As Stockport’s business community prepares for recovery post-coronavirus, a group of business leaders from the town have collaborated with Stockport Council to launch a new website – www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk to support businesses through the phases of recovery.
Latest UK data to Tuesday 9th June:
Total tests: 5,870,506 tests have been carried / posted out (+ 138,930)
Positive tests: 289,140 have tested positive – (+ 5,829 on previous day)
In hospital: 6,348 are currently in hospital – down from 7,622 last week)
Loss of life: 40,597 across all settings, (+ 286 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,058 (1 new case in last 24 hours )
Deaths in Stockport: 312 coronavirus-related deaths
Number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk in the UK
The latest number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and risk level in the UK.
Government daily briefing update Tuesday 9th June – Alok Sharma, MP
- ONS reports 50,107 deaths where coronavirus was a suspected cause
- Non-essential retail will be allowed to reopen ‘safely’ from 15th June
- Enforcement actions may be taken where guidance has not been followed
- Guidance around reopening of pubs, restaurants, hairdressers, barbers and nail bars still under review; earliest opening date would be 4th July
- Government keeping two metre / one metre recommendations for social and safe distancing under review
Business Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 9 June 2020
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 9 June 2020
Answers to the most common topics asked about by the public for the coronavirus press conference
Slides, datasets and transcripts to accompany coronavirus press conferences
UK HEADLINES:
Last day to register employees for furlough scheme
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is changing. The final date by which an employer needs to agree with their employee and ensure they place them on furlough is 10 June. Employers will have until 31 July to make any claims in respect of the period to 30 June. From 1 July, employers can bring back to work employees that have previously been furloughed for any amount of time and any shift pattern, while still being able to claim the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme grant for their normal hours not worked. When claiming the grant for furloughed hours employers will need to report and claim for a minimum period of a week. The scheme will close to new entrants from 30 June. From this point onwards, employers will only be able to furlough employees that they have furloughed for a full 3 week period prior to 30 June. Further guidance on flexible furloughing and how employers should calculate claims will be published on 12 June. Find out more information on how the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is changing.
Almost £38 million support package for debt advice providers
An extra £37.8 million support package will be available to debt advice providers this year (20-21) so they can continue to provide essential services to help more people who are struggling with their finances due to Coronavirus, minsters have announced. The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), will oversee the allocation of the funds, including to charities, for debt advice and other money guidance services.
Thousands of high street shops, department stores and shopping centres to reopen safely in England
Shops in England selling non-essential goods will be able to reopen from Monday 15 June, the Business Secretary confirmed today, thanks to continuing progress in meeting our 5 tests.
Study launched to monitor prevalence of Covid-19 in schools
A new voluntary COVID-19 study to assess and monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 among pre-school, primary and secondary school pupils and teachers has been launched by the government. Public Health England’s (PHE) study will add to data on antibody and virus prevalence already being collected through national surveillance programmes and other nationwide studies, which report weekly. The initial phase will collect data from up to 100 schools from across England, including 15 schools in London, with results available over the summer. We are targeting around 200 staff and children at each school.
Government announces contingency measures for this year’s electoral canvass
The annual canvass is a significant data-gathering exercise whereby electoral administrators update their electoral rolls – the lists of everyone in their community who is registered to vote – confirming the details of electors who should be added or removed. The government will amend the final date for this year’s revised registers to be published, extending it from 1 December 2020 to February 2021 allowing local authority staff more time to complete their canvassing and maintain the accuracy of their registers, in light of practical consequences such as redeployed resourcing and social distancing.
London’s COVID-19 Transition Board meets for the first time
The Board will provide strategic direction for the next phase of the response to COVID-19 as London begins to reopen its economy while still controlling the virus.
