July 20th – Coronavirus News Updates:

Stockport Business Support coronavirus recovery

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 + 726

Positive tests: 294,792 have tested positive + 642 in last 24 hours

Loss of life: 45,300 across all settings + 27

Cases in Stockport: 1,656 positive tests + 6
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:

Millions could be vaccinated against Covid-19 as UK secures strong portfolio of promising vaccines
The UK has secured early access to 90 million doses of promising coronavirus vaccine candidates. The UK Government has secured early access to 90 million vaccine doses from the BioNTech/Pfizer alliance and Valneva with more in the pipeline as part of its strategy to build a portfolio of promising new vaccines to protect the UK from Covid-19.
In addition, treatments containing Covid-19-neutralising antibodies have been secured from AstraZeneca to protect those who cannot receive vaccines.
UK public encouraged to sign up to a new NHS website to make it quicker and easier for potential volunteers to join vital studies that could help save lives – the aim is to get 500,000 people signed up by October.

New plans to ensure pubs, restaurants and cafes offer both smoking and non-smoking outdoor options
People using pubs, restaurants and cafes will soon have greater freedom to choose non-smoking outdoor areas following an amendment tabled to legislation in Parliament. The Government will not ban outdoor smoking. Since the existing ban was introduced, businesses have invested heavily in their outdoor areas and banning outdoor smoking would lead to significant closures and job losses. However, today’s amendment will ensure that customers are given more choice by ensuring premises offer separate seating for smokers and non-smokers outside.
Laws already exist making it illegal to smoke in enclosed areas and business owners can already make their own non-smoking policies in places where food is served. This Government has taken great strides in reducing the harms caused by smoking and has committed to do so in the Prevention Green Paper.

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:

New website launched to support One Stockport campaign

A new website has been launched to support the next and future phases of the One Stockport campaign as the public, community groups and businesses are being encouraged to get involved and to help shape the future of the borough.

www.onestockport.co.uk will act as a central hub and include a wealth of information on One Stockport including how to get involved in the campaign. A downloadable marketing toolkit for organisations will compliment a new brochure highlighting the campaign’s aims and values.

A short film has also been produced featuring a number of local people and showing people’s experiences in photos. The narrator takes the viewer on an incredible journey of what has been, what we have achieved as a community and how we can all work together to build a better future, for everyone.

The main message of One Stockport is that anyone can get involved and that everyone has an important part to play in shaping future plans for the borough – however small. Whether volunteering in the community, a business owner or worker, a student or a retailer or by becoming an ambassador to help steer the campaign everyone can help to promote the One Stockport message

Help us record 2020 – a year which will be remembered for so many reasons.

Stockport Museums and Archives want to record the history of 2020 and are working together to collect items to document your year so far. So much has happened in the Stockport community, and with your help, they want everyone’s experiences to be represented. This can be anything from health, social, and political issues to work, volunteering, leisure and play time. Please email: SK2020@stockport.gov.uk if you have anything you would be willing to contribute to the collection.

Would you like to play a part in shaping the future for Cheadle Town?

The Cheadle Village Partnership are undertaking a survey on behalf of the Cheadle Towns Fund Board, supported by Stockport Council. Its purpose is to find out people’s views on the long term economic future of Cheadle. The findings will be used to support an application of up to £25m to the Government’s Towns Fund.

We are seeking the views of residents, workers, visitors, businesses and all organisations in the Cheadle area. The majority of the questions are general but we have included a few questions on a new railway station, as this is possibly a long term opportunity.

Please can you spare a few minutes to fill in this survey. Linkhttps://www.djsresearch.co.uk/cheadlevillagesurvey.

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 5,283 grants bringing the total amount paid to £60,690,000 and bringing the total now 96.5% 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: £811,000

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:

COMMUNITY:

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 – updated to align with latest announcements.

Local lockdown guidance for social distancing
How you can see people you do not live with if there’s a local lockdown during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated shielding guidance in Leicester – advice to shield continues across all geographic areas.

COVID-19: Guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships
This guidance is designed to assist people planning to get married or form a civil partnership in England – amended to show that from 1 August, small wedding receptions will be able to take place – this means sit-down meals for no more than 30 people, subject to COVID-19 Secure guidance.

Staying alert and safe (social distancing)
The most important thing we can do is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives – staying alert guidance updated in line with today’s announcements.

Meeting people from outside your household
How you can see people that you do not live with while protecting yourself and others from coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated the guidance on gathering in larger groups and travelling to meet people, and the guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable people.

COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship during the pandemic
This guidance is designed to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities – updated to reflect additional requirements on face coverings, and added guided on outdoor worship. Please note, the updated translated versions of the guidance are to be added.

COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated information on disposal of used face coverings.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents
This is advice for visa customers and applicants in the UK, visa customers outside of the UK and British nationals overseas who need to apply for a passport affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus – added information on how to request a replacement visa for if your 30 day visa to work, study or join family has expired.

CONSTRUCTION:

Contractor Beard to cut workforce by 12%
General contractor Beard is cutting staff numbers by 12% as workloads are expected to fall by up to 20% due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Staff were told on Friday that up to 35 roles are at risk. Beard said that number could fall as the company “is putting all of its efforts into work winning and, as the business secures more projects, the number of redundancies may well be reduced.” Chairman Mark Beard is also the current Chartered Institute of Building president.

Construction working hours: draft guidance
This draft guidance sets out further detail on the proposed new route for applicants seeking to extend construction site working hours introduced in the Business and Planning Bill. This proposed draft guidance was amended on 20/07/20 following debate of the Business and Planning Bill at House of Lords Committee Stage.

EDUCATION:

Student number controls
The measures to protect students and universities during the coronavirus outbreak, including temporary student number controls and additional places.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): reducing burdens on educational and care settings
List of data collections, services or requests which will be cancelled, paused or will continue – updated with the collections which are due to continue – the full details are presented in the summary of changes.

School governance update
Important news and communications from the Department for Education (DfE) relating to governance in maintained schools and academy trusts in England – added ‘Local authority maintained schools: school governance update July 2020’ and ‘Academy trusts: school governance update July 2020’.

EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure – hotels and other guest accommodation – Updated to include guidance on business events and meetings (section 2.3.2).

Saturday Economist: The Prime Minister outlined plans to get Britain back to ‘normal’
The advice to work from home will be dropped next month. Employers will be offered greater discretion to determine, how and when, employees may return to the work place.

Civil servants will return to Whitehall. The use of public transport will be extended. Casinos and bowling alleys will reopen. Skating rinks will thrill, once again, to the sound of blades on ice.

Exhibitions halls will open. Business events will resume. Fans may be allowed to return to the sports stadiums in October, if all goes well. “Let’s get Britain back to normal, in time for Christmas” the message from Boris Johnson. There is much to be done to avoid a significant setback this year. Latest ONS data suggests the economy fell by 24% in the second quarter. Construction output fell by 40%, manufacturing output fell by 25%. Retail, transport and storage sectors fell by over 30%. The leisure sector collapsed by 90%, to just 10% of prior output.

The latest jobs figures mask the underlying problem. The furlough scheme is providing much needed support to the jobs market. The u-rate held steady at 3.9%. The number of people officially unemployed ticked up slightly to 1.35 million.

Ominous signs abound. Underlying earnings growth slowed to 0.7%, bonus pay fell by 24%. The number of vacancies fell to 333,000 compared to 800,000 at the start of the year. The experimental ONS claimant count hit the 2.6 million level, compared to 1.4 million in March.

How back will it get? We now expect growth for the year as a whole to fall by just over 12%. Our detailed sector output model suggests a V shaped recovery, with output down by around 8% in the final quarter of the year. The number of people unemployed by the end of the year will rise to over 2.5 million if the furlough scheme is ended in October. We would still expect a significant recovery by the Spring of next year if all goes well.

For a more detailed presentation, join The Saturday Economist Live on the 31st July or the Brabners Quarterly Economic Briefing on the 23rd July. We outline our forecasts by quarter and by sector.

EY: Slower decline in UK labour market does not mask challenge to recovery
Latest labour market data is not as bad as had been feared and indicates that the rate of decline slowed. However, unemployment still a challenge to the UK’s Covid-19 recovery. The jobs market is under pressure. A significant number of redundancies have been announced in July across a number of sectors, particularly retail. Impact on the labour market has been limited by companies’ ability to furlough workers. However, this scheme is starting to be tapered in August and will end in October – this seems to be increasingly influencing companies’ decisions. Claimant count unemployment fell by 28,100 in June to 2.6308 million from a high of 2.6589 million in May. This followed large increases in May (566,400) and, especially, April (852,900). Claimant count unemployment is still up 1.3912 million (112.2%) since March. HMRC and ONS Pay as You Earn Real Time Information data indicates that the number of paid employees in June was down 649,000 (2.2%) from March. The ONS observed that the largest falls were seen at the start of the pandemic and, while the number of payroll employees is still falling, the decline is slowing

Business Interruption Insurance scandal case begins
An eight day court hearing kicks off this morning as the Financial Conduct Authority begins a test case regarding Business Interruption Insurance. The test case involves a sample of 17 insurance policy wordings that have been collated by the FCA, and which it says capture the majority of the key issues that could be in dispute between insurers and policy holders. Many estate agencies are believed to be amongst the thousands of companies disputing their insurers’ interpretations of liability under different Business Interruption policies; many insurers claim such policies do not cover closures forced by pandemics such as Coronavirus.
The FCA’s 184-page claim names eight companies – Arch Insurance (UK); Argenta Syndicate Management; Ecclesiastical Insurance Office; Hiscox Insurance Company; MS Amlin Underwriting; QBE UK; Royal and Sun Alliance; and Zurich Insurance. The case will be heard this week from today until Thursday, and again for the same four days of next week.

