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 Wednesday 24th June:
Total tests: 8,542,186 tests + 232,086
Positive tests: 306,862 have tested positive + 653 in last 24 hours
Loss of life: 43,081 across all settings, (+ 154 on previous day)
Cases in Stockport: 1,083 positive tests; 325 people have lost their lives
UK HEADLINES:
Review of two metre social distancing guidance
Review of two metre social distancing guidance and summary of review findings.
Scientific evidence:
Physical distancing is one of a number of measures that can help to reduce the incidence of COVID-19. There is evidence that the risk of transmission increases by 2-10 times at 1m compared to 2m and the potential for higher occupancy at 1m distancing will also increase risk if there are no mitigations. However, mitigations may reduce the level of risk at 1m so that it is broadly equivalent to being 2m apart. This is reflected in COVID-Secure guidance, which makes provision for when 2m distancing is not possible in sectors that are currently open.
Economic and social impacts:
The social, economic, and health impacts of changing the 2m guidance are not evenly distributed. People employed in closed sectors are more likely to be young, not have a degree4, and to work in low-skilled occupations. COVID-19 death rates are higher among older people, people in Black and Asian ethnic groups, and for men. It will continue to be important to advise medically vulnerable people to avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close-contact settings. High level distributional impacts of changing social distance guidance were considered within the review and an equalities impact analysis will be conducted on all changes to the restrictions.
Pubs, restaurants and hairdressers to reopen from 4 July
The new guidance sets out a range of measures for pubs and restaurants to become Covid-19 secure, including:
- requiring use of table service where possible instead of ordering at the bar and assigning a single staff member per table
- encouraging use of contactless ordering from tables where available, such as through an app
- discouraging non-essential trips by staff within venues, such as between the kitchen and front of house, by using radios and other electronic devices to communicate
- encouraging customers to use hand sanitiser or handwashing facilities as they enter the venue
- providing clear guidance on social distancing and hygiene as people arrive on the premises, with signage and visual aids
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for local government
Guidance for local councils during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added links to: Opening businesses and venues from 4 July; Meeting people from outside your household from 4 July; £105 million to keep rough sleepers safe; Plans to ease guidance for those shielding
Hot weather warning issued to people shielding and more vulnerable groups
Public Health England issues a heat warning encouraging vulnerable people to take care during the exceptionally hot weather forecast this week.
Jet2 announce redundancies as travel sector sees demand for flights fall
The airline said the ongoing pandemic had caused it to “reassess and reduce” its flying programme for the rest of 2020 and for 2021. “Sadly, the overall effect of these reductions has been the need to propose a number of colleague redundancies across our business,” a statement said.
New government guidance supports reopening of tourism and visitor attractions on July 4
Guidance on Tourism and the Visitor Economy, published today, will help to get the tourism sector back up and running so the public can safely take domestic holidays and visit attractions on days out
Antibody tests play an increasing role in halting the pandemic
Antibodies tests indicating who has already contracted coronavirus have been touted as playing an “increasingly important role” in halting the pandemic. The government has bought 10million of them, in the hope they will identify who may have a level of protection against the virus. But a group of scientists is warning the tests are being rolled out to NHS and care staff in England without “adequate assessment”. A positive test does not prove immunity or whether a person will not pass on the virus to others . As a result, the scientists say, they offer “no benefit” to hospitals and care staff. The results do not change what personal protective equipment staff must wear, for example.
Slides and datasets on coronavirus: 24 June 2020
Slides and datasets on coronavirus
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
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.
LOCAL / REGIONAL NEWS & UPDATES:
Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund Scheme – Phase 3 applications now open
Applications to apply for the latest phase of the Government’s Local Authority Discretionary – LAD – Grant Fund Scheme are now open. The application window closes at midnight on Wednesday 8th July.
In order to ensure all eligible businesses have the opportunity to apply for the scheme, the Council is administering a phased approach to the grants scheme to assess and quantify the level of demand for funding from businesses that fall within the priority areas set out in the Government guidance and meet the eligibility criteria and evidence requirements. The current phase three is accepting applications from businesses which occupy property (including multiple properties in Stockport), or part of a property, with a total rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments above £20,000 but below £30,000 per annum, which meet the criteria for being a small business. Hospitality sector businesses with rateable values up to £150,000 p.a. but excluding national chains, which meet the criteria for being a small business as set out in this guidance. Properties that will benefit from the relief will be occupied hereditaments that are wholly or mainly being used: as restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues, for assembly and leisure; or as hotels, guest & boarding premises and self-catering accommodation.
Applicants who met the criteria outlined in phases one and two but did not meet the deadline, are also able to apply. Read the full guidance HERE
Following the Government’s announcement to allow more premises to re-open, including hotels, pubs, bars, restaurants, hairdressers, museums, cinemas and places of worship, Stockport’s hospitality sector is preparing to welcome back customers from Saturday July 4th.
