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 18th June:
Total tests: 7,250,000 tests have been carried out or posted out
Positive tests:300,469 have tested positive +1,218 cases on previous day
Hospitalised: 490 UK admissions / 360 on mechanical ventilators on 15/06
Number in hospital: 5,193 – down from 5,863 previous week
Loss of life: 42,288 across all settings, (+ 135 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,074 (up from 1,073)
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.
18th June 2020 daily press briefing on the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic by Health & Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock:
- Matt Hancock presented an update to the statistics as outlined above
- The death rate is now no higher than is normal at this time of the year
- Vaccines: warned of dangers of falling behind on regular vaccination programme
- Coronavirus Imperial vaccine is in first stage of human clinical trials and is already in manufacture / on order to stockpile supplies
- Priority for vaccines for 2 groups: frontline health & social care workers and those identified as being most at risk
- NHS Test & Trace programme progressing with thousands isolating as a result
- Technical barrier to test and trace app – open to any supplier to resolve
Health and Social Care Secretary’s statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 18 June 2020
Slides and datasets to accompany coronavirus press conference: 17 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:
UK Covid-19 alert level downgraded from four to three
Under level three, the virus is now considered to be ‘in general circulation’ and there could be a “gradual relaxation of restrictions”. Previously transmission was considered “high or rising exponentially”.
Coronavirus: £1bn catch-up tutoring fund for England’s pupils
A £1bn fund to help England’s children catch up on what they have missed while schools have been closed has been announced by the prime minister. The most disadvantaged pupils will have access to tutors through a £350m programme over the next academic year. Primary and secondary schools will be given £650m to spend on one-to-one or group tuition for any pupils they think need it. Head teachers welcomed the funds, but said more details were needed.
LGA responds to £1 billion Covid ‘catch-up’ plan
Responding to the announcement by government of a £1 billion Covid “catch up” package to tackle the impact of lost teaching time, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said: “It is positive that the Government has announced this funding to help children catch up on lost teaching time. Teachers have done a fantastic job keeping schools open to vulnerable families and children of key workers during the coronavirus pandemic and more recently expanding schools to more pupils. Councils want to work with schools and government to help children catch-up on any school work they may have missed, and ensure as many pupils as possible return to school in September, as it is absolutely vital that children do not fall further behind in their development. We now look forward to seeing the guidance for this plan.”
New drug to treat coronavirus to be used with immediate effect across the NHS
A life-saving treatment for seriously-ill hospital patients with Covid-19 is being used across the UK from today, following breakthrough results in a UK trial. Dexamethasone – a cheap, widely-available steroid – was shown to reduce deaths among patients on ventilators and on oxygen. The UK’s chief medical officers say it should be used “with immediate effect”. And there are no issues with supplies of the medicine in the UK.
Key allies met to agree joint action to tackle emerging security threats
At the meeting of Home Affairs, Interior and Security Ministers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US, they discussed a range of threats including the increased risk of online child sexual abuse, disinformation and hostile state activity. Ministers raised the persistent threat of hostile state activity as well as the spread of disinformation during the pandemic which is putting lives at risk. The nations agreed to share best practice and work together to counter these threats and ensure that the public can access reliable information to protect themselves.
Government announce next phase of test & trace app
This next phase will bring together the work done so far on the NHS COVID-19 app and the new Google/Apple framework. Following rigorous field testing and a trial on the Isle of Wight, challenges have identified challenges with both our app and the Google/Apple framework. This is a problem that many countries around the world, like Singapore, are facing and in many cases only discovering them after whole population roll-out. As a result of our work, we will now be taking forward a solution that brings together the work on our app and the Google/Apple solution. This is an important step, allowing us to develop an app that will bring together the functionality required to carry out contact tracing, but also making it easy to order tests, and access proactive advice and guidance to aid self-isolation.
Department for Transport has drawn advances from the Contingencies Fund to enable expenditure on COVID-19 support packages.
Department for Transport having drawn advances from the Contingencies Fund totalling £7,000,000,000 to enable expenditure on COVID-19 support packages for transport to be spent ahead of the passage of the Supply and Appropriation Act.
The schemes include: Emergency Measures Agreements with the Train Operating Companies; the COVID-19 Bus Services Support Grant; safeguarding critical ferry freight routes; and supporting regional transport networks such as Transport for London and light rail networks. Furthermore, the department brought forward the payment of local authority road maintenance grants announced in the Budget.
