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 to Tuesday 30th June:
Total tests: 9,138,574 tests + 133,467
Positive tests: 312,654 have tested positive + 689 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 43,730 across all settings, (+ 155 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,093 positive tests – two new cases
Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund Scheme – Phase 3 applications now open
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to apply for what you may be entitled to!
Stockport Council are inviting small businesses from the leisure sector who are now in scope, as well as those engaged in the hospitality industry, to apply for the third phase Government’s Local Authority Discretionary – LAD – Grant Fund Scheme. See details below
UK HEADLINES:
Changes to the Job retention scheme
From today, millions of furloughed workers can start returning to their jobs part-time. The Government will continue to pay 80% of their wages for now, but it’s the first step towards winding down the Government’s furlough scheme, due to end in October. Read more at the BBC
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is changing – information box updated to say you can now submit claims for periods starting on or after 1 July.
Air industry hit by redundancies and sector call for support
More redundancies have been announced concerning many aspects of the air industry and associated businesses, from manufacturing and servicing at Airbus, from suppliers and from the tourism sector as planes remain grounded, airports are empty and job cuts are announced by more airlines.
easyJet to close three UK bases and cut thousands of jobs
The airline is proposing to close its bases at Stansted, Southend and Newcastle. All three would, however, remain part of its route network. easyJet said it had taken “decisive action” to reduce costs and non-critical expenditure “at every level” of the business, while securing cash headroom worth in excess of £2 billion, including a £600 million commercial loan from the government’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility. Balpa said it was “shocked” at the size of potential job losses, branding it an “excessive over-reaction”, but easyJet said it did not expect demand to recover to 2019 levels until 2023, citing projections from Iata.
Insider: 1,700 Airbus jobs have been placed at risk in the UK
as part of the aerospace giant’s plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 15,000 in response to the fall-out from the coronavirus crisis. The cuts are expected to take effect by no later than summer 2021 and has started a consultation process with its social partners with a view to reaching agreements for implementation starting in autumn 2020. Airbus said commercial aircraft business activity had dropped by close to 40 per cent in recent months as the industry faces an unprecedented crisis. Commercial aircraft production rates have been adapted accordingly. With traffic not expected to recover to pre-Covid levels before 2023 and potentially as late as 2025, Airbus is taking steps to reflect the post Covid-19 industry outlook. Airbus has commercial aircraft operations in Broughton and Filton.
Read more
Food travel company to cut 5,000 UK jobs as 80 per cent of units remain closed
A food travel company has today announced that it will be cutting approximately 5,000 jobs in the UK as it reorganises after lockdown. SSP Group, which is headquartered in London, operates more than 2,800 branded eateries and retail units at airports and railway stations across the world, including Upper Crust and Ritazza. The company said that it expects only 20 per cent of its UK units to be open by autumn, and is restructuring to ensure that the business survives past the pandemic.
Boost for town centre residential schemes
As the retail sector continues to be hit by both the fallout from the coronavirus and from the accelerated move to more online purchasing, High Streets have been given a boost that will see less and less empty units and breathing life into town centres.
Boris clears planning red tape on change of use to housing
Boris Johnson is sweeping in radical reforms to the planning system to allow vacant buildings in town centres to be converted to housing. Under the new rules, existing commercial properties, including newly vacant shops, can be converted into residential housing more easily, in a move to kick start the construction industry and speed up rebuilding. He also said the government will launch a planning Policy Paper in July setting out comprehensive reforms to England’s seven-decade old planning system to introduce a new approach that works better for our modern economy and society. The changes which are due to come into force from September will allow a wider range of commercial buildings to change to residential use without the need for a planning application.
BBC: How will local lockdowns work?
The UK’s first local lockdown has been introduced in Leicester, following a spike in coronavirus cases. How will they be enforced and how could they be used elsewhere? What could local lockdowns be like?
Although the number of newly confirmed cases each day has been falling since a peak in April, there is still the risk of localised hotspots. In Leicester, almost 30% of the city’s total number of coronavirus cases were reported in the two weeks to 23 June
In Leicester, it will be similar to going back to the UK-wide lockdown introduced at the end of March.
Residents will have to stay at home as much as they can, while people in other parts of England will have more freedom.
- Non-essential businesses have to shut again
- Schools will be closed for all but children of “critical workers” and those classed as vulnerable
- Local Covid-19 testing will be stepped up
The reopening of pubs and restaurants, and the relaxation of social distancing across England on 4 July to “one metre plus”, will not apply.
