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UK NEWS UPDATES:
Bankers told to return to desks as restrictions end
Big banks, advertising firms and insurers have announced plans to return to the office after the government scrapped its work-from-home guidance for England with immediate effect. However, most said flexible working arrangements would remain in place. Some have questioned whether the move is premature and could worsen already-high staff absences. But others said city centres hit hard by Omicron would get a much-needed boost as commuters returned. Banking group HSBC said its staff started returning to the office on Thursday, while Standard Chartered has asked employees to come in from Monday – although both lenders have flexible working arrangements in place. Citigroup and Goldman Sachs also plan to resume office working. Meanwhile Havas, a French advertising agency with 11,500 staff worldwide, told the BBC it would “fully reopen” its London office from Monday after more than a month of employees working from home.
UK retail sales suffer worst ever December decline
Retail sales have suffered their worst December decline on record, a 3.7% fall month-on-month, as shoppers stayed home due to the Omicron variant, according to ONS. The sales fall comes after a steady November, with consumers doing their Christmas shopping earlier than previous years. A fall in demand for petrol and diesel, due to more people working from home under Plan B rules, also contributed to the slump. It was the biggest December decline on records going back to 1996.
Footfall edged up almost 2% following relaxing of Work from Home directive
Footfall in retail destinations across the UK nudged up almost 2% today, following yesterday’s announcement that the Plan B work from home guidance had come to an end. Yesterday marked the first day that many commuters were travelling to work since the Plan B measures were introduced in December last year to slow the spread of Omicron.
“Following the announcement of the end of the Plan B work from home guidance, footfall in UK retail destinations up to 2pm today was 1.9% higher than yesterday and 0.2% higher than on the same day last week,” revealed Diane Wehrle, Springboard’s insights director. “Footfall in regional cities outside of the capital was 1.9% higher than last week and 1.2% higher than yesterday,” she added. “In Central London, however, the uplift was even greater – 3.7% higher than last week and 5.1% from yesterday.” More promisingly, the Springboard Back to the Office Benchmark (taken from locations close to offices) rose by 7.3% compared to last week and 4.3% from yesterday.
From Thursday 27 January:
- Venues and events will no longer be required by law to use the NHS Covid Pass. The NHS Covid Pass can still be used on a voluntary basis as was previously the case in Plan A.
- Face coverings are no longer required by law in any setting. Public health guidance will remain in place, suggesting individuals should continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
- The Department for Education will remove national guidance on the use of face coverings in communal areas, with local Directors of Public Health able to recommend the use of face coverings in education settings across their area only where the department and public health experts judge the measure to be proportionate due to specific health concerns. This is a temporary measure and Directors of Public Health continue to advise individual settings experiencing outbreaks.
- Any local introduction of face coverings must be subject to routine review and removed at the earliest opportunity.
REGIONAL & LOCAL NEWS:
Consultation launches on proposed increase to Greater Manchester precept
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has launched a public consultation on a proposed increase the police precept for 2022/23 to fund continued improvements to Greater Manchester Police (GMP). The precept is the police element of council tax, and the consultation proposes a £10 increase for a Band D property or £7.77 for a Band B property. The proposed increase comes following improvements in GMP under new Chief Constable Stephen Watson, including a reduction in average answer times for 999 calls, compliance with crime recording standards improved from 77% to 90% and a 55% reducing in the waiting list for incidents.
Greater Manchester clean air leaders formally confirm call on government to review impact of vehicle supply chain issues on GM Clean Air Plan
Greater Manchester’s clean air leaders will formally write to government calling for an urgent review of global vehicle supply chain issues that threaten the city-region’s ability to comply with legal air quality limits. The Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee – made up of representatives of all 10 councils – met on Thursday 20 January to consider a new report into the global supply chain issues impacting the availability and cost of Clean Air Zone-compliant vehicles, particularly vans. With the city-region’s 10 local authorities being under government directive to improve air quality, the committee will now formally write to George Eustice MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), requesting that he agrees to pause the opening of the second phase of Clean Air funds at the end of January. The committee also agreed to request that the Secretary of State undertake an urgent and fundamental review that will identify how a revised policy can be agreed to manage global and national supply chain issues and support local businesses’ ability to comply with the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan. This would seek to ensure that the right policy and funding arrangements can be put in place quickly that better reflect the additional costs and vehicle availability problems that businesses are facing.
Official Opening for World Duty Free store at Manchester Airport Terminal 2
The store, which started trading in Q3 of 2021 as flights started to move over to the airport’s new Terminal 2 extension, is located in the international departures hall immediately after security and sits at the heart of the airport’s new state-of-the-art terminal space. Incorporating the core product categories of beauty, liquor, luxury accessories, tobacco and confectionery, it also features a dedicated World of Whiskies area and has been well received by customers, delivering a good performance over the past months despite ongoing changes to travel restrictions.