Under the new guidance, where it is not possible or practical to maintain the 2 metre rule around social distancing, a new 1 metre rule has been introduced, coinciding with the easing of lockdown that now allows for pubs, bars and restaurants to open from 4th July. Business owners, tenants and managers have just 10 days to prepare their premises and staff for reopening in line with new guidance and rules designed to create a Covid-19 safe and secure environment.
Prior to opening, management will be obliged to have carried out a thorough risk assessment, a step-by-step analysis to address all areas and to confirm all new mandatory measures have been introduced. The risk assessment must have been undertaken in consultation with unions or workers and the results shared among employees, ideally published on the company’s website, and publicly displayed. Templates to assist with undertaking the risk assessment can be downloaded from the HSE website.
The Government has produced guidance to assist with implementing the new, mandatory measures – Keeping workers and customers safe during Covid-19 in restaurants, pubs, bars and take-away services, updated in line with the new legislation as of 23rd June 2020 and new guidance from GOV.uk
New opening times for Stockport Council Coronavirus Helpline
The helpline for vulnerable people across Stockport can now be accessed through new opening times by calling 0161 217 6046:
• Monday – Thursday from 9am to 5pm
• Friday from 9am to 4.30pm
• Saturdays from 10am to 1pm At busy times, residents are automatically offered a call-back from one of our call handlers.
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 5,159 grants bringing the total amount paid to £59,300,000 and bringing the total now to over 94% 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 funding scheme
Applications for phase 2 of the Local Authority Grant fund scheme is now closed.
Full qualifying criteria can be found on Stockport Council’s website. Enquiries about the scheme can be emailed to SKLADGRANTS@stockport.gov.uk
Status of Payments to date:
Applications: 359
Payments: £227,500
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): keeping children safe online
New information on apps to help children stay safe online added to advice and guidance to help parents and carers to keep children safe online during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Extra funding for service charities as veterans’ support is stepped up
Today the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) and the MOD have announced that 100 Armed Forces charities will benefit from nearly £6million of extra funding to support serving personnel, veterans and their families during the coronavirus pandemic.
EDUCATION:
Alternative provision: year 11 transition funding
Sets out the financial support available to alternative provision (AP) schools and colleges to support current year 11 students into post-16 education – added the claim form and more details on eligibility, what you’ll get and how to access the funding.
Online education resources for home learning
Online educational resources for schools and parents to help children to learn at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – updated with further resources and additional tips to help parents and carers with home education.
Claiming exceptional costs associated with coronavirus (COVID-19)
Instructions on how to claim exceptional costs related to coronavirus (COVID-19).
TFC: Modelling and behavioural science responses to scenarios for relaxing school closures, 1 May 2020
A summary paper by the Interdisciplinary Task and Finish Group on the Role of Children in Transmission (TFC) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
School funding: exceptional costs associated with coronavirus (COVID-19)
Added information on the impact of schools’ financial reserves on eligibility for this funding and details of what support schools can access for the loss of self-generated income, as it is not covered by this fund. We have also amended the content to confirm that schools should proceed with the phased wider opening and any measures associated with it within existing resources, as any costs incurred as part of that process cannot be claimed through this fund.
COVID Summer Food Fund
Guidance for schools and local authorities on providing vouchers to support pupils eligible for free school meals over the summer holiday period during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Providing free school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Guidance for schools and local authorities on free school meals arrangements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – added further information on the Covid Summer Food Fund, free meals in further education, the final ordering timescales for the national voucher scheme, ordering vouchers in multiples of £5, and an update on school food contracts to include further guidance from the Cabinet Office on Procurement Policy Note 04/20.
EMPLOYERS / BUSINESS / FINANCE:
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 – the latest release of the service allows users to upload their change of constitution forms.
Our civil servants have risen to the occasion of the pandemic
GOV.UK: Our exceptional civil servants have stepped up to and met the challenges of this unprecedented time head on.
European Structural and Investment Funds: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
A series of documents and updates regarding the 2014 to 2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Programme and the response to COVID-19. The Q&As for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) have been updated.
Emergency cut in VAT planned to rescue ailing economy
Treasury officials along with HMRC have been told to prepare to cut VAT for a fixed period to help the economy rebound from the coronavirus pandemic. The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, also discussed slashing business rates in private briefings last week, the Sunday Times reports. The cut to VAT would include zero rating more products as well as a cut to the headline rate. Other proposals being worked up include extending a scheme under which businesses can defer VAT for three months, cutting employer’s national insurance to encourage bosses to hold on to staff and introducing an employer’s national insurance holiday for new staff to encourage recruitment. Former chancellor Sajid Javid says in an interview with the same paper that VAT should be cut from 20% to 17% for a year, arguing that it would “turbocharge growth”.
