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 Thursday 11th June:
Total tests: 6,240,801 tests have been carried / posted out (+ 198,179)
Positive tests: 291,409 have tested positive – (+ 1,266 on previous day)
Loss of life: 41,279 across all settings, (+ 151 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,061 (no change in last 24 hours)
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 Thursday 11th June:
secretary of State for Health & social Care – Matt Hancock:
- Plan is working as PM’s further easing of restrictions yesterday demonstrates
- Warned of dangers of attending large gatherings including demonstrations
- 8,117 people had their details transferred to contact tracing systems in 1st week
- 67% provided details of their contacts
- ONS: 70-80% of people testing positive don’t have symptoms
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 11 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:
BBC: UK economy shrinks record 20.4% in April due to lockdown
The UK’s economy shrank by 20.4% in April – the largest monthly contraction on record – as the country spent its first full month in lockdown.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the “historic” fall affected virtually all areas of activity. The contraction is three times greater than the decline seen during the whole of the 2008 to 2009 economic downturn. But analysts said April was likely to be the worst month, as the government began easing the lockdown in May. The ONS also published figures for the three months from February to April, which showed a decline of 10.4% compared with the previous three-month period.
£63 million for local authorities to assist those struggling to afford food and other essentials
“The extraordinary circumstances of this pandemic have meant real financial difficulty for many households, with people left facing hard choices. To help those who are struggling to afford food and other essentials, today we are announcing an additional £63 million which will be given to and distributed by local authorities to those in need. Local authorities are already doing a brilliant job helping the most vulnerable in their communities and this extra money will enable them to help more families and individuals at this extremely difficult time.”
As the UK gets back to work safely, unemployment is the biggest threat to livelihoods. CBI has laid out ambitious health-first recovery plan fo a jobs-rich, sustainable future for the UK economy
Brexit: UK backtracks on full EU border checks amid coronavirus crisis
After businesses hammered by the pandemic raised fears about their ability to cope when the Brexit transition period ends in December, a government source says it will take a “pragmatic and flexible approach”. That could mean much less rigorous EU border checks on imports than initially planned, at least temporarily. The UK had committed to introducing full import controls on EU goods next January, with Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove calling them “necessary” to keep borders “safe and secure” and to collect the appropriate taxes. But, according to the Financial Times, ministers have abandoned the plans. The source tells BBC News ministers recognise the impact the virus is having on businesses, and so flexibility makes sense “to help business adjust to the changes”.
Local authorities across England receive funding to support new Test and Trace service
Local authorities across England have been allocated a share of £300 million to support the new Test and Trace service
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
The Government’s roadmap for how and when the UK will adjust its response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to reflect announcements on 10 June 2020.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Stockport’s Allied Bakeries to feature in BBC2 documentary
is to feature in a one-off BBC2 documentary detailing the pressures of major retailers and their suppliers in keeping supermarket shelves stocked during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fronted by Sara Cox and Ade Adepitan, ‘Keeping Britain Fed’ explores how shopping habits changed during the crisis, the stresses on supermarket supply chains and the long term impacts of the pandemic on the way we shop. Allied Bakeries’ General Manager Carl Hampsonshowcased the operation at the Stockport bakery in producing in producing bread for supermarket shoppers while faced with unprecedented demand. The programmed captured how the start of the art bakery and logistical facility rose to the challenges posed by the crisis, and how it did so in the face of higher levels of sickness and the need for social distancing on the production line. The show will also feature Allied Bakeries’ links with Stockport Council, and how they have collaborated in providing food parcels to the most vulnerable in the borough.
Keeping Britain Fed will air on Wednesday 17th June at 8pm on BBC2, and be available on-demand through BBC iPlayer.
Government supports wages of one million across the North West
Since the launch of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), the Government has supported the wages of 1,052,900 jobs in the North West. The CJRS and SEISS were announced by the Chancellor, and are run by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), as part of a package of support measures for businesses affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Businesses have furloughed 828,900 jobs in the North West, up to May 31, since the CJRS was launched on April 20.
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 now administered a total of 5,070 grants bringing the total amount paid to £58,305,000 and bringing the total now to 92.6% 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: 289
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:
AGRICULTURE & RURAL AFFAIRS:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses
The latest information for farmers, landowners and rural businesses during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated to Latest News section with information about submitting Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Environmental Stewardship (ES) annual claim forms.
COMMUNITY:
COVID-19 (coronavirus): using a boat inland and on the coast
Guidance on inland and coastal boating and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus.
Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do
Frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do during the coronavirus outbreak – updated with information on support bubbles.
COVID-19: guidance for the safe use of places of worship during the pandemic
This guidance is designed to assist places of worship to prepare to open for limited permitted activities on 13 June.