Greater Manchester textiles businesses benefit from Made Smarter technology
Made Smarter, the manufacturing sector technology adoption programme, is encouraging more of the region’s textiles businesses to digitalise and is highlighting the firms in the sector already benefiting from support. The programme support SME manufacturers with expert technology advice, digital transformation workshops, a leadership programme, digital technology internships, and skills development support. 125 textile firms in the North-west, including 45 in Greater Manchester are already benefiting from the support, including Stockport-based Creative Apparel.
Stockport Business Rates Related Schemes:
Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant:
- The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is a one-off grant to support businesses that offer in-person services in a fixed rate-paying premises.
- Businesses that were trading on 30 December 2021 may be eligible to apply for the grant.
- Businesses that offer more than one service may only be eligible if 50% or more of their overall income comes from hospitality, leisure or accommodation.
How much will businesses receive?
Businesses that have a rateable value:
- of £15,000 or less on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £2,667
- between £15,001 and £50,999 on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £4,000
- of £51,000 or more on 30 December 2021 will receive a payment of £6,000
What are the Tax implications?
- Grant income received by a business is taxable. The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant will need to be included as income in the tax return of the business.
- Only businesses that make an overall profit once the grant income is included will be subject to tax.
- Payments made to businesses before 5 April 2022 will fall into the 2021/22 tax year. Unincorporated businesses will be taxed when they receive the grant income.
Business Grant Subsidy Allowance:
- Businesses will be subject to the financial limits set out in the Business Grant Subsidy Allowance.
- Businesses will be entitled to receive a grant for each eligible premises.
Applications are now open. Visit Stockport Council website for full information and application – Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant – Stockport Council
NOTE: The closing date for applications is at midnight on 18 February 2022. We will not accept any applications after this date.
COVID-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF):
The fund will be available to support those businesses affected by the pandemic but that are ineligible for existing support linked to business rates.
The Stockport scheme is currently being developed.
Further details will be on the Council website when available – check this link regularly for updates – Financial support for businesses and employers – Stockport Council
Additional Restrictions Grant:
ARG is a Discretionary Grant Scheme that has been operating over a series of funding allocations from Government.
Round 2 Top Up:
The latest scheme with round 2 top up funding opened in November 2021. Information and application is on Stockport Council web page at this link – https://www.stockport.gov.uk/additional-restrictions-grant
Round 3 Top Up:
Round 3 top up funding allocation has now been received and must be used by 31/03/22. Most businesses are eligible to apply if still experiencing negative impact from Covid pandemic.
Applying for an ARG:
- Businesses can apply for a grant from both top up 2 and 3 allocations but separate need to be submitted from businesses for each round of funding (Government requirement).
- If businesses have applied for ARG before 21/12/21, then they can submit a further application now.
- If businesses applied after 21/12/21 then no need to do anything further – if not applied at all yet then apply ASAP.
- Applications will be processed on first come first served basis until funds are exhausted so applying does not guarantee success in getting a grant if funds have been exhausted at that time
Current status on payments:
Total discretionary grant funding of £2.35m total to be used by 31/03/2022 (includes latest £550k top up)
- 767 applications received by 18th January 2022
- 49% of applications fully processed
- £1.1m grant funding released by 18th January 2022
- Average grant payment of £3,271
- 399 further applications to process
SECTOR SPECIFIC CORONAVIRUS-RELATED NEWS:
BUSINESS:
The UK’s small businesses can now apply for the government’s Help to Grow: Digital scheme and access support in adopting digital technologies.
Under the scheme, businesses can receive discounts of up to £5,000 off the retail price of eligible Digital Accounting and CRM software. The technology will enable businesses to manage their finances and their relationships more effectively with customers to help the scale up in the future. The scheme also will provide businesses with free advice and guidance about what digital technologies are most appropriate for your business and has been designed with industry and independent experts. The scheme aims to tackle two of the biggest barriers to businesses accessing new digital technologies: funding, and knowledge and training gaps; and will help SMEs grow by accessing benefits of new digital technologies
CARE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): admission and care of people in care homes
How to protect care home residents and staff during the coronavirus outbreak – updated guidance throughout in line with the latest clinical advice from the UK Health Security Agency. See the summary change note in the guidance for a full breakdown of all updates.
