July 17th – Coronavirus News Updates:

As Stockport’s business community prepares for recovery post-coronavirus, a group of business leaders from the town have collaborated with Stockport Council to launch a new website – www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.

Latest UK data:

Total tests:                 12,320,708 tests have been taken or mailed out  + 131,121

Positive tests:            292,552 have tested positive + 642 in last 24 hours

Loss of life:                45,119 across all settings + 66

Cases in Stockport: 1,641positive tests  + 3
Cases per 100,000: 5.8

*new data now shows the results of all testing, Pillar 1 in hospital and Pilar 2 drive through test centres and swab results by post).

In Stockport, number of positive cases per 100,000 is 5.8

Coronavirus accounted for about 6% of all deaths in the UK in the week to 3 July, according to death registration data. This rate has slowly fallen from just over 10% in the middle of June.

Data from the ONS shows that fewer than one in 2,000 now has the virus as the slow decline in case numbers continues. 

Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK

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 0.7-0.9 and the growth rate range is -5% to -1% as of 17 July 2020.

UK HEADLINES: BREAKING!

11am: Boris Johnson’s Government briefing:

• New powers announced to tackle local outbreaks including stay at home orders, closing amenities at short notice and preventing people from entering and leaving defined areas
• Arrangements in place to increase testing capacity to 500,000 per day
• Increased number of ventilators to nearly 30,000
• Increased pipeline of PPE
• Confirms £3bn extra UK-wide NHS funding
• Updated guidance on working from home giving employers more discretion, encouraging employees to use public transport
• August 1^st – reopening of indoor performances
• Possible return of spectators to football matches in mid-October
• Hope for UK to return to significant normality by mid-November
• Plan ‘remains conditional’ on the basis that the UK can fight the coronavirus

Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
The Government’s roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis.

BBC: £3bn NHS fund to cope with second wave
The NHS in England will get an extra £3bn of funding to prepare for a possible second wave of coronavirus, Boris Johnson is set to announce.

The funding will also help ease winter pressures on the health service, Downing Street said.  It follows warnings a second wave this winter could see around 120,000 Covid-19 deaths in UK hospitals.  The PM is also expected to use a press conference on Friday to commit to a new target for testing capacity.

Under the plans, capacity would be increased to 500,000 coronavirus tests a day by the end of October.

BBC: End of the runway as Covid-19 grounds BA’s 747s entire fleet

British Airways has said it will retire all of its Boeing 747s as it suffers from the sharp travel downturn.  The UK airline is the world’s largest operator of the jumbo jets, with 31 in the fleet.  “It is with great sadness that we can confirm we are proposing to retire our entire 747 fleet with immediate effect,” a BA spokesman told the BBC.

Airlines across the world have been hit hard by coronavirus-related travel restrictions.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

musicMagpie NHS fundraising scheme tops £200,000
Supported by a surge in demand for its products as people look to work, stay connected and be entertained from home, musicMagpie pledged to donate £1 for every single item of consumer tech it purchased from its customers, as well as donating £1 for each refurbished tech item sold on its online store, with money raised supporting NHS Charities Together during the coronavirus pandemic. This week the fundraising scheme came to an end with musicMagpie customers having raised a significant £181,000 for the NHS in three months through their trade-ins and purchases. The company decided to top up the amount to an amazing £200,000 to recognise the efforts of its entire team in dealing with such a huge volume over the previous quarter.  The company has also donated over 200 tablets to health authorities across the UK, including 25 into Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport, to help keep people connected to loved ones when they need to the most, coupled with over 3,000 children’s books which have been donated to local community groups across Manchester and the surrounding areas.

TfGM and police step up engagement as face covering use falls on public transport
Police, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and public transport operators will increase their presence on the city’s transport network as they report a reduction in compliance with face covering rules.  It has been mandatory to wear a face covering on public transport in England since 15th June, and compliance in Greater Manchester was initially very positive with up to 90% of train, bus and tram passengers keeping their nose and mouth covered while travelling. However, by the week commencing 6th July, compliance with the directive had fallen to an average of 70%: peak evening Metrolink services saw only 60% of passengers using a face covering on average.

Transport for the North launch new Flexi Season ticket
Following our investment in smart travel technology, Northern launched the region’s first smart ‘flexi’ season tickets in time for passengers returning to the railway and anticipated changes in travel routines due to COVID-19. Jeremy Acklam, our new Director of Integrated and Smart Travel, said: “Now more than ever, due to the impact of coronavirus on our travel habits, passengers need safer, better value and more convenient ways to pay for public transport. Flexi seasons will provide this for thousands of passengers.”