Boris Johnson will lead the daily Downing Street briefing later where he’s expected to outline further plans to lift the lockdown in England. That’ll include the reopening of zoos, safari parks and other outdoor attractions. They’ll join non-essential retailers – the likes of clothing stores – in being allowed to resume operations on Monday, providing social distancing measures are in place.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Congratulations!! Holiday Inn Express Stockport Celebrates Success
Holiday Inn Express Stockport are celebrating again after picking up two awards at the prestigious Interstate International Stand Out Awards. The awards took on a different format this year due to the current Corona Virus crisis and were presented by Executive Vice President of the International Division, Nicholas Northam, via a virtual platform. The awards covered all hotels in the group that sit outside of North America. Carl Butterworth, General Manager won the award for Focus Service General Manager of the year which recognises him as an outstanding leader amongst his team and peers, seeing off strong competition from 94 managers from across the globe. Sales Manager, Nikki Capobianco, also scooped runner up in the International Sales Manager of the Year award, where she was recognised for her consistent performance.
Phase two of Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund extends qualifying criteria
The qualifying criteria has been extended to include those occupying a property, or part of a property, with a rateable value above £15,000 but no more than £20,000. Full qualifying criteria can be found on Stockport Council’s website. Phase two applications open from today – 9am Monday 8th June until midnight on Wednesday 17th June. Enquiries about the scheme can be emailed to SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk
Don’t forget to vote for Stockport Council in the Digital Leaders Awards!
Stockport nominated in the Smart City category in the Digital Leaders awards.
Vote for Stockport HERE. Voting closes at 12 noon on Friday 28th August, with the winners announced on the 15th of October.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have administered a further 11 grants bringing the total amount paid to £58,015,000 across 5,044 qualifying businesses and bringing the total now to just over 92% 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 Fund
So far, across phases 1 & 2, the total number of applications received: 259
Stockport – is your business open for business?
Is your business in Stockport? Are you ‘open for business’?
Many businesses have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak and are currently unable to trade due to Government restrictions but Stockport is still open for business. Are you still providing legal / financial services? Perhaps you have an online business? Or you have a food store. Are you offering a delivery service? Or perhaps you have a restaurant and are now offering take-aways? 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:
Stockport Business Recovery Board Webinar
As part of our ongoing schedule of business recovery seminars we are pleased to announce Dr John Ashcroft will be joining us on Thursday 11th June 2pm- 3pm.
John will be providing insight into the economic impact of Covid-19 and what a recovery may look like. The event is free and delivered on a Zoom webinar. To gain access please follow this link to confirm your place (places are limited). Once registered you will receive your personal Zoom link on Wednesday 10th June.
EDUCATION:
Local Government Association welcomes Government decision on reopening of schools in England
Responding to the Government’s announcement to drop plans for all primary school years in England to go back to school before the end of term, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: “We are pleased that the Government has acted on our calls and will give councils and local schools flexibility over the decision to expand the number of pupils before the summer holidays. Councils want all children to return to school but it is imperative that pupils return to school only when it is safe for them to do so and schools are best placed to make those decisions based on their own individual circumstances.”
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
DCMS Coronavirus Impact Business Survey
Survey data on how Digital Culture Media & Sport sectors are responding to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
DCMS Economic Estimates: Ad-hoc statistical releases
This page lists links to ad hoc statistical analyses on Economic Estimates that have not been included in our standard publications.
Sending your forms to Companies House during the coronavirus outbreak
As an emergency response to coronavirus (COVID-19), we’ve developed a temporary online service to upload a number of completed forms and send them to Companies House digitally.
Parents returning to work after extended leave eligible for furlough
People on paternity and maternity leave who return to work in the coming months will be eligible for the government’s furlough scheme, HM Treasury announced (9 June).
Coronavirus grant funding: local authority payments to small and medium businesses
Local authorities have received and distributed funding to support small and medium businesses in England during coronavirus.
£35billion provided to 830,000 businesses by lenders through Covid-19 schemes
Figures published by HM Treasury today reveal that lenders have provided £34.9 billion through the three major government-backed lending programmes. £3.6 billion has been granted to 85,000 businesses in the past week, with more applications expected to be approved in the coming days as the industry continues to help the UK get through these tough times. Lenders are approving thousands of Bounce Bank Loans for small and micro businesses every day. In the five weeks since the launch of the scheme, over 780,000 businesses have successfully applied – an average of 156,000 approvals by lenders each week. £23.8 billion has been provided by the industry through the BBL scheme, including £2.5 billion in the last seven days.
