Latest UK data:
Positive tests: 302,301 have tested positive + 846 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 45,999 across all settings + 38
Cases in Stockport: 1,728 positive tests – up 12 cases
In Stockport, number of positive cases per 100,000 is 5.9
Coronavirus cases in the UK: daily updated statistics
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) tests, cases and deaths in the UK
UK HEADLINES:
Prime Minister: Delay to further easing of restrictions in England
A further easing of restrictions due to be introduced in England tomorrow are being postponed in light of an increase in cases, particularly in parts of the North. Millions of residents across the North are having to comply with new restrictions preventing different households from being able to mix either within their own homes or in their gardens.
- Fans will not be able to attend the pilot sporting events at Goodwood, the Oval and the Crucible
- R number in England is between 0.8 – 1.0
- Venues due to reopen including skating rinks, bowling alleys and casinos – to remain closed – review on 15 August
- Returning to the workplace from tomorrow will still being encouraged
- Face coverings to be extended to such as museums
Prime Minister’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 31 July 2020
North-west of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do:
An outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been identified in parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, and West Yorkshire. The government and relevant local authorities are acting together to control the spread of the virus. From 31 July 2020, if you live in these parts of Greater Manchester, East Lancashire and West Yorkshire, you should follow the rules provided at this link when meeting people who you do not live with – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/north-west-of-england-local-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 31 July 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 23 July to 26 July 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
Health and care workers to self-isolate on return to England from high-risk countries
Registered health and care professionals travelling to the England from high-risk countries will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, the government has confirmed – the rules apply to health and care workers returning to England, not the UK.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
New rules on gatherings in some parts of Northern England
Government announces changes to rules on gatherings in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire after increase in COVID-19 cases
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.
North West of England: local restrictions – what you can and cannot do
Find out what restrictions are in place if you live, work or travel in the North-West area and other affected areas.
Stockport Covid-19 advice
Director of Public Health, Jennifer Connolly said: “We would like to remind all residents, no matter what age they are, of the importance of not meeting up with anyone if there are any confirmed cases within the household. If this is the case households should isolate for 14 days if a household member has been tested positive or has symptoms and is awaiting test results. We encourage everyone in Stockport to comply with NHS test and trace advice, including isolating for 14 days if you are advised to do so following contact with someone who has been confirmed as having covid-19.”
Local Stockport restaurants sign up to the “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme
From the 3rd-31st August, you can get a 50% discount on food and non-alcoholic drinks to eat and drink in (up to a maximum of £10 per diner). This is every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and you can do this as many times as you like. Supporting local restaurants links into the One Stockport campaign in supporting local businesses within Stockport’s district and local centres. To find out the restaurants participating near you, visit Eat Out to Help Out A number of major chains are participating as well as The Produce Hall in Market Place.
Please Note!! Due to rising coronavirus infection rates in Greater Manchester, those making the most of the discount and dining out should only do so with members of their own household.
Business Grants Funds: programme closure.
The Small Business grants fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund and the Discretionary Grants Fund, should close by Friday 28 August. No further grants will be considered beyond that date. £62million in grants have been made to 5,500 businesses premises in Stockport.
If you believe you are entitled to the Small Business Grants Fund, the Retail, Hospitality & Leisure Grants Fund https://www.stockport.gov.uk/support-for-businesses-and-employers/small-business-grant-funding-coronavirus but haven’t yet provided your bank account details to the Council then please do so as soon as possible using the link provided.
The Discretionary Grant Scheme is currently accepting applications for phase 4, but applications close at midnight on 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
Please note that this means that any appeals against the discretionary 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.”
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,332 grants bringing the total amount paid to £61,240,000 and bringing the total to 97.4% of those identified as eligible as at 11/03/2020.
Local Authority Discretionary Grant funding scheme
Status of LAD Payments to date:
Applications: 708
Payments: £1,170,000
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 – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’? Whatever your business, we want to support you. And it’s free! Follow the link, fill in the form and we will add you to our directory:
AGRICULTURE:
Dairy Response Fund 2020
The Dairy Response Fund 2020 provides support to eligible dairy farmers in England who produce cows’ milk. They can apply for a one-off payment.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19: guidance for first responders
Advice for first responders (as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act) and others where close contact may be required as part of their normal duties – updated the self-isolation period from 7 to 10 days for individuals in the community with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result.
Beat the rush by getting your MOT done this summer
Motorists are being encouraged to bring their MOT forward if it’s due in September, October or November 2020, to help beat the expected rush for tests.
Guidance for contacts of people with confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection who do not live with the person
Guidance for contacts of a person with a positive test result for coronavirus (COVID-19) who do not live with that person – updated to reflect the extension of self-isolation from 7 to 10 days.
Coronavirus and the social impacts on Great Britain: 31 July 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 23 July to 26 July 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection – updated to reflect the extension of self-isolation to 10 days.
CONSTRUCTION:
On average, main contractors now pay 92% of their invoices within 60 days and 75% within terms. Murphy, Vinci and Morgan Sindall rank as the industry’s top three prompt payers, paying invoices in 25-27 days. They are joined by Mace, Osborne and Amey as the half dozen main contractors paying within 30 days. Among the industry major commercial clients Landsec and British Land achieved 17 days averages, with Bellway and Barratt leading the house builders at 25 and 26 days.
EDUCATION:
Student number controls
The measures to protect students and universities during the coronavirus outbreak, including temporary student number controls and additional places – updated advice for mergers and franchising arrangements.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Job Retention Bonus
Find out more information about the eligibility requirements and what employers need to do now to claim the bonus. Full guidance will be published by the end of September.