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

Stockport Council – phase 4 for Local Authority Discretionary Grant Scheme
As there continue to be funds available via the LAD scheme, a fourth phase of applications is being offered to businesses that meet the eligibility criteria set out in the guidance. Eligible businesses that meet the criteria for phases one two and three, which missed the application deadline for these phases, can make an application in phase four.  The deadline for submitting applications in phase four of the scheme is midnight on midnight on Friday 07/08/2020.  

In phase 4 there is also an opportunity to apply for a fixed grant of £2,000 for registered businesses based in Stockport that meet either of the following criteria:

• home based or self-employed that have not had access to any other financial support linked to Covid-19, that have had a reduction in income due to Covid-19
• fixed property costs below the £250 per month de minimis level set for earlier phases of the discretionary grant scheme and have not had access to any other financial support linked to Covid-19, that have had a reduction in income due to Covid-19.

Further information and support with your application can be accessed by emailing SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk“
Read the full guidance HERE

Stockport businesses grant funding payments:

Main Grant Scheme:

Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,267 grants bringing the total amount paid to £60,530,000 and bringing the total now 96.2% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020.

If your business qualifies for a grant, please complete the online application form. Total grant allocation is £66.574m. If you have any queries please email business.rates@stockport.gov.uk  

Local Authority Discretionary Grant funding scheme

Applications for phase 4 of the Local Authority Grant fund scheme are now open.

Full qualifying criteria can be found on Stockport Council’s website.  Enquiries about the scheme can be emailed to SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk

Status of Payments to date:

Applications: 500
Payments:     £779,000

Stockport – is your business open for business?

Is your business in Stockport?  Are you ‘open for business’?  Whatever your business, we want to support you. And it’s free!  Follow the link, fill in the form and we will add you to our directory:

AGRICULTURE:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Read this page for regular updates. 

COMMUNITY:

Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 17 July 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 9 July to 12 July 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.

Leicester lockdown: what you can and cannot do
Find out what restrictions are in place if you live, work or travel in the Leicester area during the local outbreak of coronavirus 

Local lockdown measures to continue in Leicester with modifications
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock spoke about the local lockdown measures in Leicester and an issue with Randox swab test kits.

10 top tips to encourage children to read
Information to help parents think about ways to make reading enjoyable and engaging. 

EDUCATION:

Ofqual’s corporate plan for 2020 to 2021
Our programme of work, comprising four priorities, to fulfil our statutory duties in the year 2020 – 2021.

Higher education: reopening buildings and campuses
Guidance for higher education providers in England on when and how to reopen their campuses and buildings – performing arts, transport and international students and self-isolation sections updated.

Qualifications in COVID-19 support packages
The qualifications Education and Skills Funding Agency will fund to support economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak.

Help primary school children continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Advice for parents and carers looking after primary school children.
Updated information about the re-opening of libraries and added link to ‘10 top tips to encourage children to read’.

Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Advice for parents and carers of early years children who have not yet started school – banner amended with updated guidance for nurseries, childcare providers and childminders.

Help secondary school children continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Advice for parents and carers supporting the home learning of secondary school children (year 7 to 11) – banner updated with information about pupils returning to school in the autumn term.

Supporting your children’s education during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information, guidance and support for parents and carers of children who are learning at home – banner updated with information about pupils returning to school in the autumn term.

EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:

Check if your employer can use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible, and how much your employer can claim if they put you on temporary leave (‘furlough’) because of coronavirus (COVID-19) – page updated to clarify that notice periods being served by furloughed employees include contractual notice periods.

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 – page updated to clarify that notice periods being served by furloughed employees include contractual notice periods.

HMT statement on applicability of Covid-19 related amendments to Capital Requirements Regulations
This statement clarifies the amendments to the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR) and Second Capital Requirements Regulation (CRRII) that are applicable before the end of the Transition Period and which will form part of the body of EU law to be retained in the UK.  The Treasury will use powers under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (as amended by the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 to address any deficiencies arising from the relevant provisions of Regulation (EU) 2020/873, ensuring these elements of retained EU law operate effectively in the UK at the end of the Transition Period

How different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or member of a partnership find out how your circumstances can affect your eligibility for the scheme.

Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant.

HEALTH, HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:

Deaths involving COVID-19, England and Wales: June 2020
Number of deaths registered each month in England and Wales, including deaths involving the coronavirus (COVID-19), by age, sex and region.

NHS test and trace: how it works
An overview of the NHS test and trace service, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.

COVID-19: guidance for sampling and for diagnostic laboratories
Information for clinical diagnostic laboratories regarding safety, sampling and packaging specimens associated with COVID-19 – updated section 2 and 3 of ‘laboratory investigations and sample requirements for diagnosis’.

In-person coronavirus testing continues to deliver results the next day
Sixth week of NHS Test and Trace figures shows anyone getting a test at a regional test site or mobile testing unit can expect their result by the next day.

