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.
UK data to Sunday 14th June:
Total tests: 6,434,713 tests have been carried / posted out
Positive tests: 292,950 have tested positive – (+ 1,266 on previous day)
Loss of life: 41,481 across all settings, (+ 202 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 Sunday 14th June: The Rt Hon Grant Shapps:
- SAGE data shows overall R rate unchanged at 0.7 – 0.9
- Regional variances of R rate show estimates sitting at or just above 1
- Formation of a ‘Jet Zero Council’ working to achieve net zero emission flights
- Still cannot confirm whether having antibodies means people are immune
- No extension to transition period for Brexit
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 12 June 2020 Press conference slides and datasets used by The Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, Sir Peter Hendy and Professor Stephen Powis.
Early release of £3.4bn of local authority grants
Letters authorising the early release of 2 grants to local authorities totalling £3.4 billion before the end of the month, to allow them to act on the government’s recent announcements to tackle Covid-19.
The first letter is from the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to the MHCLG Secretary of State requesting the ministerial direction. The second letter is from the MHCLG Secretary of State to the Permanent Secretary setting out the ministerial direction.
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:
Non-essential retailers out of lockdown and re-open for business
Today, more retailers across England are allowed to reopen and welcome back customers to their shops and stores so long as strict measures are introduced in line with Government guidelines following the coronavirus pandemic. High Street stores include Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, JD Sports, Dorothy Perkins and Primark along with John Lewis who will be phasing the re-opening of their stores over the next few days – John Lewis at Cheadle Royal is due to reopen this Wednesday 17th. Animal attractions and many smaller independent shops have also been allowed to reopen so long as a risk assessment has taken place and they are able to keep their customers safe including following the current 2 metre social distancing rule. Businesses within the BID area of Stockport town centre can request a Back to Business pack by emailing Totally Stockport – info@totallystockport.co.uk – who will arrange delivery of your pack. Many stores plan to quarantine any items touched but not bought, and you can expect staff behind screens, limits on customer numbers, one-way systems and more.
BBC: Facemasks mandatory for all users of public transport in England
Anyone travelling on public transport in England must wear a face covering from Monday under a new rule. More than 3,000 extra staff including police officers are being deployed at stations to make sure people comply. Passengers without a covering will be asked to wear one, or will face being refused onboard or fined £100. People with certain health conditions, disabled people and children under the age of 11 will be exempt from the rule. In the coming days, hundreds of thousands of free coverings will be handed out at railway stations. The government says masks can be homemade, such as a scarf or bandana. As well as on transport, all hospital visitors and outpatients also have to wear masks.
Secondary school pupils to have face-to-face teaching sessions for first time
Some pupils from years 10 and 12 who are facing exams next year are being allowed to return to school from today for face-to-face sessions with their teachers.
First easyJet flight in three months takes off from Gatwick to Glasgow
This morning’s 7am flight was the first domestic flight for easyJet since being grounded 11 weeks ago as the Covid-19 lockdown begins to ease. Mask wearing passengers took to their seats although no on-board catering facilities were on offer. All planes will be deep-cleaned every 24 hours.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer air travel guidance for passengers – updated to reflect the new requirement for passengers to wear face coverings on aircraft in England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): scientific evidence supporting the UK government response
The Government has updated the list of evidence provided to SAGE with 36 new papers. Government Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance comments: “This is an incredibly fast-moving, developing situation and as part of our collective efforts to give the clearest and most reliable scientific advice, SAGE has and continues to draw upon a huge range of experts and a huge range of evidence. The UK is home to experts who are at the forefront of their chosen fields and we are making full use of their expertise to grow our understanding of COVID-19 as we work tirelessly to tackle this disease. The collective evidence we have published today has played a considerable role in shaping our recommendations on when, how and why the government have made the interventions it has so far.”