Supported living services during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updated isolation guidance for supported living workers – those who have tested positive for COVID-19 to end self-isolation after 6 days, following 2 negative lateral flow tests taken 24 hours apart.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children’s social care services
Advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) for local authorities and their partners to help support and protect vulnerable children – updated ‘COVID-19: guidance for children’s social care services’ to reflect the removal of Plan B restrictions, including updates to temporary regulations, visits and unaccompanied asylum-seeking children.
COVID-19 vaccination of people working or deployed in care homes: operational guidance
Anyone working or volunteering in a care home needs to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus (COVID-19) unless they are exempt. Since 11 November 2021, anyone working or volunteering in a care home has needed to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus (COVID-19), unless exempt. These conditions were updated by regulations that came into force on 6 January 2022 and additional regulations that will come into force on 1 April 2022.
Vaccination of workers in social care settings other than care homes: operational guidance
From 1 April 2022, people carrying out face-to-face, CQC-regulated social care activities will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, unless exempt.
Supported living services during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for providers of supported living settings – updated guidance for staff members in health and social care settings who have developed COVID-19 symptoms, or tested positive on a lateral flow or PCR test.
COMMUNITY:
Evaluation of the VCSE Funding Package – Scoping Report
Detailed findings of the scoping phase of the evaluation of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Funding Package
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 21 January 2022
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
COVID-19: arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event
Guidance for arranging or attending a funeral or commemorative event during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – added call out box regarding upcoming changes to face coverings legislation.
Get help with technology: conditions of internet access and device grants
Information about the eligibility criteria and payment process for connectivity and device funding – updated guidance to reflect new claim period deadline of 27 February. Removed paragraph 3 under section 5 ‘Maximum claim calculations’ regarding payments of capital costs in the conditions of device grants for technical support guidance.
CONSTRUCTION:
Structural steel jumps another £50 per tonne
In letters to contractors, British Steel blamed sustained high steel-making costs for the £50 a tonne increase on steel sections for all new orders with immediate effect. The latest rise follows a volatile 2021 that saw seven price hikes lifting the price of steel by around £340 a tonne. It comes as the Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability working group reported signs of easing in supply bottlenecks around general construction material delivery times but warned that high energy prices would impact on the year ahead.
EDUCATION:
Managing coronavirus (COVID-19) in education and childcare settings
What measures education and childcare settings should be prepared to introduce to manage coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to align with the Plan B announcement on 19 January.
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19
Information for parents and carers about attending schools, nurseries and colleges – updated information on the use of face coverings, use of NHS COVID passes, keeping settings safe, isolation for boarding school pupils and working from home.
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 guidance to align with the Plan B announcement on Wednesday 19 January 2022. This includes the removal of the recommendation to wear face coverings in communal areas from 27 January. Additional guidance has also been added on staff deployment and staff shortages, EYFS flexibilities, prioritising early years places and reporting COVID cases to Ofsted.
HEALTH & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: estimated administrative vaccine uptake for people aged 18 and over
Daily percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose, or third or booster dose to date.
National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published
Weekly national influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
COVID-19 variants: genomically confirmed case numbers
Genomically confirmed case numbers for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation.
Assessment and procurement of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests
How the government assesses offers of COVID-19 tests from developers for procurement and use in the UK – updated ‘National standardised test performance process for manufacturers of SARS-CoV-2 virus antibody tests’ and ‘National technical validation process for manufacturers of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) tests’ to include all new products in the pipeline as of January 2022, and added 2 new lateral flow devices that have passed 3a validation to ‘Outcome of the evaluation of rapid diagnostic assays for specific SARS-CoV-2 antigens (lateral flow devices)’. This guidance is now owned by the UK Health Security Agency.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey: UK: 21 January 2022
Estimates for?England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.?This survey is being delivered in partnership with University of Oxford, University of Manchester, UK Health Security Agency and?Wellcome?Trust. This study is jointly led by the ONS and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) working with the University of Oxford and Lighthouse Laboratory to collect and test samples.
Weekly statistics for NHS Test and Trace (England): 6 to 12 January 2022
Experimental statistics on NHS Test and Trace since its launch on 28 May 2020. Includes reports on NHS Test and Trace (people tested and contact tracing) and rapid (lateral flow device) testing for people without symptoms.
PROPERTY:
Rents rise for fifth consecutive quarter
Average UK rents increased for the fifth consecutive quarter in Q4 2021 according to The Deposit Protection Service, as stock shortages continue. Average rents reached £834 during the final three months of 2021, an increase of £16 or 1.96 per cent on the previous quarter and a £42 or 5.3 per cent increase on Q3 2020. South-West rents, which traditionally lag behind the national average, drew level for the first time, rising by £54 or 6.92 per cent from £780, the largest regional percentage increase during the past 12 months. Average rents have increased across all property types since Q3 2021, with rents on detached properties increasing the most; on average by 8.34 per cent over the past year.
