small business grant funding of £10,000 for all business in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief
- grant funding of £25,000 for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses with property with a rateable value between £15,000 and £51,000
- the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme offering loans of up to £5 million for SMEs through the British Business Bank
- a new lending facility from the Bank of England to help support liquidity among larger firms, helping them bridge coronavirus disruption to their cash flows through loans
- the HMRC Time To Pay Scheme
Full details can be found on the Government website
For more information regarding support for businesses, visit: Business Growth Hub
Useful tips – there is quite a bit of info from Martin Lewis on financial support – https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/03/uk-coronavirus-help-and-your-rights/#energy
Useful BBC Updates:
- EASY STEPS: How to keep safe
- A SIMPLE GUIDE: What are the symptoms?
- GETTING READY: How prepared is the UK?
- MAPS AND CHARTS: Visual guide to the outbreak
- TRAVEL PLANS: What are your rights?
- PUBLIC TRANSPORT: What’s the risk?