View the scientific evidence supporting the government response to COVID-19
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Phase 2 of the Local Authority Discretionary Grant funds closes on Wednesday
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 close at midnight on Wednesday 17th June. Enquiries about the scheme can be emailed to SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk
Eastern Airways to resume UK flights as Manchester to Southampton first route
UK regional airline, Eastern Airways, will resume its growing network of routes from Manchester Airport initially including a daily service to Southampton from 22nd June. The frequency of services will be increased as appropriate through July, August and September to help restore the business and leisure connections to help the economic recovery of the North-West. Julian Carr, Aviation Director at Manchester Airport, said: “It’s great to see Eastern Airways resume its service to Southampton from Manchester Airport, providing vital connectivity between the two regions and beyond. With a host of safety measures already in place, the security of all our passengers and staff continues to be our number one priority, as we connect people to places domestically and internationally.”
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’s Allied Bakeries to feature in BBC2 documentary
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. Keeping Britain Fed will air on Wednesday 17th June at 8pm on BBC2, and be available on-demand through BBC iPlayer.
Stockport businesses grant funding payments:
Main Grant Scheme:
Stockport Council have now administered a total of 5,083 grants bringing the total amount paid to £58,465,000 and bringing the total now to 92.8% 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: 300
Phase 2 applications close on Wednesday 17th June.
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:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): advice on accessing green spaces safely
Advice on using green spaces and protecting yourself and others from coronavirus – updated with guidance on reopening of animal attractions.
Meeting people from outside your household
How you can see people that you do not live with while protecting yourself and others from coronavirus (COVID-19) – updated with the changes to support bubbles that are in effect from 13 June.
Support for the bereaved
Information to help bereaved families, friends or next of kin make important decisions – addition of translated versions of ‘What to do when someone dies during the COVID-19 pandemic’.
EDUCATION:
Awarding qualifications in summer 2020
Information for schools, students and parents on how GCSE, AS, A level, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded in summer 2020 – Letter to Heads of Centre – general qualifications Summer 2020 arrangements added to documents.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
IOD: ‘Unparalleled’ GDP figures means action needed
The Institute of Directors has responded to the figures suggesting that GDP fell by 20% in April. Chief Economist Tej Parikh said the Government ‘must now figure out how to stimulate activity. As the furlough scheme winds down, further job losses could be on the cards without additional support for firms’ costs. To help spur business investment, the Government must make good on its commitment to broaden existing tax reliefs for research and development. Waiting until later in the year to act will risk more businesses and jobs being lost.’
Guidance updated for Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS)
The revised guidance includes:
- changes to the scheme and key dates that you need to be aware of
- how you can claim if you bring previously furloughed employees back to work part-time from 1?? July (known as flexible furloughing) and how many employees you can claim for in any one claim
- how to claim, and the information you’ll need to do so
- how to work out how much you can claim, including an online calculator to help you
- more information on amending your claim.
Webinars offering more support on changes to the scheme and how they impact you are now available to book online – go to GOV???.UK and search ‘help and support if your business is affected by coronavirus’.
What you need to do from July
- start your flexible furloughing of employees from 1?? July onwards. You can decide the hours and shift patterns they work to suit the needs of your business – you’ll pay their wages for the time they’re in work and can apply for a job retention scheme grant to cover any of their usual hours they are still furloughed for. You can still keep employees on full furlough if you need to
- claim for periods ending on or before 30?? June, by 31?? J?ul?y – this is the last date you can make those claims
- claim for further furlough periods as needed – the first time you will be able to make a claim for days in July will be 1?? July.
Protect yourself from scams
Stay vigilant about scams, which may mimic government messages as a way of appearing authentic and unthreatening. Search ‘scams’ on GOV???.UK for information on how to recognise genuine HMRC contact. You can also forward suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.
Reopening High Streets Safely Fund guidance
Guidance to help local authorities and partners to deliver activities supported through the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund – the FAQ for the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund has been updated on 12 June 2020 to clarity key information.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic – shops and branches – updated to reflect industry feedback, updated guidance on managing product handling and returns, guidance on test and trace service, guidance on safer travel and to provide guidance on managing security risks.
Calculate how much you can claim using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
Calculate how much you have to pay your furloughed employees for hours on furlough, how much you can claim for employer NICs and pension contributions and how much you can claim back.