National COVID-19 surveillance reports
National COVID-19 surveillance reports, including weekly summary of findings monitored through various COVID-19 surveillance systems – added week 25 report and infographic.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
InWork GM – Working well (work and health programme) referral update
InWork GM are delighted to announce that, with immediate effect, Stockport residents and partner organisations can now make direct referrals to the Work and Health Programme via the InWork GM website. The Work and Health Programme provides local, personalised support to help unemployed residents with disabilities and health conditions return to work. Please visit the website www.inworkgm.co.uk to find out help available. To refer someone you know, or to refer yourself, simply select ‘Join the Programme’ and fill in the short form.
Stockport council bids for Future High Street Funding to coincide with ambitious One Stockport campaign
Stockport Council has announced details of their bid to the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF). The council submitted a £14.5m bid to the FHSF earlier this month to deliver their ambitious project for the town centre known as ‘StockRoom’ which will hopefully also see an additional investment of £8m in re-purposing the former M&S and BHS stores. StockRoom will bring a learning and knowledge hub to town centre – a future-focused community and public facing services hub – which can be used by the whole community. It will celebrates the culture and creativity of the town, providing a space that encourages people to tell their story, where residents can spend leisure time, learn and celebrate their heritage. This comes on the back of the council’s launch of their One Stockport campaign this week, which promises to build back better in response to the corona virus crisis, working in collaboration with partners to build a better future for everyone in the Borough through supporting the local economy, connecting communities and promoting health and wellbeing. The first phase of the campaign will support the recovery process, to help people reopen their businesses safely and to instil confidence as we ease out of the current restrictions.
Merseyway McDonald’s outlines reopening plans
The McDonald’s franchise in Stockport’s Merseyway shopping centre has outlined its initial plans for reopening. From Wednesday 24th June at 11am, the restaurant will reopen for takeaway business and delivery via the Uber Eats app. The store will serve a more a limited menu, with breakfast options not planned to become available until July 8th, when the store will open from 7am. In order to remain compliant with social distancing guidelines, no more than six customers will be permitted inside the Merseyway McDonald’s at any one time.
Applications for phase 2 of the Local Authority Grant fund scheme is now closed.
A further phase is expected to be announced soon. Full qualifying criteria can be found on Stockport Council’s website. Enquiries about the scheme can be emailed to SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk
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 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 5,113 grants bringing the total amount paid to £58,900,000 and bringing the total now over 93.5% 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
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 and the social impacts on Great Britain: 19 June 2020
Indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey covering the period 11 June to 14 June 2020 to understand the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on people, households and communities in Great Britain.
CONSTRUCTION:
Laing O’Rourke to return staff to full pay
Chief executive Ray O’Rourke announced he was ending special measures because the business was returning to full productivity earlier than first expected at the height of the coronavirus crisis. Around 900 staff will also be brought off furlough next month as projects pick up pace. Salaries of 8,000 UK staff were cut at the start of April in a ‘war effort’ to combat the impact of lockdown and social distancing.
EDUCATION:
What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Information for parents and carers about the opening of early years providers, schools and colleges, safety in schools, attendance, transport, school meals and exams.
Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Guidance for settings managing children and young people with complex special educational needs and disability (SEND) during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
EMPLOYMENT:
DPD looks to expand with 15 new depots and 6,000 new jobs
The parcel delivery company is investing £200m in next-day parcel capacity including £100m on new vehicles and £60m on new depots. As the coronavirus lockdown took hold, demand for home delivery and drivers soared as UK online retail sales increased by nearly 33% year on year in May
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
FCA unveils further support for consumer credit customers affected by Covid-19
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has today announced proposals to provide continued support for consumer credit customers affected by COVID-19. The FCA has outlined new proposals which include ongoing support for customers coming to the end of a payment freeze or those who are yet to request one, for revolving credit products such as credit cards, loans and overdrafts. According to the new plans, customers yet to request a payment freeze or an arranged interest-free overdraft of up to £500 will now be able to apply for these until October 31.
Deferral of VAT Payments as result of the coronavirus ends on 30th June
The option to defer paying VAT ends on 30?? June 2020. This means that VAT returns with a payment due date after 30?? June must be paid in full, on time. As part of the government’s support for businesses during COVID-19, HMRC gave businesses the option of deferring their VAT payments if they were unable to pay on time, without incurring late payment interest or penalties. Payment of VAT falling due between 20?? March and 30?? June 2020 can be deferred until 31?? March 2021. If you haven’t deferred any VAT payments, you don’t need to take any further action. If you have deferred paying your VAT and normally pay by Direct Debit you should now reinstate it. You should do this at least three working days before submitting your VAT return in order for HMRC to take payment. For further details go to GOV??.UK and search for ‘Pay your VAT bill’. If you’re unable to pay the VAT due and need additional time to pay, please contact HMRC before the payment is due. For help go to GOV??.UK and search for ‘If you cannot pay your tax bill on time’, or call 0300 200 3835. If you do call, please quote ‘V1’. For advice and information on other support available, please go to GOV??.UK and search ‘Business support’.