Business events and conferences given go ahead to resume from 1 October
Business events and conferences will be permitted to resume from 1 October provided rates of infection remain at current levels

National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems – added week 29 report, infographic and data table.

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Find out how to make your workplace COVID-secure. The visitor economy – Updated to include guidance on business events and meetings (section 2.3.2).

Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
Watch videos and register for the free webinars to learn more about the?support available to help you deal with the economic impacts of?coronavirus – a YouTube video about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has been added.

Closing certain businesses and venues in England
Guidance on the closure of certain businesses and venues as part of further social distancing measures, and on the further easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions in July and August 2020 – updated to show further easing of restrictions for more businesses and venues to reopen from 25 July and 1 August.

HEALTH, HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested – updated 2 documents in section ‘Documents for care homes using the online application portal’: ‘guidance on Randox testing’ and ‘guidance on non-Randox testing’. These have been updated to reflect changes to clinical guidelines that people testing positive will need to be retested after 6 weeks. The ‘guidance on Randox testing’ document also includes a note to say that Randox test kits should not be used for testing until further notice.

New production lines will make millions of face coverings each week
A government drive to increase UK production of face coverings has started at two sites in England and Wales, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove has announced today.

NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): 25 June to 1 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 5 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England – bulletin updated to correct an error in the text for satellite test centre turnaround times. Several table heading cells corrected from ‘number of tests’ to ‘number of people’.

Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE): Coronavirus (COVID-19) response – participants
List of participants of SAGE and related sub-groups – Dr Atiya Kamal (Birmingham City University) joined SPI-B in the week commencing Monday 13 July 2020.

Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE). We have added 10 new papers under the June and July SAGE meetings.

COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.

Tests for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, 2 July 2020
Paper prepared by academics.

DSTL: Reliability of R estimates – progress report, 2 July 2020
Papers prepared by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL).

Serial testing to minimise false negatives, 16 June 2020
Paper prepared by academics on optimising COVID-19 testing.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
The national and global response to the spread of COVID-19 continues to develop quickly and our collective knowledge of the virus is growing by the second – we have updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with 10 new papers.

NHS Test and Trace statistics (England): 2 July to 8 July 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 6 of NHS Test and Trace contact tracing in England.

HOSPITALITY:

Get a discount with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
From 3 to 31 August, get a 50% discount when you eat in at restaurants that are registered with the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme.

JUDICIARY:

HMCTS weekly operational summary on courts and tribunals during coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This page provides a weekly summary of the HM Courts and Tribunals Service operational position during the coronavirus pandemic. Updated Friday 17^th July at 5pm.

LOCAL AUTHORITY:

Local authority powers to impose restrictions under coronavirus regulations
Supports the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.3) Regulations 2020 that come into force on 18 July 2020.

New powers and framework to help contain coronavirus (COVID-19) locally
A new framework setting out how to manage COVID-19 outbreaks through the use of national and local expertise has been published by the government.

Jenrick launches £266 million housing fund for vulnerable people
Next Steps Accommodation Programme launched today makes resources available to councils to help ensure 15,000 people continue to have a safe place to stay.

TRAVEL & TOURISM:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – latest advice on using transport and information on upcoming changes to face covering rules in shops and supermarkets

Diversity and sustainability to be major post-Covid-19 issues for travel
“We want to change the industry to include more black people in travel. We want to diversify the travel industry working with travel brands. Our aim is to help the black community to get out and see the world.”

Sustainability will be the major issue as the industry comes out of the Covid crisis, added Gerrett.

“Sustainability in travel is still a big focus that’s going to be the one thing that businesses are going to have to jump on very quickly once travellers and businesses have got their appetite back for travel,” he said.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – latest advice on communications and information on upcoming changes to face covering rules in shops and supermarkets.

VCSE:

Financial support for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to respond to coronavirus (COVID-19)
The government has pledged £750 million to ensure VCSE can continue their vital work supporting the country during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, including £200 million for the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, along with an additional £150 million from dormant bank and building society accounts – edited- ‘Other Source of funding’ – Voluntary and Communities Sector Emergencies Partnership – £4.8 million added ‘Other Source of funding’ – Community Match Challenge – £85 million added

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.

July 20th – Coronavirus News Updates:

Latest UK data:

UK HEADLINES:

LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES: