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:
Positive tests: 299,426 have tested positive + 747 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 45,752 across all settings + 14
Cases in Stockport: 1,692 positive tests – up cases from 1,665
*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 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.
!!!IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!
Business Grants Funds: programme closure.
The Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy have taken the decision that all three grant schemes, the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund and the Discretionary Grants Fund, should close by Friday 28 August.
£62million in grants have been made to 5,500 businesses premises in Stockport.
These grants have been vital to our local economy –helping ensure the survival of shops, cafes, hotels, restaurants and many other businesses.
We are in the final stages of this programme. The vast majority of eligible businesses have now claimed grants. If you think that you are eligible, but have not yet been in touch with us about this, please do so as soon as possible. Given the schemes’ success, in that 96% of eligible businesses have received grants, we will be closing the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund and the Discretionary Grants Fund by 07/08/2020.
Please note that this means that any appeals against the grant decisions must be received by the Council by 5pm on 14/08/2020 – appeals made after this date and time will not be considered.
UK HEADLINES:
14 day quarantine rule for travellers returning from Spain
The Government’s announcement came into force at one minute past midnight on Sunday 26th July. The news came as a shock to many holidaymakers who had travelled to Spain under the impression that it was deemed a safe place with no restrictions. Anyone travelling to the UK from mainland Spain, the Balearics and the Canary islands will now have to self-isolate for 14 days and will be unable to leave their place of residence at all times; people must not go out to work, school, or public areas, or have visitors except for essential support. They should not go out to buy food if they can rely on others. Officials will be carrying out ‘spot-checks’ and those in breach of the new regulations will be heavily fined, £1,000 in England with fines upto £5,000 for persistent offenders. The Foreign Office has also warned against all non-essential travel to mainland Spain as numbers of new coronavirus cases has risen in many parts of the North and the South of the country.
Spain removed from travel corridors exemption list
If you arrive in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland from Spain on or after 26 July 2020 you will need to self-isolate.
Government announces measures to curb obesity in the fight to save lives
As scientific evidence shows a relationship between obesity, diabetes and the mortality rate of those suffering from coronavirus, the Government is introducing measures to make people more aware of the dangers of being overweight and to take better notice of the types of food they are consuming. “Buy one get one free” deals on unhealthy food will be banned as part of the government’s bid to tackle obesity in England. The plan also includes restrictions on where foods high in fat and sugar can be promoted in store and new rules for displaying calories on menus.
A ban on junk food adverts before 21:00 has been confirmed – for the whole UK.
Major new campaign encourages millions to lose weight and cut COVID-19 risk
A new national campaign is under way to encourage millions of adults to kick start their health and reduce their risk of serious illness, including COVID-19.
Excess weight can increase risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19
Supporting people to move towards and maintain a healthier weight may reduce the serious effects of COVID-19 on the population, PHE report finds.
Ryanair: Second wave of COVID-19 is “biggest fear right now”
Budget airline Ryanair has stressed the importance of resuming summer travel ahead of a feared second wave of COVID-19 in the autumn.
The airline has revealed its concerns in a statement alongside its results for the first quarter of FY21, in which it saw a loss of €185m. Since the lifting of lockdown, the firm hopes to operate around 40 per cent of its normal July schedule, with an aim to rise to 70 per cent by September.
The Queen praises FCO staff for COVID-19 work at virtual visit
Her Majesty the Queen paid a virtual visit to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to hear about FCO Covid-19 response and to join a portrait unveiling
Pausing of lockdown easements in Blackburn with Darwen, and Luton
Health and Social Care Secretary Matt Hancock responds to pausing of lockdown easements in Blackburn with Darwen, and Luton.
Luton: local restrictions
Temporary measures to prevent further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Luton.
Blackburn with Darwen: local restrictions
Temporary measures to prevent further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Blackburn with Darwen.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Leader’s statement on Stockport Review – 24 July
“The One Stockport website launched this week to support the next and future phases of the One Stockport campaign. I’m really proud to be a part of this amazing initiative and I can’t wait to see how it progresses over the coming months.
“If you share the vision and values for Stockport and want to help develop a plan for the borough or want to get involved in supporting the campaign, we want to hear from you. Your ideas and feedback will help to shape a long-term plan for the borough.
“With our partners, we really want to build on all the great relationships that have been built over the last few months and we need your help in making it a success. The story, below, gives more information on One Stockport and how you can be part of it.
“It is now compulsory to wear a mask or face covering in shops and supermarkets in England. This not only protects you from people that have the virus but it will protect others from you. Many people can carry the virus without displaying any symptoms so it is important that we follow the guidelines and also continue with good hand hygiene.”
– Leader of Stockport Council, Cllr Elise Wilson.
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 5,317 grants bringing the total amount paid to £61,060,000 and bringing the total to 97.1% 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: 663
Payments: £1,015,500
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:
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 – updated to reflect the latest government guidance on staying alert and safe.