Non-essential travel to, from and within Leicester should be avoided, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said. But a future lockdown in another place might not be so tough. It will depend on the nature of the coronavirus spike.
Leicestershire coronavirus lockdown: areas and changes
Areas of Leicestershire that are included in the localised coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown and what this means.
Answers to the most common topics asked about by the public for the coronavirus press conference
Coronavirus press conferences quality and methodology information report
Quality and methodology information for data slides presented at the coronavirus press conferences.
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK.
Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the UK
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the UK – updated testing capacity figures.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Wednesday 15th July: Northern Powerhouse Education, Employment and Skills Summit (NPEESS2020)
The summit will provide an early opportunity to kick start the debate on what the North needs to do to reboot, rebuild, recover and rebalance.
NPEESS2020 brings together policy makers and influencers to look at the impact on education, employment and skills and discuss what the North needs to do to unlock opportunities, deliver growth, boost prosperity and rebalance the economy. Looking ahead to the new normal, what jobs and skills will we need to reboot the labour market and get people back into work? Make sure you are part of this important and timely debate on the future of the North. Join the high-level panel discussions and Q&A, followed by a Mini Summit to be part of the solution to the North’s challenges.
Stockport Council offers warm welcome back to pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants
As pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes prepare to reopen their doors from Saturday 4th July, Stockport Council and its partners welcome the huge boost it will bring to the local hospitality sector and the local economy but are also working to ensure that this will not jeopardise the significant progress that has been made to protect people’s health and well-being. The changes that need to be made to fit in with the new requirements may seem quite daunting for business owners. To make it easier, the Government has produced guidance specifically designed to enable pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants to reopen safely and, by following the steps to carry out a Covid-19 risk assessment prior to opening, businesses will be better prepared. The council is also proactively working to provide support through a series of measures, including holding webinars to offer advice from experts in reopening safely.
Read more
Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund Scheme – Phase 3 applications now open
Stockport Council are inviting small businesses from the leisure sector who are now in scope, as well as those engaged in the hospitality industry, to apply for the third phase Government’s Local Authority Discretionary – LAD – Grant Fund Scheme.
To be eligible to apply for a grant under this scheme, a small business must:
- Have a rateable value up to, but not exceeding, £30,000 per annum, or £150,000 for hospitality sector businesses.
- Have been trading on 11th March 2020.
- Be small, with fewer than 50 employees.
- Have relatively high ongoing fixed property-related costs, and;
- They must also be able to demonstrate that they have had a significant drop of income due to Coronavirus restriction measures.
The current phase three is accepting applications from businesses which occupy property (including multiple properties in Stockport), or part of a property, with a total rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments above £20,000 but below £30,000 per annum, which meet the criteria for being a small business. Hospitality and leisure sector businesses with rateable values up to £150,000 p.a. but excluding national chains, which meet the criteria for being a small business as set out in this guidance. Properties that will benefit from the relief will be occupied hereditaments that are wholly or mainly being used: as restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues, for assembly and leisure; or as hotels, guest & boarding premises and self-catering accommodation.
Applicants who met the criteria outlined in phases one and two but did not meet the deadline, are also able to apply. Read the full guidance HERE
The application window closes at midnight on Wednesday 8th July.
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.
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 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.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,191 grants bringing the total amount paid to £59,650,000 and bringing the total now nearly 95% 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 3 of the Local Authority Grant fund scheme is 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: 382
Payments: £277,500
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:
COMMUNITY:
Thank you to everyone who applied to Stockport Local Fund
Stockport Council would like to thank everyone who applied to Stockport Local Fund over the past few months. A total of £113,166 has been awarded to Stockport community groups, made up of £50,635 in grants from the special Coronavirus Community Support Fund and £62,531 awarded to groups who applied during the last round of funding.
CONSTRUCTION:
Kier eyes rights issue as debt rises to £440m
This morning chief executive Andrew Davies said the reduction in revenue due to Covid-19 had resulted in a lower-level of working capital inflow taking forecast average month-end net debt for the year to £440m. This is up from the monthly average of £395m at the end of the first half in December before Covid-19 hit and means that second-half debt could be as high as £485m. In a year-end trading statement this morning he said: “Before COVID-19, the group had made good progress in implementing a number of measures to reduce its net debt and strengthen its balance sheet. “As a result of COVID-19, over the next 12-18 months, further actions will be taken, including: continuing to implement a range of self-help measures, driving a further increase in the group’s operating cashflows, continuing the process to sell Living and a potential equity issue.”
EDUCATION:
Providing free school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for schools and local authorities on free school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated application form and guidance on the temporary extension of free school meals eligibility to NRPF groups. This is to reflect the change in annual household income threshold to £16,190 after tax.
Universities Minister calls for true social mobility
Speaking to the NEON summit on widening access and mobility, Universities Minister Michelle Donelan, outlines a new approach to social mobility.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Lots of updates to the Job Retention / Furlough scheme with some changes effective as of today, 1st July, including bringing a furloughed employee back to work on part-time hours.
Changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is changing – information box updated to say you can now submit claims for periods starting on or after 1 July.
Pay Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grants back
Find out how to pay all or some of your grant back if you’ve overclaimed through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Check which employees you can put on furlough to use the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Page updated with eligibility information for claims before 1 July.
Check if you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Find out if you’re eligible and how much you can claim to cover wages for employees on temporary leave (‘furlough’) due to coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated with information that employee taxes and pension contribution payments must be paid directly to HMRC. Also added information on holiday pay that flexibly furloughed employees can be recorded as on furlough during time spent on holiday.
Steps to take before calculating your claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Decide the length of your claim period, find out what to include when calculating wages and work out your employees’ usual and furloughed hours before you calculate how much you can claim – page updated with information on holiday pay that employees can be recorded as on furlough during time spent on holiday. Also added information on how to calculate furloughed hours for different sets of circumstances.
Claim for wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
The page has been updated with information about what to do if you have claimed too much and do not plan to make another claim.
Find examples to help you calculate your employees’ wages
Check examples to help you calculate your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions and pension contributions if you’re claiming through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – updated with a new example of calculating an employee’s average hours for a variable hours employee who takes statutory adoption leave in 2019/20.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough, how much you can claim for employer NICs and pension contributions and how much you can claim back – updated with information about how to treat statutory payments received in the claim period.
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) – updated with information on eligibility for claims before 1 July 2020. Also added new information on holiday pay that tells employers that flexibly furloughed employees can be recorded as on furlough during time spent on holiday.
The Companies etc. (Filing Requirements) (Temporary Modifications) Regulations 2020
How the measures introduced by the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act and The Companies etc. (Filing Requirements) (Temporary Modifications) Regulations 2020 will affect your filings at Companies House.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): General Aviation
Guidance on General Aviation (GA) flying during the coronavirus outbreak – updated in line with easing of lockdown restrictions to confirm that dual and instructional flights, and the opening of GA businesses, will be permitted from 4 July.
HEALTH, HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
Insufficient evidence for vitamin D preventing or treating ARTIs
NICE and SACN have reviewed available evidence on vitamin D and the risk of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) and COVID-19.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – updated 2 attachments to reflect changes to the registration system for these testing kits: ‘guidance on Randox testing’ and ‘how to use Randox test kits’.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
Pavement licences: draft guidance
Draft guidance to accompany pavement licensing proposals introduced in the Business and Planning Bill.
INVESTORS:
Reacting to the Covid-19 crisis – what should I be investing in?
“There are two factors which I thinks affect things: Firstly, the government is pushing out a lot of money. For people who have built up funds from not spending during lockdown they may have more money to put into property. Add that to the fact that transactions were on hold, leading to pent-up demand (buyers buying at a later point in time via postponing sales), we could have a bubble on the way. Secondly …
IT & TECHNOLOGY:
Laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers progress data
Information about how many laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers we have delivered or dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts – updated to show latest figures up to 30 June 2020.
JUDICIARY:
HMCTS telephone and video hearings during coronavirus outbreak
Information about how HMCTS will use telephone and video technology during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page holds a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak – updated with latest data
LOCAL AUTHORITY NEWS:
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of council buildings
Guidance for those managing council buildings.
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 this guidance to clarify that all primary and most secondary legislation remains unchanged and that we have made temporary and time-limited amendments to secondary legislation. We have added content on missing children, testing, technology initiatives and social care services for disabled children and young people and their families. We have also revised the sections on court, fostering and adoption to provide further information.
