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: 295,372 have tested positive + 580 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 45,312 across all settings + 11
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
Deaths in the UK return to normal levels
While the fall in the number of new cases of coronavirus appears to have stalled, government-announced deaths have continued to drop since a peak mid-April, though the downward trend has slowed recently. On Monday, a further 11 deaths were reported. This is the joint lowest daily total since March.
Data from the ONS shows that fewer than one in 2,000 now has the virus as the slow decline in case numbers continues.
Excess mortality in England: weekly reports
Weekly excess mortality in England broken down by age, sex, region, ethnic group, level of deprivation, cause of death and place of death.
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:
Oxford vaccine triggers immune response
A coronavirus vaccine developed by the University of Oxford appears safe and triggers an immune response. Trials involving 1,077 people showed the injection led to them making antibodies and T-cells that can fight coronavirus.
The findings are hugely promising, but it is still too soon to know if this is enough to offer protection and larger trials are under way.
The UK has already ordered 100 million doses of the vaccine.
Above inflation pay rise for key workers
Almost 900,000 public sector workers, including doctors, teachers and police officers, are to get an above-inflation pay rise. The chancellor said the workers made a “vital contribution” to the country, particularly during the pandemic, and it was right to reward them. But Labour said the rises would not make up for years of real-terms cuts, and economists note that once inflation is stripped out, average pay for public sector workers remains below 2010 levels.
Hermes delivers 10 thousand UK jobs with £100m expansion investment
A UK delivery company has announced that it is creating more than 10 thousand jobs as it invests £100m in its expansion. Hermes UK, which has offices in London and Yorkshire, has announced that it is looking for around 1,500 full time staff, as well as 9,000 self-employed couriers. The company said that it is making the £100m investment to meet the ‘huge’ demand created by people shopping from home during lockdown.
Next stages in the NHS Test and Trace plan
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock spoke about measures to increase testing and support the NHS this winter, and the latest vaccine developments.
How should competition policy react to coronavirus?
IPPR has today published a paper by CMA Chairman Andrew Tyrie, discussing how competition policy can contribute to a robust and sustainable post-crisis recovery.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Specialist lender Together to cut 200 jobs
Financial services provider Together has outlined plans to cut about 200 jobs. The company noted that the pandemic is continuing to impact on economies and has created “significant uncertainty” around the nature and extent of any downturn.
“Against this backdrop, while we are cautiously increasing lending volumes it is unlikely we will resume our pre-Covid-19 activity levels for some time,” it said. “At the same time, we are accelerating some of our modernisation and transformation programmes, including further use of digitalisation and enhanced automation to provide additional processing efficiencies and improve the journey for our customers.”
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 STOCKPORT2020@STOCKPORT.GOV.UK if you have anything you would be willing to contribute to the collection.
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 5,286 grants bringing the total amount paid to £60,735,000 and bringing the total to 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: 626
Payments: £823,500
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:
COVID-19: Guidance for the safe use of multi-purpose community facilities
Guidance for those managing community centres, village halls and other community facilities on safely re-opening multi-purpose buildings – revised to reflect permission to host small wedding receptions from 1 August
CONSTRUCTION:
Four key recommendations for construction businesses survival
The pattern of UK construction activity is being reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as construction workloads are rebuilt over the next two years, businesses will need to refocus their efforts on the sectors that will perform well in the future, not necessarily those that were performing prior to the outbreak.
The Glenigan Construction Industry Forecast for 2020 – 2022 released on 30th June provides detailed analysis of projected performance for all construction sectors and regions throughout the UK, and also includes 4 key recommendations that construction businesses should focus on in order to survive the upcoming storm.
EDUCATION:
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April – added ‘Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 17 July 2020’.
Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 17 July 2020
A summary of attendance in education settings since Monday 23 March and early years settings since Thursday 16 April.
Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19)
What school leaders, teachers and school staff need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) catch-up premium’.
Use of free early education entitlements funding during the coronavirus outbreak
This guidance has been updated to set out the government’s plans for funding local authorities and providers in the 2020 autumn term – this is in section 1. The previously published guidance on early years funding is still valid until the beginning of the autumn term – this is in section 2. Section 2 has been updated to clarify that it refers to the period from the beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak until the start of the autumn term, and certain paragraphs have been removed to avoid duplication with other, more up to date guidance.