OPSS coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for business and local authorities
Second version of the guidance on how OPSS is supporting businesses and local authorities and protecting consumers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic for manufacturers and makers of face coverings on complying with the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 published, amended to reflect the latest government guidance on when a face covering should be worn.
HMRC coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics
HMRC data about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, and the VAT payments deferral scheme.
Forestry Commission operational update: coronavirus
This update provides details on the Forestry Commission’s working practices during the coronavirus outbreak – added a link to the FISA working safely during coronavirus
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. The YouTube videos have been updated for how to make a claim through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, and how to make a claim through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
Advice on staying secure during COVID-19
Guidance from the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure for businesses and insolvency office holders on managing security risks during the pandemic.
Find out if you can use the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme, or how to make a claim on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, by joining one of the updated webinars.
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
Adult Social Care Infection Control Fund
Sets out the infection control measures that the infection control fund will support, including information on the distribution of funds and reporting requirements.
Behavioural science ‘key to success’ of test and trace app
According to the British Psychological Society, with the new Covid-19 digital contact tracing app requiring people to perform at least four inter-related behaviours, we’re recommending that behavioural science is integrated within both the app itself and all associated communications if it is to be fit for purpose. We’ve also called for further research to be undertaken to help understand and overcome the potential barriers to people using it.
Informing DfE of the death of a colleague across children’s services
How local authorities and social care providers can tell the Department for Education (DfE) about the death of a colleague across children’s services.
COVID-19: management of staff and exposed patients and residents in health and social care settings
Updated flowcharts with additional guidance on clinical symptoms added to guidance on the management of staff, patients and residents who have been exposed to COVID-19.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments
Advice for people who buy care and support through a direct payment, as well as local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and those who provide care and support. Changes to this document include the addition of case studies, and there are new sections on PPE, testing and the flexible of use of direct payments. Two other documents have been added: ‘Guidance for commissioners, people receiving direct payments and care providers (easy read)’ and ‘Using direct payments during the coronavirus outbreak: the most important things to know’. The document ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for people receiving direct payments’ has been renamed ‘Guidance for commissioners, people receiving direct payments and care providers’. There are no other changes to this document.
HOSPITALITY:
UKHospitality has warned that, unless financial support is forthcoming, the reopening of hospitality businesses after months of lockdown will be at risk.
The trade body has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretaries of State at BEIS, DCMS and HCLG, warning that hospitality businesses hammered by COVID-19 and facing difficult trading for the foreseeable future, will be unable to come to rent settlements without support. Its letter sets out measures to resolve the deadlock, including the possible introduction of: tax credits to incentivise rent waivers, property bounce back bonds to cover lost revenue form the closure period, and the introduction of a furloughed space grant scheme. The trade body has also reiterated its willingness to work with all parties to help deliver an equitable solution and support for the proposed Code of Practice to facilitate negotiations.
JUDICIARY:
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page holds a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak – list updated.
PROPERTY:
Estate Agents face big challenge adjusting to ‘new normal’
A survey of estate agents conducted through trade publications has revealed that market uncertainty and the handling of transactions within government restrictions are the biggest challenges facing the industry. Last week Estate Agent Today was amongst trade titles conducting the survey for the new foundation Agents Together, created by the founders of Purplebricks, Michael and Kenny Bruce. Some 50 per cent of the respondents expressed concern about the uncertainty facing the industry, with 43 per cent worried about handling a growth in transaction numbers and 30 per cent specifically concerned about how to operate social distancing. Over 65 per cent of respondents said they would access the free mentoring scheme being promoted by the foundation for advice and training.
RETAIL:
Retail sector ‘not out of the woods yet’
On a Total basis, sales decreased by 5.9% in May, against a decrease of 1.9% in May 2019*. This is the second worst decline recorded since our monitor began in January 1995, an improvement over April. It is above the 3-month average decline of 9.4% and below the 12m average decline of 2.6%. “Sales in May demonstrated yet another month of struggle for retailers across the country, despite an improvement on the previous month. Nonetheless, as the sun came out and restaurants lay dormant, food sales rose with consumers taking to their local parks for beers, BBQs and picnics. Clothing and beauty sales improved slightly on April, as people left their homes to meet outside with friends and family. Continuing the lockdown trend, office supplies, fitness equipment and bicycles all performed well, thanks to strong online sales and DIY was boosted by the opening of garden centres. However, for those shops whose doors remain shuttered it was once again a tough month and even those who stayed open suffered reduced footfall and huge costs implementing social distancing measures.”