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 video about how to make a Self-Employment Income Support Scheme claim has been updated.
COVID-19: Insurers Challenged in Business Interruption Insurance Test Case
The pandemic has revealed that a large proportion of UK SME’s standard Business Interruption Insurance Policies (‘BI Policies’) do not provide cover for business interruptions caused by Covid-19. Typically, these policies only cover losses arising from property damage, leaving a significant number of SMEs inadequately insured. However, even where a BI Policy states that it does provide cover for business interruptions caused by disease, insurers and policyholders are struggling to decipher policy wording in the context of the current pandemic and whether indemnity ought to be provided. The Financial Conduct Authority (‘the FCA’) is attempting to address the key issues in dispute between insurers and policyholders in consultation with both sides, by progressing a test case in respect of the validity of BI Policies on behalf of policyholders and in the public interest. Presently, the test case is proceeding against a total of 8 insurers that have denied BI claims exceeding a combined value of £1 billion on grounds of coverage and causation.
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
Wellbeing and mental health if you’re abroad during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Added link to worldwide doctors and medical facilities lists to advice about how to look after your wellbeing and mental health if you cannot return to the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Update from the UK Chief Medical Officers on the UK alert level
An update from the CMOs for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on the alert level in the UK.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) related mortality by religion, ethnicity and disability: England and Wales, 2 March 2020 to 15 May 2020
This release will provide a descriptive overview of deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) among people identifying by religion group, ethnic group and disability status. It will contain death counts, age-standardised rates and odds ratios by age and sex for religion groups, ethnic groups and those restricted or not restricted in daily activities.
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 – added ‘Evaluation of DiaSorin LIAISON SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG serology assay for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies’ and ‘Evaluation of the Euroimmun Anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (IgG) serology assay for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies’.
Priority groups for coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination: advice from the JCVI
Interim advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) on the groups that should be prioritised for vaccination, if and when a vaccine is available.
Next phase of NHS coronavirus (COVID-19) app announced
The government has announced the next phase of development in building an app that supports the end-to-end NHS Test and Trace service.
COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC)
Guidance on infection prevention and control for COVID-19. Sustained community transmission is occurring across the UK – clarification of aerosol generating procedures in the complete guidance PDF and in the COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) page.
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 – added new weekly report and infographic.
NHS test and trace statistics (England): weekly reports
Experimental statistics from the NHS test and trace service and related documents.
HOSPITALITY:
Beer and Pub businesses write to PM requesting a definitive reopening date
Chief Executives of leading brewers (representing 90% of production) and pub operators who collectively own 20,000 pubs have written to Boris Johnson demanding that he confirms by today, 19th June, exactly when all pubs are allowed to reopen. They say the sector has reached crisis point.
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. Tracker list updated with alternative contact numbers for suspended courts and tribunals.
PROPERTY:
Video viewings ‘don’t sell homes’ and are already falling out of favour
Video tours, heralded as the next big thing just a few weeks ago, are being abandoned by buyers and dismissed as a has-been by a London estate agent. Video tours were quickly espoused by agents and portals when the lockdown meant the housing market was all but at a standstill in much of the UK for many weeks. Some agents have privately admitted since the market resumption that the technology was unlikely to be used much unless another lockdown is imposed.
TRAVEL:
Will Airbnb be back next month? Short-term lets sector prepares to reopen
The short-term accommodation and holiday lettings sector, of which Airbnb is the major player, has supported the implementation of new UK-wide industry cleaning protocols as it targets an early July re-opening. With the UK government provisionally earmarking Saturday July 4 as the date when certain sectors of the travel and hospitality industry can resume (in England at least, the devolved administrations are following different paths), the short-term accommodation sector is preparing itself for a safe and successful restart by implementing new cleaning protocols.
Airlines push for ‘air bridges’ to 45 countries
Airlines are lobbying the British government to establish “air bridges” between the UK and 45 countries with low Covid-19 infection rates. The Dominican Republic revealed it was one of these 45 countries, as the Caribbean destination announced plans to reopen to international tourists from 1 July. Ministers have been sent the list of countries for potential air bridges by airlines, including British Airways, with the hope that they can start being established before the end of June. Air bridges are seen as a vital way to avoid the current 14-day quarantine period introduced by the UK government on 8 June. Last week, transport secretary Grant Shapps told the nation that they would have to wait until 29 June for an update on air bridges – this is also the date when the quarantine is due to be reviewed.
Covid-19 Webinars:
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