CONSTRUCTION:
£4.6bn paid out to support wages across the construction industry
The Government has paid out £4.6bn since March to support the wages of construction staff on furlough and self-employed workers laid off in the lockdown. Up to 1.48m construction staff and self-employed workers have received some kind of wages support during the coronavirus outbreak. According to latest Government figures, so far 801,000 self-employed construction workers have received pay-outs from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, totalling over £2.8bn. Over the same period, more than 150,000 construction firms submitted claims for Government support for 680,000 furloughed staff under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
EDUCATION:
What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak
Information for parents and carers about the wider opening of nurseries, schools and colleges, transport, attendance, free school meals and remote education – updated information about which children do not need to wear face coverings when travelling to school.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added link to:£63 million for local authorities to assist those struggling to afford food and other essentials
UK Statement to the WTO Council for Trade in Goods – Item 7
The UK’s Ambassador to the WTO and UN in Geneva, Julian Braithwaite, delivered this statement at a meeting of the WTO’s Council for Trade in Goods on 10 June 2020.
Coronavirus and the impact on production and services, UK: April 2020
An analysis of monthly growth for the production and services industries between March 2020 and April 2020, highlighting the impact from the coronavirus (COVID-19).
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
COVID-19: number of outbreaks in care homes – management information
Weekly number and percentage of care homes reporting a suspected or confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 to PHE by local authorities, regions and PHE centres.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems – added week 24 report and infographic.
NHS test and trace statistics (England): 28 May to 3 June 2020
Experimental statistics for week 1 of NHS test and trace contact tracing in England – added attachment: ‘NHS test and trace statistics, 28 May to 3 June: data tables’.
COVID-19: laboratory evaluations of serological assays
PHE has undertaken a number of rapid evaluations of commercial serological assays for their suitability for detecting the production of COVID-19 antibodies – updated Evaluation of Roche Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology assay for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Deaths involving COVID-19, UK: deaths occurring between 1 March and 30 April 2020
Provisional counts of the number of deaths and age-standardised mortality rates involving the coronavirus (COVID-19) between 1 March and 30 April 2020 in the United Kingdom.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Infection Survey pilot: England, 12 June 2020
This release provides initial data from the COVID-19 Infection Survey. This survey is being delivered in partnership with the University of Oxford, the University of Manchester and Public Health England.
NHS test and trace: how it works
An overview of the NHS test and trace service, including what happens if you test positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection
Stay at home guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection updated ‘Guidance for households with grandparents, parents and children living together where someone is at increased risk or has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection’ to align with Test and Trace regulations.
HOSPITALITY & LEISURE:
COVID-19 (coronavirus): using a boat inland and on the coast
Guidance on inland and coastal boating and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus.
Go Outdoor to reopen with CBILS loan
Outdoor adventure company Go Ape will reopen with the support of funding from the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) through Clydesdale Bank. Go Ape was forced to close its 34 sites across the UK on 20 March in line with government guidance. The company’s management team has with the Clydesdale Bank team to restructure its existing banking facilities and apply for the CBILS loan to support working capital.
PROPERTY:
Buyers state job insecurity as the biggest barrier to home ownership (65%) compared to 35% in March 2020), overtaking ‘raising a deposit’ (40%) for the first time in 10 years.
Results also show that house price expectations have fallen into negative territory. Almost half (45%) think that house prices will fall in the next 12 months and just 16% think they will rise. More positively, around half (57%) of homebuyers and 52% of sellers who were active before the pandemic will return to the housing market within 6 months, or did not leave the market during the lockdown period.
TRANSPORT:
Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules: all sectors carriage of goods by road
Confirmation of end date for GB hours temporary relaxation of the GB drivers’ hours rules for drivers carrying goods by road.
TRAVEL:
Taiwan travel during coronavirus (COVID-19) – Information about available flights and routes
Information about available flights and routes and English-language travel agents for British people in Taiwan during the coronavirus restrictions – Taiwan travel information update
Travel advice: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for British people travelling overseas during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic – added link to new guidance on safer air travel in the ‘When you return to the UK’ section
Coronavirus (COVID-19) essential international travel guidance
This page provides guidance on travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel – added link to new guidance on safer air travel during coronavirus
Holiday Lettings sector seeks Government approval of new Covid-19 protocols
Government has earmarked 4 July for a resumption of some tourism businesses, including accommodation, with culture minister Oliver Dowden stating during a government coronavirus briefing last month domestic tourism could be given the green light to resume in July “if it is safe to do so”.
Covid-19 Webinars:
12th June: Strategic Rail – getting the north back on track 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.
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