Insight: Collaboration is key for rent collection
“Covid has brought many challenges to the fore, with one of the topics receiving increased profile is that of rent arrears. A mountain of some £7 billion of uncollected rent has been cited (Remit Consulting, November 2021) by landlords of commercial properties. Much of this has been put down to landlords and tenants wrangling over the arrears that were racked up during the pandemic, with the British Property Federation estimating 20% of cases are yet to reach an agreement.
“As an advisor of landlords and tenants, there are examples on either side that have not represented either party well. Many of us will remember the stories about Burger King and other popular brands that were publicly lambasted for not paying rent to their landlords during Covid.”
RETAIL:
Primark set to lose 400 management roles
Around 400 jobs are set to be axed across fast fashion chain Primark’s UK stores as the group looks to overhaul its retail management team. The retailer, which is owned by Associated British Foods, said it had launched a consultation with staff as part of plans to simplify its UK store retail management structure. It is looking to make the management structure consistent across its estate of over 190 stores in the UK.
TRAVEL:
Covid test firm urges end of testing for travellers
Covid tests for travellers arriving in the UK should be scrapped, one of the big testing firms has said. Simon Worrell, global medical director of Collinson – which also runs airport lounges – said: “As soon as we can drop it, we will be delighted.”
At present, all those aged five and over arriving in England must take a test within 48 hours of arriving. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Wednesday the government was reviewing testing arrangements for travel. He said the Health Secretary Sajid Javid would announce the outcome of the review in the coming days.
GOV & BBC UK daily coronavirus data:
There have been more than 15.6 million confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK and more than 150,000 people have died, government figures show. Over 52 million people have now received a first dose of the vaccine, 91% of people in the UK aged 12 and over. 84% have had their second and 64% have had a booster.
Total UK Cases: 15,613,706 positive tests
Latest UK daily figure: 107,364 new cases
Number in UK hospital: 18,494 (503 fewer than on previous day)
New deaths across UK: 330
Total UK deaths: 153,202
England Cases per 100,000: 926
R number in UK: 1.1 – 1.5
Vaccine data:
Total 1st doses given: 52,168,592 – 91% of UK aged 12+
Total 2nd doses: 84%
Daily 1st doses: 16,940
Daily 2nd doses: 29,893
Daily Booster doses: 66,770
The R value and growth rate
The latest reproduction number (R) and growth rate of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The R range for England is 1.1 to 1.5 the growth rate range for England is +3% to +6% per day as of 14 January 2022.
COVID-19: estimated administrative vaccine uptake for people aged 18 and over
Daily percentage of the UK population aged 18 and over who have received a first dose, second dose, or third or booster dose to date.
Latest Stockport coronavirus data:
Total Stockport cases: 78,289 to 20 January
Cases in the latest week: 2,540 (2,782 less compared with previous week)
Total deaths: 814 to January 7th (+1 on previous week)
Cases per 100,000: 854 per 100,000 (10 to 16 Jan)
Stockport vaccine data:
1st dose: 86% of over 12s to 17 January
2nd dose: 80%
3rd / booster dose: 64%
Covid-19 Webinars:
Brexit Webinars:
Exporting: Actions you need to take now: An overview of the actions you need to take now before you export goods from Great Britain to the EU and move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Key processes include – staged border controls, zero-rated VAT, customs declaration, using an intermediary as well as licences, certificates, and authorisations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to export.
Trader responsibilities when using an intermediary: You now need to complete import or export declarations to trade goods with the EU. These are complex and a lot of businesses choose to use an intermediary to do these for them. This webinar explains your responsibilities as a trader if you choose to use an intermediary. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import or export.
What are customs import declarations?: If you import goods, you now need to make customs import declarations on controlled goods and all goods by the end of June. This webinar will help you understand what they are in more detail. This includes what is needed for simplified declarations, supplementary declarations, how to make them, and delayed import declarations. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
Importing: Staged controls and how to prepare to use them: This webinar will walk you through the three stages of the new border controls introduced on 1?? ?January?? ?2021, and what actions you need to take for each stage. Please register to take part if you’re planning to import.
LATEST LINKS:
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.
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.
Kickstart Scheme
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create job placements for 16 to 24 year olds.
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions
Kickstart Scheme terms and conditions for employers and gateways receiving the Kickstart Scheme grant from the Department for Work and Pensions.
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.
Visit the Stockport Council website to report details of any outbreaks online.
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/coronavirus-in-stockport/report-a-coronavirus-outbreak
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.
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.
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
Stockport Council’s FREE job matching website helps 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
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
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.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
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
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
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.
Health updates:
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
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.
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.