Disabled people exempt from wearing face coverings under new government guidance
Government has set out a list of face covering exemptions, as they are mandatory in additional enclosed spaces from today
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship and special religious services and gatherings during the pandemic
This guidance is designed to enable the safe reopening of places of worship for a broader range of activities and includes a checklist for special religious services and gatherings – added checklist for special religious services and gatherings.
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.
Coronavirus: driving tests
Check when driving tests and motorcycle tests restart in England, Scotland and Wales, and find out what changes to expect when you take your test.
Updated the section on wearing a face covering to make it clear that wearing glasses does not count as a good reason not to wear a face covering.
EDUCATION:
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): assessment processes for selective school admissions’ and ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to faith school admission arrangements’.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): changes to faith school admission arrangements
Guidance on changes to faith oversubscription criteria in faith school admission arrangements which have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
TFC: Risks associated with the reopening of education settings in September, 8 July 2020
Paper prepared by Children’s Task and Finish Group (TFC) and Government Office for Science (GOS).
DfE: COVID-19 – further and higher education, 9 July 2020
Paper prepared by the Department for Education (DfE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
DfE: Reopening further education providers – analytical pack, 1 July 2020
Paper prepared by the Department for Education (DfE).
DfE: Introduction to higher education settings in England, 1 July 2020
Paper by the Department for Education (DfE) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): assessment processes for selective school admissions
Guidance on entry testing for admission to state-funded selective schools during the coronavirus outbreak.
Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Guidance for settings managing children and young people with complex special educational needs and disability (SEND) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added banner with information about pupils returning to school in the autumn term.
Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Guidance for settings managing children and young people with complex special educational needs and disability (SEND) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added banner with information about pupils returning to school in the autumn term.
Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
What childcare services early years settings, childminders and local authorities need to provide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to reflect changes in legislation to the 30 hours free entitlement and information on the validity of Paediatric First-Aid certificates.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Reporting outbreaks of coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus (COVID-19).
COVID-19: Guidance for managing beaches, the countryside and coastal areas
Guidance for the owners and operators of beach, countryside and coastal destinations during COVID-19 – Added section on managing local outbreaks.
European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19. ERDF Q&A has been updated with amended or new questions and answers. See dates next to questions for recent updates.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: Preparing for a challenging winter 2020/21, 7 July 2020
Paper prepared by the Academy of Medical Sciences.
SPI-M-O: Consensus statement on COVID-19, 8 July 2020
Consensus statement from the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) on coronavirus (COVID-19).
Scientific evidence supporting the government response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Evidence considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) – added 7 new papers under the July SAGE meetings.
DHSC testing and tracing statistics: information for users
A summary of explanatory information to support users of DHSC coronavirus (COVID-19) testing and tracing statistics.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
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. You can now find restaurants that are registered for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme online.
JUDICIARY:
Keeping court and tribunal buildings safe, secure and clean
This page provides details about security, cleaning and social-distancing arrangements in court and tribunal buildings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – updated ‘Wear a face covering’ section
Going to a court or tribunal during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Use this guide if you’ve been asked to attend a hearing in person at a court or tribunal during the coronavirus outbreak
Coronavirus (COVID-19): courts and tribunals planning and preparation
This page provides advice and guidance for all court and tribunal users during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and will be updated when new advice is available.
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. We will aim to update this every Friday at 5pm – Update for week commencing 27 July 2020 published.
LEGAL:
Video-witnessed wills to be made legal during coronavirus pandemic
The Government is to legalise the remote witnessing of wills – making it easier for people to record their final wishes during the coronavirus pandemic.
Guidance on making wills using video-conferencing
The Government is introducing legislation to allow people to use video-conferencing technology for the witnessing of wills being made.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT:
Draft options for regional or local coronavirus interventions
Draft legislation options to show how government could respond to a local or regional coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak without returning to a national lockdown.
PROPERTY:
Begbie Traynor: Record number of companies in financial distress
There’s a record number of property industry companies, including agencies, in financial distress according to the latest Red Flag alert monitor. The figures would be even worse but some of the measurements – County Court judgements and winding-up petitions against indebted companies – were suspended for several months during spring and early summer because of the pandemic. Even so, this latest research by corporate recovery and insolvency specialists Begbie Traynor, suggest that a record 527,000 businesses across all sectors were in significant financial distress at the end of June this year.
TRANSPORT:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): countries and territories exempt from advice against ‘all but essential’ international travel
The FCO updated its global advisory against ‘all but essential’ travel, exempting destinations that no longer pose an unacceptably high risk for British travellers. Spain – update to advise against all non-essential travel to mainland Spain
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate – Spain removed from the exempt list for arrivals from 26 July 2020.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel for passengers
How to travel safely in airports and on aircraft during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer aviation guidance for operators
Safer travel and working principles for airports and aviation operators.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Border Force staff guidance
Guidance for Border Force, Immigration Enforcement and the National Asylum Intake Unit and others who may have close contact with individuals who may have COVID-19.
Covid-19 webinars:
Government Webinar: Eat Out to Help Out scheme
View the webinar and find out more – Help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
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.