Check if you can claim back Statutory Sick Pay paid to employees due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
If you’re an employer, find out if you can use the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to claim back employees’ coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – information added about employees who have transferred under the TUPE regulations
HEALTH & HEALTHCARE:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics and analysis
Data sources of numbers relating to the coronavirus pandemic in the UK.
COVID-19: background information
Information on COVID-19 including epidemiology, virology and clinical features – updated global case numbers (section 1), virology (section 2), transmission (section 3) and clinical features (section 4).
Coronavirus (COVID-19): providing home care
Information for those providing personal care to people living in their own home during the coronavirus outbreak – updated ‘hospital discharge and testing’ section to state “anyone experiencing coronavirus symptoms can now be tested, which includes individuals receiving home care. This can be accessed through the digital portal or by calling 119 to book testing”.
NHS test and trace statistics (England): 11 June to 17 June 2020
Experimental statistics for weeks 1 to 3 of NHS test and trace contact tracing in England.
NHS test and trace statistics (England): methodology
How the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) puts together the contact tracing data in its weekly reports – added new 2 new sections on testing, and new sections on ‘Number of people providing details of one or more recent close contacts’ and ‘Notes on interpreting against other statistics’.
Thousands to be offered repeat testing in care homes
10,000 residents and staff across over 100 care homes will be given coronavirus tests as part of a new surveillance study.
Transmission and susceptibility in children, 1 May 2020
Paper on transmission and susceptibility in children prepared for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
What is the evidence for transmission of COVID-19 by children (or in schools)?, 1 April 2020
Review prepared by UNCOVER on transmission by children.
SPI-M: The role of children in transmission, 16 April 2020
Paper prepared by the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) for the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
CO-CIN: Investigating associations between ethnicity and outcome from COVID-19 – report to SAGE, 25 April 2020
Report considered by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
CO-CIN: Case fatality by age in hospitalised patients, 21 April 2020
Report provided to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
HOSPITALITY:
Phase 3 of Local Authority Discretionary supports Hospitality sector
The current phase three is accepting applications from businesses which occupy property (including multiple properties in Stockport), or part of a property, with a total rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments above £20,000 but below £30,000 per annum, which meet the criteria for being a small business. Hospitality sector businesses with rateable values up to £150,000 p.a. but excluding national chains, which meet the criteria for being a small business as set out in this guidance. Properties that will benefit from the relief will be occupied hereditaments that are wholly or mainly being used: as restaurants, cafes, drinking establishments, cinemas and live music venues, for assembly and leisure; or as hotels, guest & boarding premises and self-catering accommodation.
Applicants who met the criteria outlined in phases one and two but did not meet the deadline, are also able to apply. Read the full guidance HERE
PROPERTY:
Distressed agents may benefit from latest commercial eviction ban
Estate agents facing crippling running costs as the wider impacts of the Coronavirus crisis hit home may benefit, at least in the short term, from new measures aimed at preventing High Street businesses being evicted this summer. The government has amended the Coronavirus Act and allied legislation to extend the de facto eviction ban ending from June 30 – just next week – to September 30. This means that no business will be forced out of its premises if they miss a payment in the next three months, says the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Protecting rough sleepers and renters: government response to the Select Committee report
A response by the government to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee’s report on protecting rough sleepers and renters.
TRANSPORT:
Transport use during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
To monitor the use of the transport system during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, DfT provides statistics on transport use by mode, published every Wednesday.
Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic.
Vehicles – Updated to reflect the change to the 2m rule and add guidance on support bubbles.
TRAVEL & TOURISM:
Air bridges announcement on or before 29th June
Grant Shapps: “We want to make sure we are not re-infected either by Brits going abroad and coming back or people coming from those areas. The quarantine is serving that purpose, but we’re also aware there are areas where the virus is more under control and we are having conversations and I will be saying more about that on or by the 29th.”
New government guidance supports reopening of tourism and visitor attractions on July 4
Guidance on Tourism and the Visitor Economy, published today, will help to get the tourism sector back up and running so the public can safely take domestic holidays and visit attractions on days out.
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:
Business Survey:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dcms-coronavirus-impact-business-survey/dcms-business-survey-headline-measures
New tools and resources available from Acas:
Redundancy letter templates
Redundancy process map Acas have also contributed to the development of a new return to work toolkit in partnership with SOM, CIPD, BITC and Mind.
Applications Now Open for the Local Authority Discretion Fund. Businesses that had been eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support are also now eligible for the LA Discretionary Business Grant.