Initial teacher training (ITT): criteria and supporting advice
Mandatory guidance on the criteria that organisations must meet to provide initial teacher training (ITT) – temporary guidance changes due to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Early years ITT requirements and supporting advice
Advice for providers looking to offer early years initial teacher training (ITT).
Tri-service regulations for expenses and allowances (JSP 752)
JSP 752 is the policy document for expenses and allowances for regular and reserve UK armed forces personnel – addition of: Directed letter – continuity of education allowance (CEA) – detailed advice for the administration of repayments of CEA brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Key dates for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and actions you might need to take
- Submit your CJRS claim for periods ending on or before 30??? ?June 2020 by 31??? ?July 2020. This is the last date you can make those claims. You need to have made a claim at any point on or before 31??? ?July to be able to make a claim for future months.
- From 1??? ?August 2020 the scheme will no longer fund employers’ National Insurance (NI) and pensions contributions for furloughed employees. You will have to make these payments from your own resources.
- From 1??? ?September 2020 you will have to start contributing to the wages of your furloughed employees. Grants will be for 70% of usual wages in September and 60% in October, but furloughed employees will continue to be entitled to receive at least 80% of their usual wages. You will have to make up the difference from your own resources.
Live webinars offering more support on changes to the scheme, and how they impact you, are available to book online – go to GOV????.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’. Please check GOV???.UK and join one of our webinars if you need further help. This will leave our phone lines open for those who need them most.
Changes to working time requirements for Enterprise Management Incentives
This measure introduces amendments to working time requirements for Enterprise Management Initiatives (EMIs).
HM Treasury coronavirus (COVID-19) business loan scheme statistics
HMT management information about the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS), Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS), Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS) and Future Fund Scheme.
ENVIRONMENTAL:
Coronavirus: Environment Agency update
The Environment Agency’s priority is to protect people and the environment, and to support those we regulate during the coronavirus pandemic – sections on bathing water sampling and angling updated.
HEALTH, HEALTHCARE & WELLBEING:
PPE deliveries (England): 13 July to 19 July 2020
Experimental statistics showing the latest number of personal protective equipment (PPE) items distributed for use by health and social care services in England.
COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes
Guidance for those working in care homes providing information on how to work safely during this period of sustained transmission of COVID-19 – updated guidance to include recommendation for the use of face masks and coverings in care homes.
COVID-19: how to work safely in domiciliary care in England
A resource for those working in domiciliary care providing information on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings
Guidance to support management of children and young people in residential educational settings, including boarding schools, residential special schools and children’s social care – explained how wearing a face covering may affect communication with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound.
HOSPITALITY:
VAT: reduced rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions
If you’re a VAT registered business, check if you can temporarily reduce the rate of VAT on supplies relating to hospitality, accommodation, or admission to certain attractions. A new section about Retail Schemes has been added to the guide
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 webinar has been added about the Eat Out to Help Out scheme
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Added links to: Guidance: Containing and managing local coronavirus outbreaks; Announcement: Government confirms allocations of £500 million additional funding for councils; Statement: Update on Randox test kits; Guidance: Face coverings; Statement: Face coverings to be mandatory in shops and supermarkets from 24 July; Q&A: Planning update on cultural venues and holiday parks; Guidance: Register your establishment for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme; Guidance: Types and uses of coronavirus tests; Guidance: Managing beaches, the countryside and coastal areas; Guidance: Reduced VAT rate for hospitality, holiday accommodation and attractions; Guidance for public health officers: Potentially infectious persons
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Coach operators descend on London to protest at lack of Government support
Organisers said 500 vehicles were expected to converge on Whitehall after an aid package proposed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport was rejected by ministers last week. The CPT was told no help was available beyond those schemes that capture the wider economy. In addition, coach operators in England are still not considered eligible for the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHLGF). The sector has already seen the high profile collapse of Shearings’ parent Specialist Leisure Group in May and caused David Urquhart Travel to fold its coach business.
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 22nd 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
Restart Travel: Build Back Better
We’ve seen some positive signs in the last couple of weeks that we’re on the road to recovery, but the travel industry’s journey is far from over. Join us for our next TTG seminar, which will explore how operators are winning back business during challenging circumstances. Book HERE
How to be a Disability Confident employer
On Wednesday 29th July from 10am to 11am
In partnership with The Growth Company and InWorkGM, we’re discussing how changing the way you attract and select diverse talent can be of benefit to your business. We’ll be joined by a series of guest speakers who’ll offer tips and insight into how you can become a better disability confident employer. Book 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 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