A national restaurant owner has today confirmed plans that would see more than 200 sites at risk of closure.
The Restaurant Group, which reported on Monday that it was in talks with landlords over the future of 120 of its Frankie & Benny restaurants, today confirmed plans to close 125 sites, with a further 85 at risk. It said that those 85 sites’ futures will be subject to a reduction in rental costs and revised lease terms.
Jewellery retailer Beaverbrooks is preparing to reopen 58 of its stores in England on Monday – but customers should be prepared for a number of changes.
The retailer has revealed measures that have been put in place to keep staff and customers safe – but has insisted shoppers looking to buy a special gift, they can try on jewellery. The Lancashire-headquartered family business has installed clear screens at consultation points and said there will be fewer selling zones and reduced numbers allowed into stores. Other measures include floor markings to ensure safe social distancing, daily temperature checks for staff, and hand sanitizer stations at the entrance and throughout the store which will be mandatory for shoppers to use before entering.
TRANSPORT:
New powers for councils to keep cyclists safe
Local authorities will be given new tools to support cyclists to create a greener and more resilient transport network, Cycling Minister Chris Heaton-Harris has announced today (10 June 2020). Local authorities in England will have new powers to use CCTV to issue penalty charge notices to drivers who park or load illegally in mandatory cycle lanes, putting cyclists at risk of a serious accident. Cars parked on cycle lanes pose problems for cyclists, often forcing them into the flow of traffic. With approved camera devices, it will be easier for those local authorities with civil parking enforcement powers to take action against cars illegally parked on mandatory cycle lanes, allowing cyclists to complete their journeys without deviating from their path.
TRAVEL:
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 a new section on temporary concessions if you’re applying to enter the UK or remain on the basis of family or private life.
WTTC: Quarantine and travel ban risk nearly three million UK travel jobs
Lifting quarantine, establishing air bridges, adopting global health and safety protocols, and implementing a rapid test and trace strategy will be vital to protecting nearly three million at-risk travel and tourism jobs in the UK, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): how to self-isolate when you travel to the UK
Sets out how to self-isolate if you arrive in the UK on or after 8 June 2020. You will not be allowed to leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK – added links to the public health passenger locator form in the ‘Exemptions’ section.
Covid-19 Webinars:
10th June: Retailers: how to thrive in the new landscape More info / book here
11th June: Employment – CV and interview tips More info / book here
18th June: Thriving through disruption More info / book here
Business Growth Hub webinars:
Find out more details and how to book below or on the website.
Make your workplace COVID-secure:
You can find recordings of webinars covering other types of workplace here
HMRC:
Coronavirus COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme:
Providing an overview of the scheme, this webinar looks at who can claim, when to start paying SSP, employees you can claim for, making a claim, keeping records, and more. Choose a date and time
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – How to make a claim:
This guides you through making a claim, including the essential information you need, what to do before you make your claim, calculating and processing your claim.
Choose a date and time
If you’ve missed any of HMRC’s live webinars, you can catch up series of recorded webinars on HMRC’s YouTube channel – available at a time to suit you.
Twice weekly: EnterprisingYou Finance support for the self-employed webinars
For info about latest webinar date announcements please visit the website https://enterprising-you.co.uk/latest-news/
Join an HR virtual community HRD: A Virtual Experience.
Join 2,500+ senior HR Leaders from across the globe including The Clorox Company, Diageo, DHL, Siemens, Nestle, Vodafone, Tiffany & Co, ING and more.
Date and time: Thursday June 18th from 10am CET/9am BST
Summit theme: The Resilient Organisation
Sign up here – it’s completely free!
ACAS
A series of courses to help businesses with transition from lockdown
Useful links:
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.