Apply for the coronavirus Future Fund
The Future Fund will provide UK Government loans to UK-based companies ranging from £125,000 to £5 million, subject to at least equal match funding from private investors.
Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme set to launch
Employers will be able to make claims through the Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme from 26 May.
Stockport Council publishes details for Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund.
Stockport Council has confirmed its criteria in consideration of awarding the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund, announced as the grants Top-up fund by the Government on 1st May.
Business Support in Stockport – a centre pool of information to support business owners in Stockport:
www.skbusinessrecovery.co.uk
Government – Guidance on Returning to Work safely
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Government – Setting out of Road Map to recovery – 11th May 2020
Our plan to rebuild: The UK Government’s 60 page COVID-19 recovery strategy
The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured way, subject to successfully controlling the virus and being able to monitor and react to its spread.Stockport Council has launched a FREE job matching website to help support employers with vacancies and individuals across the Stockport borough who are looking for work. The service, Stockport Jobs Match, will help to connect employers who have urgent temporary or permanent vacancies with applicants who are immediately available and in need of employment. The website also helps signpost individuals to available support services and information.
www.stockport-jobsmatch.co.uk
Coronavirus Act 2020: status
A table setting out the status of each measure in the Coronavirus Act 2020.
Government – Financial Support
New 100% government backed loan scheme for small business
Stockport Council – Health & Mental Well-being https://www.stockport.gov.uk/showcase/coronavirus
Government – Financial Support
CBILS – A guide to whether it may be the best options for a business
Government – Financial Support
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – online claims portal open
Government – Business Support:
Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool
Government – Business Support Hub:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support
Government – IT safety support:
Government Warnings Over Coronavirus Scams – Here’s How to Protect Yourself
Government – Financial Support:
HMRC has published guidance on how it will work out income and profits for the self-employed or those in a partnership who have lost profits due to coronavirus.
Government – Business Support:
https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support/
Government – Business Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
Government – Financial Support: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-business-support-grant-funding
Government – Business Support:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
Bank of England – Financial Support: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/news/2020/march/the-covid-corporate-financing-facility
Stockport Council Grant scheme:
https://www.stockport.gov.uk/business-rates-support-measures
Gov.uk: Maintaining Educational Provision: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision
UK Lockdown – Further businesses to close and exceptions: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/874732/230320_-_Revised_guidance_note_-_finalVF
Business Growth Hub:
www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus https://www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus/resources/2020/03/coronavirus-business-support-webinar-series
Food & Drink – advice and guidance:
https://marketingstockport.co.uk/news/food-delivery-and-takeaway-guidance-for-food-businesses-looking-to-diversify/
Health – updates from NHS
https://www.england.nhs.uk/news/
Health– Shielding the most vulnerable
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19
Health – Dedicated helpline to support vulnerable residents in Stockport:
Support can be accessed by calling 0161 217 6046 Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm.
Health – Dedicated health & wellbeing services:
24/7 mental health helpline & safe haven for anyone over the age of 18 in Stockport (0800 138 7276).
Health – An Emotional Wellbeing Hub which provides information, advice, and guidance for anyone up to the age of 25 for emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns. 0161 217 6028 – 8.30am-5pm Mon – Thurs 8.30am-4.30pm on Friday.
Health – the big white wall
The Big White Wall offers 24/7 anonymous support via a digital emotional wellbeing and mental health service, offering peer support for anyone over the age of 16, support from trained clinicians alongside a range of helpful tools and resources.
Media and Marketing:
Prolific North are publishing daily updates on their blog as to how Covid-19 is impacting on the marketing, media and technology industries
Travel:
https://media.northernrailway.co.uk/news/coronavirus-travel-information
Recruitment: – DWP and Universal Credit http://news.dwp.gov.uk/dwplz/lz.aspx?p1=MQsDU1NjQ5MlM2OTA0OjNCNDJBOEZCRTJDOUJEOTc1ODQ0RTRCRDNDNzk4QUNF-&CC=&p=0
Retail: An update form British Retail Consortium
https://brc.org.uk/news/corporate-affairs/coronavirus-latest-retailer-activity/
Employment: – Stockport Jobs Match
Community – Guidance for businesses seeking to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
How businesses can offer services, funds and volunteers to civil society during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Find out more information here.
Employment – Useful information for the Self-Employed:
News and Guidance for the self-employed:
Concerned how Coronavirus might impact you and your business?
Please get in touch with Enterprising You and you will be connected to someone who can help. You can also access information and guidance including the latest Government updates via www.businessgrowthhub.com/coronavirus
Can you claim back Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay in the Rebate Scheme
From Tuesday 26 May 2020, small and medium-sized employers, with fewer than 250 employees, will be able to apply to recover the costs of paying coronavirus-related Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) payments they have made to their employees.