Further details of the Job Retention Bonus announced
Further details of how jobs will be protected through the government’s new Job Retention Bonus were unveiled by HMRC today.
Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
This document sets out guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) – Updated guidance to include the temporary flexibility to allow apprenticeship certificates to be sent to an alternative address and the end point assessment (EPA) flexibilities that are extended until the end of the year.
BT launches new scheme to support SMEs with post COVID-19 growth
Telecoms firm BT Group has announced the launch of a new scheme to support UK SMEs to grow following the disruption caused by COVID-19.
The group’s Enterprise division has launched BT Small Business Support Scheme to support small businesses across the country that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement came as the group released its results for the three months up to June 30, in which the group saw a revenue drop of 7 per cent.
COVID-19: guidance for care of the deceased
Advice to assist people required to manage bodies of deceased persons infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) – changed stay at home period from 7 to 10 days.
ENVIRONMENT:
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 – Offices and applying for a permit sections updated.
HEALTH CARE & WELLBEING:
COVID-19: guidance for commissioners and providers of services for people who use drugs or alcohol
COVID-19 guidance for commissioners and service providers for those dependent on drugs or alcohol
Coronavirus (COVID-19): personal protective equipment (PPE) hub
Guidance about coronavirus (COVID-19) personal protective equipment (PPE) – added Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) illustrated guide for community and social care settings guidance.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) illustrated guide for community and social care settings
This resource outlines personal protective equipment (PPE) advice for health and social care workers working in the community.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19 – updated flowcharts to reflect the extension of the self-isolation period from 7 to 10 days.
COVID-19: investigation and initial clinical management of possible cases
Information on case definitions, and the initial assessment and investigation of possible cases of COVID-19 infection – updated information in section 3, with regards to 14-day self-isolation for admitted patients and provision of written information on ongoing isolation when discharging patients.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19 – updated to reflect the extension of the self-isolation period from 7 days to 10 days for staff who have COVID-19 symptoms or a positive test result from the community; 14 days isolation period for staff and patients who are admitted to hospital (section 2); inclusion of re-testing guidance in staff (section 3).
COVID-19: guidance for stepdown of infection control precautions within hospitals and discharging COVID-19 patients from hospital to home settings
Advice on appropriate infection prevention and control (IPC) precautions for stepdown in hospital or discharge to home or residential settings – changes to self-isolation policy for all admitted patients to 14 days; updated section 3 to include the provision of written instructions for ongoing isolation when discharging patients.
UK Biobank COVID-19 seroprevalence study: round 1 results
First round of results of a 6-month study of coronavirus (COVID-19) antibody levels over time.
Health and care workers to self-isolate on return to UK from high-risk countries
Registered health and care professionals travelling to the UK from high-risk countries will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, the government has confirmed.
Wider impacts of COVID-19 on health monitoring tool
National monitoring tool that brings together metrics to assess the wider impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on health.
HOSPITALITY:
Daily Visitors to DCMS Sponsored Museums and Galleries
These experimental statistics show the number of daily visits to DCMS sponsored museums and galleries. For final visitor figures, refer to the monthly report.
Get more information about the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme
Get more help with registration, eligibility and how to offer the discount for the Eat Out to Help Out Scheme – update to include information on hospitality and golf packages, and hotel and restaurant services.
JUDICIARY:
Preventing and controlling outbreaks of COVID-19 in prisons and places of detention
Information for prisons and other prescribed places of detention on coronavirus (COVID-19) – changed isolation period from 7 to 10 days.
Video enabled criminal hearings: guidance for defence practitioners
Guidance for defence practitioners when participating in video enabled criminal hearings – information on prison to court video links in magistrates’ courts added.
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page held a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak. List of Crown Courts that have resumed jury trials for w/c 3 Aug 2020 updated
Coronavirus Act report: July 2020
The second two-monthly report on which powers in the Coronavirus Act 2020 are currently active.
LOCAL AUTHORITY:
Local restrictions: areas with an outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19)
A list of areas with additional local restrictions. Includes information for local authorities, residents and workers about what to do and how to manage the outbreak.
PROPERTY:
Never Knowingly Let – John Lewis moves into Build to Rent
Tenants who want to pop downstairs to the shop may soon be able to do so – thanks to the John Lewis Partnership. The company is exploring the possibility of converting some of its retail estate to private rented housing as part a strategy to regrow the business in the wake of the Coronavirus. In a letter sent to 80,000 John Lewis and Watrose staff, the chairwoman of the company – Sharon White – says converting some stores or parts of stores to housing is under consideration.
Tenants numbers up as lettings market bounce back continues
The number of new prospective tenants has risen markedly according to figures from ARLA Propertymark. In June – the latest data available – the average branch registered 79 new tenants compared to 70 in May. Year-on-year, this figure is the highest recorded by ARLA for the month of June; in 2019 the June figure was itself the previous record, of 71. However, the latest surge is still down on pre-lockdown levels when there was an average of 82 prospective tenants registered per branch in February.
TRANSPORT:
Payments to passenger rail operators, March to June 2020
A summary of franchise payments made by the Department for Transport (DfT) to train operating companies (TOCs) from March to June 2020 under emergency measures agreements (EMAs).
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travellers exempt from border rules in the UK
This guidance explains who will be exempt from new border rules in the UK introduced due to coronavirus – healthcare workers removed from list.
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.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel corridors
List of countries and territories from where you can travel to England and may not have to self-isolate – Luxembourg removed from the exempt list for arrivals from 31 July 2020.
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 – updated to clarify for those whose visa or leave expires before 31 August 2020.
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.