Find examples to help you calculate your employees’ wages
Check examples to help you calculate your employee’s wages, National Insurance contributions and pension contributions if you’re claiming through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
Check if you can claim a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or a member of a partnership and have been adversely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) find out if you can use this scheme to claim a grant – further information about the extension to the scheme has been added.
How different circumstances affect the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme
If you’re self-employed or member of a partnership find out how your circumstances can affect your eligibility for the scheme – examples added to show when the ‘adversely affected’ criteria for the first and second grants will be met.
ENVIRONMENT:
Environment Agency waterways: Coronavirus (Covid-19) update
Updated guidance for users of all Environment Agency waterways, including the River Thames, Anglian waterways and the Upper Medway Navigation
Group to measure for coronavirus prevalence in waste water
New working group includes a range of water companies and experts across the UK
Transmission licence exemptions for offshore wind farm generators affected by COVID-19
The Government is seeking views on a proposed exemption order, for wind farm generators in tender rounds 5 and 6 of the OFTO regime affected by COVID-19.
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
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.
OPSS coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for business and local authorities
Guidance on how OPSS is supporting businesses and local authorities and protecting consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic updated enforcement guidance for local authorities added on face masks and coverings.
New rules on face coverings coming in on Monday will help keep passengers safe
Passengers that don’t follow the new rules on face coverings will be prevented from travelling.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and Mitigating Measures – update, 4 June 2020
Update paper prepared by Environmental and Modelling Group (EMG) on transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and mitigating measures.
The R number in the UK
The reproduction number (R) is the average number of secondary infections produced by 1 infected person. The R number range for the UK is 0.7-0.9 as of 12 June 2020.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing: privacy information
Privacy notice on COVID-19 virus testing for critical workers and their household members who are self-isolating because they’re showing symptoms – updated privacy notice and quick read to say that if you test positive, you may be contacted by text message to see whether you wish to donate blood plasma, as part of the potential treatment for coronavirus. Updated the Department of Health and Social Care’s data protection officer to Ian Stone.
JUDICIARY:
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 – Update for week commencing 15 June 2020 published.
Courts and tribunals tracker list during coronavirus outbreak
This page holds a tracker list of open, staffed and suspended courts during the coronavirus outbreak – tracker updated with Crown Courts assessed to hold jury trials.
PROPERTY:
Covid-19 impact – will modular housing and self-build homes thrive post-pandemic?
Two of the biggest emerging trends pre-pandemic, from a housebuilding and investment perspective, were the rise of modern methods of construction (including modular housing) and self-build homes. In recent years, self-builds have become more popular as house prices have continued to soar and people have struggled to find the homes they want in the right areas.
TRANSPORT:
Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules: all sectors carriage of goods by road
Temporary relaxation of the GB drivers’ hours rules for drivers carrying goods by road – rules ended 23:59 Sunday 14 June.
TRAVEL:
No Government decision on air-bridges until 29th June
Shapps said the government would give no details about potential air bridges or “travel corridors” between the UK and other countries until 29 June when the current 14-day quarantine for UK arrivals is due to be reviewed. Shapps said that he was talking to airlines and airports, and would also have discussions with other countries.
He added that the quarantine “has broad public support” as a way of preventing a second wave of Covid-19 hitting the country.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer aviation guidance for operators
Safer travel and working principles for airports and aviation operators updated to reflect the new requirement for passengers to wear face coverings on aircraft in England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer transport guidance for operators
Safer working principles and risk assessment for transport operators and organisations – updated to reflect the upcoming requirement for passengers to wear face coverings on public transport in England.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak – updated to reflect the upcoming requirement for passengers to wear face coverings on public transport in England.
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Covid-19 Webinars:
17th June: Flexible Furlough and Recovery preparation More info / Book here
18th June: Thriving through disruption More info / book here
18th June: Managing your mind with meditation More info / Book here
25th June: Staying healthy at home, move & stretch class 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 – run 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