Containing and managing local coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks
Guidance for local authorities and local decision-makers on containing and managing COVID-19 outbreaks at a local level.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey pilot: England, 17 July 2020
Initial data from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester and Public Health England.

Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of COVID-19 on health.

COVID-19: number of outbreaks in care homes – management information
Weekly number and percentage of care homes reporting a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 to PHE by local authorities, regions and PHE centres.

COVID-19: impacts on health – reports and tools
National reports and tool to support the monitoring of the direct and indirect impacts of COVID-19 on the population.

Delivery of the HPV vaccine and impact of school closures: statement from the JCVI
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s (JCVI) statement on delivery of the human papillomavirus (HPV) programme in light of school closures associated with coronavirus (COVID-19).

HOSPITALITY:

Get more information about the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Get more help with registration, eligibility and how to offer the discount for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

JUDICIARY:

Preventing and controlling outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons and places of detention
Information for prisons and other prescribed places of detention on coronavirus (COVID-19) – added information on interpreting negative test results in those who are symptomatic.

LEGAL:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Office of the Public Guardian response
This page provides guidance on how OPG is responding to the coronavirus outbreak. It will be updated when new information is available.

Making and registering an LPA during the coronavirus outbreak
If you want to make an LPA now, you can still do so while observing government guidance on social distancing, self-isolating and shielding.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Changes to the adoption and children regulations: coronavirus (COVID-19)
We are seeking views on proposed changes to the Adoption and Children (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020.

Government confirms allocations of £500 million additional funding for councils
Allocations confirmed for individual councils in England to help deliver essential services for residents during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

PROPERTY:

Stamp duty holiday prompts rise in demand for higher priced properties
Last week’s announcement of a stamp duty holiday on the first £500,000 of property purchases has prompted a rise in buyers looking for higher priced homes, according to Rightmove.  The portal says that sellers of higher priced homes in the southern commuter belt and outer areas of London have been given a boost by the Chancellor’s market intervention as buyers in these areas are set to make the biggest tax savings.  There was a 49% rise in the number of people looking for properties in the £400,000 to £500,000 price bracket in the week since the announcement, compared to the previous week.  The price bracket with the second highest rise was £500,001 to £750,000, where demand from buyers who will save £15,000 increased by 40%.

SPORT & LEISURE:

Audiences back in theatres from 1 August
Indoor performances with socially distanced audiences will be able to take place across the country from 1 August 

Pilots announced for return of spectators to elite sports events
Sporting events will allow fans to return from 1 October with social distancing in place, if it is safe to do so.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on the phased return of sport and recreation
Guidance for the public, providers of outdoor sport facilities, elite athletes, personal trainers and coaches on the phased return of sport and recreation.

COVID-19: Guidance for managing playgrounds and outdoor gyms
Guidance for owners and operators of playgrounds and outdoor gyms to enable their use while minimising the transmission risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated to reflect additional requirements on face coverings.

TRAVEL & TOURISM:

Jet2 commissions video to prepare customers for taking holidays abroad
It will appear on the company’s Your Safety, Our Priority landing page and is designed to explain the news safety measures in place

Majorca closes three nightlife streets to prevent outbreak of coronavirus
The objective is to prevent antisocial behaviour, “which could jeopardise what has been achieved in terms of a safe restart for the tourism sector”.  This new law means that the nightlife venues on Calle Punta Ballena in Magaluf, Calle Miquel Pellisa (better known as ‘Calle de la Cerveza’) and Calle del Pare Bartomeu Salva (better known as ‘Calle del Jamon’) in Playa de Palma were closed to the public from 15 July.

Covid-19 webinars:

Why the North needs Northern Powerhouse Rail
Transport for the North is hosting a webinar to discuss why the North needs Northern Powerhouse Rail to be hosted on Wednesday 22^nd July from 1pm – 2pm.
Their panel of experts will be discussing why Northern Powerhouse Rail is a fundamental part of levelling up the North. Register to attend this event HERE

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

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/

Join an HR virtual community HRD: A Virtual Experience.

Join 2,500+ senior HR Leaders from across the globe including The Clorox Company, Diageo, DHL, Siemens, Nestle, Vodafone, Tiffany & Co, ING and more.

Date and time: Thursday June 18th from 10am CET/9am BST

Summit theme: The Resilient Organisation

Sign up here – it’s completely free!

ACAS – run a series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown

Useful information and links:

Stockport nominated in the Smart City category in the Digital Leaders awards.
Vote for Stockport HERE. Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 28th August, with the winners announced on the 15th of October.

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. 

Stockport Council publishes details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.

Stockport Council has confirmed its criteria in consideration of awarding the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, announced as the grants Top-up fund by the Government on 1^st 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 – 11^th 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.