PROPERTY:
New-build market bouncing back quicker than second-hand market
Buyer demand for new-build property has bounced back 66 per cent in the six weeks since the resumption of the housing market according to research from Zoopla. The portal says this recovery is a continuation of the upsurge in demand recorded at the start of 2020 – following the December General Election – when the property market recorded its strongest start to a new year since 2016. While resale properties have also registered a significant recovery in demand, the rebound is currently tracking at 46 per cent in the week to June 21. The recovery in demand for new homes follows a less significant fall in demand, compared to resale properties, in the immediate aftermath of the COVID lockdown and subsequent market suspension. In the week to April 5, demand for new homes had fallen by 53 per cent compared to a 71 per cent drop in demand for resale properties.
RETAIL:
BREAKING NEWS:
Business Desk: 1,900 jobs saved as deal confirmed for Bensons for Beds
Zelf Hussain, joint administrator and PwC deals partner, said:
“The group had been facing increasingly challenging trading conditions in recent months, in particular the Harveys furniture business. This has resulted in cash flow pressures, exacerbated by the effects of coronavirus on the supply chain and customer sales. It has not been possible to secure further investment to continue to trade the group in its current form. Following our appointment, we immediately completed a sales process for certain business and assets of the group. This sale puts the ongoing business on a firmer financial footing in its restructured form as Bensons for Beds only model, whilst preserving 1,899 jobs. The purchasers will be working with the existing management team to continue to grow and develop the business.”
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus: specialist vehicle approval tests
From 4 July 2020, all vehicle approval tests will restart – but individual vehicle approval (IVA) tests will continue to be booked under a priority system – updated to show that all vehicle approval tests will restart from 4 July 2020, but IVA tests will continue to be booked using a priority system. Updated to include link to latest version of priority form that needs to be filled in if you have applied for a vehicle approval test before 1 July 2020.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Eurostar to launch flexible fares from restart
Passengers will be able to change their travel plans, for free, up to 14 days before departure. Flexible fares lead in from £39pp one-way and will be available until the end of the year, building on the flexibility offered to those with existing bookings. It comes as Eurostar prepares to restart Dutch services later this month, and Disneyland Paris services in August. From 9 July, Eurostar will resume London-Amsterdam and London-Rotterdam services from St Pancras, with fares from £40pp; alternative destinations accessible via short onward connections include Utrecht, The Hague, Haarlem and Delft.
PIA serves Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham and now faces a ban after the European Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) – which the UK remains a member of until the end of this year – suspended its authorisation for the remainder of 2020. PIA confirmed: “Easa has temporarily suspended PIA’s authorisation to operate to the EU member states for a period of six months effective 1 July 2020 with the right to appeal against this decision.” Investigations will centre on 141 pilots whose credentials are suspect. Enquiries follow an accident last month when a PIA aircraft crashed on approach to Karachi, killing 97 onboard and a child on the ground. The aircraft had made a second attempt to land, but investigators concluded the crew had omitted to lower the landing gear.
Covid-19 Webinars:
Impact of COVID-19 on routes to funding SMEs – 1st July: 15.00 – 16.00
It’s a worrying time for SMEs running short of money during the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only will they be hit hard by a significant drop in customer revenue, traditional funders are also holding back, fearing an uncertain future. This lack of cash means reinvesting profits for organic growth is impossible, and simply paying the bills has become a challenge. Hear from our panellists as they explore the impact of COVID-19 on routes to funding for SMEs and discuss what lies ahead post-lockdown.
Book HERE
The Science of Returning to Work – 9th July: 2pm
As organisations plan to return to work following a long period of work from home or shut down, it’s crucial to find the right approach to support workers and ensure a successful return to work. From the right communication to official manager support. Achievers Workforce Institute has looked at the Science of crisis recovery to help guide your return to work processes. Join Dr. Natalie Baumgartner and learn what the latest research and experts are saying about finding a new normal so you can keep your teams engaged and productive. Dr. Natalie Baumgartner is an engagement and culture thought leader and evangelist. She has spent over a decade focused on driving the translation of engagement / culture research and theory into SaaS based software, working to help make it possible for organisations to solve problems and achieve goals that advance their performance. Register HERE
Business Growth Hub webinars:
Find out more details and how to book below or on the website.
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 links:
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 1st May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.
Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero 
Research finds Covid-19 has not fundamentally changed the UK labour market 
Government sets out ‘Living with COVID’ next steps from 1st April